This latest video by The Representation Project movement aims to reveal gender stereotypes in films, television and other media in order to spark a conversation that will lead to change. The first half of this collection of clips focuses on positive female portrayals and accomplishments in media this year, but the second half shows us how far there is yet to go in terms of gender equality. And it may not come as any surprise that the second section is much longer than the first.

Yes, the courageous Mulala Yousafzai was featured on the cover of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” issue, and Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Lawrence kicked butt at the box office. Swedish movie theaters are incorporating the Bechdel test in their film ratings and the first female anchor team appeared on PBS’ “NewsHour.” But what about the myriad ads that objectify women? And then there are the vicious and superficial insults aimed at female politicians such as Wendy Davis and Hillary Clinton.

No one watching this 3:39 minute video can deny there’s still lots of work to be done to improve media representation of women. The real question is where do we begin?

—Posted by Natasha Hakimi

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