Women Should Represent Women in Media

On the last page, you watched a 10-minute TED Talk entitled “Women Should Represent Women in Media,” in which journalist Megan Kamerick makes the argument that when voices are missing from the media (women’s voices, in this case), we get an incomplete picture of reality.

She packs a lot of ideas into 10 minutes!

Please respond to the last bulleted question, and also pick at least one of the other bulleted questions to respond to — or you can formulate your own question, if another idea grabbed you while watching this video.  Your post should be 250 – 450 words long.  After you’ve posted, please respond to another classmate’s post, in at least 100 words.

• What do you think about Kamerick’s statement that news stories are “constructed”?  Do you agree with her?
• According to Kamerick, what problems can result from our consumption of news stories that are shaped by reporters’ unconscious biases?  Do you agree?  Why or why not?
• Kamerick argues that women need to be involved in reporting about women (and about other news, as well), in order for us to get a “more complete picture of reality.”  Do you agree?  Why or why not?
• Do you think other voices might be missing from the mainstream media, as well?  If so, what might be some effects/repercussions of missing those voices?

and finally,

• Thinking about the people and organizations that are likely to provide information about your topic and answers to your research questions, are there some non-mainstream voices whose perspectives might add to and round out your research?