Miss Rep.

I went to see the documentary 'Miss Representation' last week. We had to review either a movie, play, concert or book for Journalism class, so it was perfect because I really wanted to see this film.

It's a documentary on the misrepresentation of women in the media and how this correlates to the underrrespresentation of women in positions of influence and power.

This film kind of made me depressed. The United States, supposedly one of the top democratic and equal oppurtunistic countries is ranked 90th in the world for women in national legislature. And women make up only 3% in clout positions with the media. 3%!!

Another fun fact I didn't know. Advertisers and the government are in a I'll scratch your back if you scratch ours relationship. Do you remember family hour? Do people even know what it is anymore? When I was a kid, advertisers and shows had an obligation to show adult content after a certain hour when kids were more likey to be in bed. Nowadays it's a free for all. Advertisers give money and backing to government, and in return laws of have been reversed so that advertisers can get away with anything. I wanted to show you a couple of pictures of high fashion ads but I couldn't find them. One was of a woman, and all you see are her legs hanging out of the back of a trunk. The other was of a woman with a gun being pointed at her, and she's shielding herself with a handbag. Anything goes these days.

To be continued...

 

R.I.P. CDs

My poor mom. This world is just moving too fast for her. We were watching the news tonight and a story came on about the death of CDs. She couldn't believe it.

"But we still have records!" She exclaimed.
Yes mom, we do. We just don't play them anymore. Or tapes. And now CDs. Everything will be on the computer.

"I don't like this world anymore." She says. We laugh. She's so old school.

Makes me wonder about the conversation I'll have with my own kids one day. What new changes in technology are going to send me over the edge?...

Soapbox

Remembrance Day. A time to reflect. A time to honour those that have fallen and those that will fall. It's a time to remember the soldiers that gave so much for their country. The soldiers....most of who were and are young kids.

The Remembrance Day service I went to was beautiful. Lots of music and readings. But the homily that was given made my hair stand on end.

The man started to speak of "the elephant in the room...big business." He went on to say the foe was the three piece suit who was on Wall st. He blamed politicians and CEO's for all of the worlds problem. Funny thing, there were politicians sitting right in the front row. I wonder how they felt. He also offended Jehovah witnesses, with a pointless joke. I'm sure there were a few sitting among the service too.

An old friends mom came up to say hi to me at the end of the service. She just couldn't believe what the speaker had said. Her husband had actually walked out during the homily. His brother was killed in the Korean war, and he was deeply offended. What a shame the sermon had to mar an otherwise wonderful service. Lest we forget.

The PM (and it's not the Prime Minister)

Friday night, I, along with some fellow students had the privilege of hearing Peter Mansbridge speak. I've always liked him on the National. He's easy to listen to and follow. He has that 'x' factor that is important to a news anchor. We trust him. We believe what he says. He's part of the family.

That's why listening to him speak in person was such a treat. You witnessed the charisma up close and personal. There he stood, on the stage all by himself. No podium, no props, and no mic in front of him. The minute he started speaking, the room went silent and everyone listened. I mean everyone. There was no clinking of glass or cutlery, no chairs moved and no one coughed for at least 45 min.

Peter Mansbridge is an incredible storyteller. He spoke of how he got started, in of all places, Churchill. He spoke of hard work and tenacity. He told three stories of different overseas assignments. One was of Thailand after the Tsunami, one was of the Netherlands and one was of Afghanistan. All three stories centered on what it means to be Canadian and how the rest of the world perceives us. We're caring, generous and "good" as one little Thai girl put it. His stories were powerful, moving and inspiring.

I came away feeling deeply patriotic for our beautiful country. Thankyou Peter.