Educational Media Reviews Online

This well crafted documentary provides a powerful critique of media images of women and women’s sexuality, including the ways in which idealized commercial imagery flattens and erases racial diversity. The film engages the viewer and personalizes the issues through a series of interviews with women and girls who relate—and contrast—their own experiences to magazine and music video images of women’s bodies and social expectations. They also talk about how such images influenced their schools’ cultures and their own aspirations. Topics include the gaps between air-brushed photos of models and real women, teen magazines and sexual pressures, racism, body image and dieting, and Barbie. A particular strength of the film is the wide-range of ages in the women interviewed, from young girls to grandmothers—this gives the discussion depth and perspective. The film ends with ideas for action on the part of the viewer, suggesting that everyone ask questions such as why particular images are promoted and to “talk back” to media sources through letters and calls, with the goal of creating a more “media literate” social environment. “Media literacy,” in the sense of being able to cogently question and critique the underlying assumptions of commercial and other images in terms of one’s own values, also helps to focus the film on a positive outcome.

As the promotional materials suggest, this film is “an outstanding discussion starter.” The clarity of the film and the engaging nature of the interview format make it suitable for a range of audiences, from high school through general adult, but introductory college women’s studies or media studies classes, or extra-curricular groups with similar interests, might be prime venues. Though the insights offered will not be new to anyone familiar with feminist criticism, this film’s well edited, well organized, and approachable format make it a valuable tool for covering the issues in question. The audio and video were clear and well produced. The DVD offers a list of further resources and organizations focused on media literacy and child welfare.