Peddie Women Alumni Screen Miss Representation

Tanvi Dange '17, Features Section Editor

Peddie women alumni hosted a viewing of the 2011 American documentary Miss Representation on Dec. 12, 2015. The film follows teenage girls as they tell their stories through provocative interviews to give an inside look on the media and its message. While the film includes messages that mass media are trying to convey to young women, the message of Miss Representation is that young women need and want positive role models, which is not accomplished by the media today. The motto of the film is “You can’t be what you can’t see.”

Miss Representation inspires and motivates viewers to be agents of change in shaping the modern culture. American youth, especially young girls, are being sold the concept that women and girls’ value lies in their youth, beauty, and sexuality. Miss Representation wants to break that cycle and advocates that all people should be equally represented in our media: that voices should be heard, and that one should be valued for one’s talents, capacity as leaders, and ability to contribute to the world at large.  The film calls for an innovative social action campaign that empowers women and girls to challenge limiting labels so they can fully realize their potential.

Lisa Mavrogianis, organizer of the film screening, strongly believes in the message the film embodies. “We hope that by watching the film, discussing it, and joining the campaign that we are all able to create a healthier and more positive environment,” she said.

Margaret Hart’17 attended the viewing of Miss Representation and was blown away. Hart said, “Miss Representation spoke volumes about how women are portrayed in the media and how it changes what young girls think about themselves and how they treat others of the same gender. I think this film was an accurate portrayal of my opinions on the topic. I would highly recommend it.”