Miss Representation: is mainstream media distorting our perception of women?

Hi guys and dolls,

It turns out that I am absolutely rubbish at keeping up-to-date with my blog. But being just 4 weeks away from my final uni deadline, as you can imagine, life has been pretty hectic. For my first post in nearly 2 months, I thought I might share with you something I wrote for my academic blog 'The Fem Fad' created for a unit in my degree. I don't like to be a preachy feminist haha but enjoy and let me know what you think!

In my quest to determine whether fashion and feminism can be compatible, it is needless to say that this film has given me doubts. For years, advertising has evoked controversy in women’s rights activists by over-exaggerating the importance of a perfect appearance, negatively impacting women in almost every profession.

Yet, part of me cannot deny that I invest in the sexualisation of women just as much as the next fashion, music or film enthusiast. So where do we draw the line? Are female role models like Beyoncé standing up for the strength of women? Or are they just another ‘sex-sells’ corporate ploy?

In fashion, the portrayal of women as sex symbols can be said to contribute to female empowerment (this is the dominant message for me). Yet as the school-girl clarifies in the extended trailer above, it is arguable that these mediums are unintentionally encouraging many young females to consider their image before their education.

But as long as media exists, will these issues ever be solved?

Perhaps with equality. With women making up only 16% of all writers, directors, producers, cinematographers and editors, the media is still largely formulated by men. This suggests, of course, that men are likely to make what they want to see. I don't believe that this makes them wrong in any way, it's only natural! But it does lead me to question why there are not more females taking the reins in this industry.

So are fashion and feminism mutually exclusive? And is the media's representation of women impacting the younger generation, or is this being analysed too deeply? Please leave your response below!