MissRepresentation: How We Portray Women

For as long as the media has existed, women have never been portrayed in the way that they should be, as we see in MissRepresentation. Over time, as this problem has become more apparent, positive movements have arisen, luckily, but unfortunately, these efforts haven't stopped much.

In the media, whether it be on social websites or movies and TV, women are constantly being seen in a negative way. Of course, there are always exceptions, as many female characters are strong protagonists and/or heroes that play important roles, but not always. Often times in TV or movies, women are sexualized and objectified, and can be seen as property or merely entertainment for boys and men. Ideas like these are not what we want to be promoting in the media, as it encourages boys to think this way, and makes women think of themselves in a terrible way--like they really are just objects for men to use. Over time, this has been a consistent pattern, and despite any and all efforts to make it stop, it's likely it never will.

On social media, I've noticed a trend of women being degraded--and not only by men or other women, but most commonly, by themselves. I don't think I've ever gone a day on social media without seeing someone comment about their physical appearance or even their personality in a harsh way. Even my friends, and sometimes myself too, will constantly complain about how much they hate their own feelings, actions or looks to me or anyone who will listen on social media.

I'm getting tired of seeing this all over the media, because women and girls are always seen as something we're not. I hope that this will change someday, but if it ever does, it certainly won't be soon.