“Can’t Hold Us Down”

Some may argue that the feminist movement today is doing more harm than good. The media is  largely responsible for the way feminists are portrayed because of the what Radical feminists are the ones who get reported on in mainstream media for their over the top ways of protesting equality between especially with their extreme beliefs such as reordering the world in favor of the women, which has been seen as the universal perception of feminists for those who are not full informed. Feminism may get a bad reputation in the eyes of some people, when really the intention is equality among both genders. Feminists are working hard to change our society for the better and from the time that the movement started until now, they have made a lot of progress.

Ever since the founding of NOW (National Organization for Women) advocates for gender equality have become more organized with their protests. During the 1960’s, feminists have fighting against how women were being portrayed in the media. Prior to this time, whether it was on television or film, women were portrayed as being over sexualized and unintelligent. Back then it was common for women to play the role of the damsel in distress who always needed a man to save her.

In the last generation, the role of women has changed. TV is becoming more versatile with the roles women are playing some of which are the successful career woman, the loving single mom or the heroine. Women behind the scenes are becoming more active by producing, writing and/or directing their own shows. Women like Mindy Kahling and Tina Fey have gained notoriety for the way portray the “realness” of women. They both show the struggles and insecurities that women are faced with everyday while sending message that it’s ok to not have it all; the perfect body, being happily married with children or having life figured out. Sexuality is still a part of the work they have done but it doesn’t dominate the whole show

In her article Social Media Sharpens Our Feminist Solidarity, Louise Ferreira discusses how the internet has a big involvement with the progression of feminism in our society. Even if one does not have an interest in feminism, they still will gain some understanding about it because it have been such a talked about topic these last few years.  Social networks such as Twitter and Facebook have created a support system for feminism. Those who were criticized for their support of feminism can now have a fair chance to openly discuss their views with other feminists.

Works Cited

Cantor, Muriel. “Feminism and the media – Springer.” Feminism and the media – Springer. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2014.

Louise, FERREIRA. “Social media sharpens our feminist solidarity.” The M&G Online. N.p., 28 Mar. 2014. Web. 3 May 2014.

Zerlina, Maxwell. “23 Ways Feminists Have Made the World Better for Women.” PolicyMic. N.p., 24 Apr. 2014. Web. 3 May 2014.

Women on Television