‘Miss Representation’ on OWN: Why Does the Media Hate Women?

Miss Representation

In Miss Representation, a new documentary that aired on OWN, Jennifer Siebel Newsom probes the distorted way the media portrays women—and how it affects girls. The director tells Jessica Bennett such depictions damage self-image.

Published Oct. 20 2011 2:10AM EDT

It starts young. “I remember in fifth grade, I was worried about my weight,” says Urenna, a California public-school student.

“I straighten my hair just so I can fit in,” says Alexis.

Another high schooler tearfully confesses to being teased by her peers because they thought she was anorexic.

One by one, each...

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