Children's films devalue women by making most characters male, says Geena Davis
By Andrew Buncombe in Washington
Published: 14 February 2006
In her most recent acting role, Geena Davis does her bit for gender equality by portraying the first female US president. But in the world that is Hollywood it is a small drop in a mighty ocean.
A study commissioned by a group headed by Davis has discovered male characters outnumber female characters three to one in the most successful films seen by children. The group said the disparity between men and women undermines the value of women in the eyes of young people.
"We're showing kids a world that's very scantly populated with women and female characters," said Davis, who plays the US president in the series Commander in Chief and who is perhaps best known for her role in the film Thelma and Louise, a celebration of female empowerment. She added: "It's important for what kids watch that as far as possible, they see the real world reflected, to see men and women, boys and girls, sharing the space. They should see female characters taking up half the planet, which we do."
FULL ARTICLE AT: http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/film/news/article345283.ece
In this context, please also check out the latest UNICEF Voices Of Youth newsletter:
What Young People Are Saying
Adolescent girls: the time for action is now!
This issue of ?What Young People Are Saying? highlights the thoughts and feelings of adolescent participants on Voices of Youth about a broad range of issues affecting adolescent girls. Though they have been the subject of growing country and global attention over recent years, new momentum is needed to transfer the attention into actions that will make a real difference in adolescent girls? lives. In preparation for a review conference to be held in April or May with the intention of identifying best practices in strengthening protective mechanisms for adolescent girls as an effective way to reduce risk and vulnerability, Voices of Youth has compiled a series of messages from young people on the topic. These quotations are drawn from online discussions dating back to 2004.
FULL NEWSLETTER AT: http://www.unicef.org/voy/speakout/speakout_564.html
Young People's Media Network - Coordinator
c/o ECMC (European Centre for Media Competence)
Bergstr. 8 / 11th floor
D-45770 Marl - Germany
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media
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