Do you ever do something, plan it really well and feel really, really good about it only to be slapped upside the head when something totally unexpected takes it somewhere you never, ever anticipated? Maybe it's just me.
I have been wrangling with this in my head since this past Saturday where, at Canada's largest social media conference for women, Blissdom Canada, UrbanMoms sponsored a screening of the thought provoking and controversial film MissRepresentation. Remember? I wrote about it here and had tons of interest from people which led to the idea to screen it at the conference. I was excited to share this film with like-minded women and to share my thoughts about what I believe we could take away from the film.
Here is what I was thinking:
Bloggers and participants in social media are producers of content. We are "The New Media" (we've heard that enough so it must be true). But, unlike traditional media, we "pilot the plane". We decide what we write about and how. We decide how we portray ourselves as well as others.
And so, in the spirit of this, I wanted to have an inspiring and productive conversation about said "power". And also about our responsibility. Not just in relation to the image of women or to the film - although this was a great starting point - but period. I was hoping to first acknowledge our power and then to celebrate it. Hooray for us! Our voices are being heard! And then to discuss what we can do collectively to rise above the negative images we see in traditional media. How can we inspire others to do the same? How can we make an impact? How can we make sure we don't fall into the same traps where our hands are tied by advertisers? How can we stay empowered?
What I didn't anticipate was this - not everyone came with the big picture in mind hoping to be inspired. Some came angry with a personal story raw and bubbling to the surface. And, naively, I was not prepared for this at all. I envisioned an excited conversation like the ones the feminists (oh yes I did) of yesteryear used to have (or at least I imagine they did). I saw us sitting around patting each other on the back celebrating our power and coming up with inspired ways to use it to affect change.
Yes, a few wrenches were thrown into my vision. But strangely what happened instead, I am hoping, was just as inspiring. The film and the conversation got me thinking. It got me thinking about privilege and context and life experience and expectations. It got me thinking (and missing) my amazing role model of a mother and appreciating the many, many women in my life who have patted me on the back, encouraged me and lifted me up. And it got me thinking about how lucky I am to have them.
Plus, it got others thinking. And talking. And taking action. It may not have happened in the way I had hoped for but in its own weird way it still did.
I have been wrangling with this in my head since this past Saturday where, at Canada's largest social media conference for women, Blissdom Canada, UrbanMoms sponsored a screening of the thought provoking and controversial film MissRepresentation. Remember? I wrote about it here and had tons of interest from people which led to the idea to screen it at the conference. I was excited to share this film with like-minded women and to share my thoughts about what I believe we could take away from the film.
Here is what I was thinking:
Bloggers and participants in social media are producers of content. We are "The New Media" (we've heard that enough so it must be true). But, unlike traditional media, we "pilot the plane". We decide what we write about and how. We decide how we portray ourselves as well as others.
And so, in the spirit of this, I wanted to have an inspiring and productive conversation about said "power". And also about our responsibility. Not just in relation to the image of women or to the film - although this was a great starting point - but period. I was hoping to first acknowledge our power and then to celebrate it. Hooray for us! Our voices are being heard! And then to discuss what we can do collectively to rise above the negative images we see in traditional media. How can we inspire others to do the same? How can we make an impact? How can we make sure we don't fall into the same traps where our hands are tied by advertisers? How can we stay empowered?
What I didn't anticipate was this - not everyone came with the big picture in mind hoping to be inspired. Some came angry with a personal story raw and bubbling to the surface. And, naively, I was not prepared for this at all. I envisioned an excited conversation like the ones the feminists (oh yes I did) of yesteryear used to have (or at least I imagine they did). I saw us sitting around patting each other on the back celebrating our power and coming up with inspired ways to use it to affect change.
Yes, a few wrenches were thrown into my vision. But strangely what happened instead, I am hoping, was just as inspiring. The film and the conversation got me thinking. It got me thinking about privilege and context and life experience and expectations. It got me thinking (and missing) my amazing role model of a mother and appreciating the many, many women in my life who have patted me on the back, encouraged me and lifted me up. And it got me thinking about how lucky I am to have them.
Plus, it got others thinking. And talking. And taking action. It may not have happened in the way I had hoped for but in its own weird way it still did.
The night of the movie presentation I had decided to rest up, feeling beat I had a bath and before calling it a night I checked the Twitter stream. What to my wondering eyes should appear but a stream of convo about the movie which had me jumping up and rushing down to the venue in my pj's.
Ok jeans and pj shirt but stil....the conversation may not have been in the most constructive vein (my humble opinion) but in the end there was lots of it. The movie inspired all types of convos, which continued over the weekend.
My take, job well done!!!
Jen, I feel like I am repeating myself because we have already spoken/written to one another about this. Like you, I was surprised by reaction to the film...but grateful for it too. I forget that my experiences and references are very narrow, and having the chance to listen to others share theirs is a frank reminder of that. As you know, I set my goals to focus more on my writing - I am interested in finding a voice that is compelling and resonants with others - the conversation that YOU have started is going to aid in that directly!
