GEENA DAVIS

       This lovely woman came and spoke at my school today. She gave a talk about representations of women in the media that was really interesting. Some of the statistics she presented were astounding. I had studied some of the work her foundation does in a gender and women's studies course I took, so I was very excited to see her speak. It really makes me think about what I watch on TV and what children are exposed to on TV. Women make up more than half of the world's population and yet are represented very little in the media. Of the roles that women do obtain, most are very one-dimensional and are often hyper-sexualized. There are very few women presented in empowering and intelligent roles. How many female engineers, scientists, CEO's, politicians, and bosses do you see on television compared to men? Very few. There are some interesting shows out right now that are pushing boundaries for women such as "Girls" and "The Mindy Project," but there needs to be more! By not representing women in powerful roles, or at all, the media is basically saying that women are not important or capable. It is no wonder that the US is ranked 90th in the world in terms of political and governmental gender equality. 

For more information about Geena Davis and her foundation check out her website HERE.