Documentary Explores the Role of Women in the Media

By Meaghan Thomas

Seventy-one percent of women in popular media are between the ages of 20 and 39. Yet, this demographic group represents only 39 percent of all women in the United States. Why the disparity? Why aren't older women better represented in media? Why are we so focused on young women? Why do media focus more on young women's bodies than on the minds, complex lives, accomplishments, and leadership of women in society?

Miss Representation—a documentary that explores the role of women in the media—will be shown on Thursday, February 23, at 6 p.m. in the Learning Resources Center, Media 160. Admission is free.

Powerful and successful women such as Katie Couric and Condoleezza Rice share commentary along with a dozen other women in the film. The women featured in the film have the same goal: to raise awareness of how the media misrepresents women. 

The night will be sponsored by the Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ) and the Communication Arts Department.  Lindsey L. Wotanis, Ph.D., SCJ adviser, hopes students become more aware the media’s disingenuous portrayal of women. She also hopes that both male and female students attend the event.

“Media is one of the most powerful things in our culture,” she said. “I don’t think students realize how easily and subconsciously influenced they are by it.”

After the documentary, students will have the chance to engage in a discussion led by students and faculty.

“I hope that students will come and enjoy the documentary but also learn something valuable from it,” Dr. Wotanis said.

For more information, contact Dr. Lindsey L. Wotanis at (570) 348-6211 ext. 2576 or