Miss Representation
words by Lindsay Beth Currier
Recently the trailer for the Sundance Film, Miss Representation, has been circulating wildly through the many avenues of social media that I participate in. I am so proud (and relieved) that many of my friends, both male and female, have felt and expressed how moved they are by the issues addressed within the feature. One of the primary concerns is the representation of women in the media and how this affects the development of young women and how they see themselves. In summary, a woman's power is typically portrayed to be a result of her youth, beauty and sexuality. This misrepresentation has led females of all ages to struggle to be the powerful leaders that they have the potential to be!
I grew up looking up to women such as Marla Streb and was sheltered from watching MTV or reading Cosmo. However, even with this privileged "girlyhood", I still felt the affects, especially when I entered high school. Am I pretty enough? Sexy enough? Skinny enough? For a while I remember doing awful things to my body in an effort to increase my hotness. Taking diet pills, going tanning, paying way to much money to put harsh chemicals in my hair... All because I wanted to fit an idealistic image represented in the media. Additionally, the boys in my life at that time encouraged and cultivated this behavior. Always pointing out if I looked a little bloated, or if my roots were showing... Fortunately in my adult life I have surrounded myself with guys and girls that see me for the brains I have, and my love for getting rad on my bike. I wish all females could have the support that I do.
My goal with Shine has always been to represent women as strong and independent leaders. Charging forward and not caring about scars, bruises, or maybe being a little too muscley. Heck, we love our fashion (purple everything, hair feathers, awesome flannels, etc.), but the amazing women that I have come to know through mountain biking are powerful woman who would rather spend their money on bike parts and their precious time out riding. I want these women to be the role models that little girls look up to! Unfortunately it is not easy to change mainstream media channels, but if we keep pushing forward we will get there.
In the meantime, please watch the trailer below. Miss Representation will air nationally in the US on Oct. 20th at 9pm. If you feel strongly moved, you can also visit the Miss Representation website and take the pledge:
“I pledge to use my voice to spread the message of Miss Representation and challenge the media’s limiting portrayal of women and girls”
