Chick Flicks

Recently in my Media and the Family class we had a discussion on how women are sexualized in the media.

I was astounded by how much the attitudes that media has cultivated over the past 50 years have TOTALLY shaped my world and the way I think! For example when a woman speaks publicly I notice her appearance first--her age, body shape, hair style, whether she is wearing a lot of makeup, and even her outfit choice. All men look pretty much the same to me. I hardly give it a second thought.
Another example of this bias would be that when I am put in a group setting and we need someone to take charge, if there is a man available I naturally find that I vote for him. Apparently I think men are better leaders--more organized, more calm, better thinkers--even when my own marriage has shown me that this not necessarily always true. Women and men can be equally powerful and necessary to make a difference in the world.
The point that shocked me most about women in the media, which I can't believe I never really thought of before, is that there are far fewer movies with women protagonists than men. Those that do have women protagonists usually center around finding romance. I quickly scanned my brain for movies that would prove this wrong and had so much trouble finding any.
Women are portrayed as materialistic and catty:

They are no good unless there is a man in the picture:

Even when the movie appears to have themes of empowering and celebrating smart women, the plot still seems to resolve with the woman getting her man instead of just...being successful:

These Chick Flicks which always appeared so innocent and fun to me before have now become a blazing symbol of how the media is distorting our vision of what women can accomplish. The general underlying message is something along the lines of, "women are ridiculous, but they are beautiful. Even though they are kind of silly, their stupidity is cute if they also look great. If a woman happens to be incredibly talented, that doesn't do much good unless she is also incredibly beautiful."

I think the one movie that I still feel is completely realistic in its portrayal of women, that celebrates what a woman can do with and without romantic love, that focuses on her success and growth despite her appearance, or in this case, her carrot-red hair is:
You got it folks.

And that is why this is still my all-time favorite. Though Anne does eventually decide she loves Gilbert, that is not the focus of the movie. It is about how one little girl can change the engrained prejudices of a society. It is about how she can measure up to extraordinary feats because of the faith and support of two kind adoptive parents. It is about learning to accept failures and start fresh because "tomorrow...has no mistakes in it."