I do not attend/read too much social media specific content so that was the first time I have heard the term producer of content - THAT is one weighty title....I wish people would consider that responsibility (myself included) just a teensy bit more...
As for the call to action...my eyes and many others - will be on you Jen. You have started this wonderful conversation and it can lead to so may places...so no pressure (ha!) but I hope this is just the beginning (well, really a continuation) of a great thing...I feel privileged to be included in it!
I had to leave the movie, it hit very close to my core and brought out things that I have worked very hard to hide. Now I plan on watching it again on Thursday with my husband in the comfort of my home. I want to watch it, I wanted to watch it that night, but I think I wasn't ready to watch it in a room full of women with whom I already felt out of place.
The movie was wonderful. You exposed us to a film that we may never have had the opportunity to see. It touched nerves, hence the visceral and personal reactions. Is everyone ready to accept a role as a content creator? The responsibility to be a change leader? Willing to engage is deep and meaningful social discourse? Maybe yes, maybe no. But, whatever your expectations were, your goal of creating awareness, opening dialogue, acknowledging a problematic situation-those were achieved. Showing the movie was brave, it was a fearless action in the face of parties and swag and cocktails. ( not that a girl don't like those, don't get me wrong) It made me think. It made folks think. That's a start. Baby steps...
I miss her too, Jen. And never more so than now as I am raising two 'tween girls! I am extremely grateful for everything she, and all the other wonderful feminist (oh yes I did, too!) role models I've had the privilege to have in my life, have given me. Without them, I don't know how I would have made it where I am today.
Sounds like I missed quite the event. Too bad, 'cause it sure sounds like it was worth being part of.
what did she say
I wish so much that I was able to be in Toronto to see it with you all - sounds like it was a very interesting evening... I look forward to reading more about what transpired. Getting people talking is never a bad thing in a case like this - even if it wasn't in the way one was expecting.
Good for you, Jen! Brava!!
Jen - I love your post. I was so proud to be on the team presenting it and proud of you for trying to pull the conversation back to what you were trying to achieve. It must have been extremely difficult. I agree totally that while it wasn't exactly what I thought we would be chatting about - it has made me think. And think a great deal. Especially about how I write The Dish on here. I'm going to try not to censor myself - but the first post I went to write after was slagging someone for how they look - and it made me stop and think - what am I achieving by doing this and why am I thinking about it from this angle. So interesting.
It was a room full of strong, opinionated women. I've been disappointed by some reactions and some negative back and forths on twitter - and (I hope she won't mind) but SoberJulie (LOOOOVE YOU) and I were talking later and she said 'and THIS is why women are portrayed the way we are' - for me that was the line of the night - instead of a chance to pat each other on the back and build each other up, there was some negative bitching. It was a shame.
It is a documentary that needs to be seen. AND understood that it's a documentary. Which comes from the filmmakers perspective. We aren't all supposed to agree with it but it should cause debate (just like a Michael Moore flick). And this it did. It was a success and you should be proud that you brought it to us!
After watching Miss Representation I became more conscious of my role as a mother. I have two girls who are absorbing my every action. They are more impacted by my feelings on weight and beauty than that of the media. I need to show my girls that they are valued for so much more than their external appearance. Beauty is only superficial. Having true confidence and intelligence will get help my daughter live a fulfilled life.
it sounds like you got more out of it than you planned. maybe you didn't see these other points of view....not even on your radar and *bam* there they were! kind of cool if you ask me.
i'd like to see this, the previews are such a tease!
No, the conversation did not go where most of us expected it to - and I saw you right after and I know you were a bit shaken - but to be able to reflect on it and question why you had been surprised, and how it challenges your perceptions of a woman's struggle - I have so much respect for that, for you.
And the conversations - the conversations you wanted the film to spur - happened in the hallway, I promise you it did. We were out there for ages, a lot of us, and many have continued to talk about it.
I can't be a cheerleader for every point in the movie - it was definitely skewing to an less informed, mass American audience - but it still had a profound effect on me. It inspired me to do something I wouldn't have otherwise thought to do, and I'm excited about it.
So, thank you for offering the screening. I was a little drunk when I got there. Sorry.
Jen. I think you rock. Period.
I would have crumbled and sunk into that floor if I were in your shoes up there. I don't do conflict well. You did very well.
I too had the "we're supposed to support each other" thought cross my mind. It's crossed my mind A LOT these days....
things rarely go as we planned and you did some good in flight adjustment- well done Jen
great night! Thank you for including me.
Jen, I would have loved to have seen it.
Sounds powerful.
What strikes me most, strikes me profoundly, is the incredible power and potential of social media. It think it reflects us and our power as women. There's enormous -- vast -- collective power for good. And for harm. Together we can change the world.
Or not.
I guess that's the thing, though, isn't it?
There's my thinking: Let's mobilize, pool our resources, make the world a better place.... But everybody thinks differently. People don't share the same points of view.
Kudos to you for making something happen, for putting it out there, for being a leader!
The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it'll do even better in those areas, but for now it's a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod's strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.