WIFTV works to raise the awareness about women involved in making TV programs and films, and coordinating opportunities for women to network and support one another. It should come as no surprise then that WIFTV has a big interest in the work of other people and organizations who are working to raise the profile of women in film, or helping to point out the obvious gender disparities in this industry. Groups, websites, and blogs focused on media literacy are a good place to start if you’re interested in learning more about the role of women in TV and film.
Ready to learn more about media literacy? Here are a few things you might want to check out.
Feminist Frequency: Tropes vs. Women YouTube Video Series
Feminist Frequency founder and pop culture critic Anita Sarkeesian made headlines last year after being the target of one of history’s largest online harassment cases following her announcement to do a series of video critiques on the role of women in video games. Her older series, Tropes vs. Women in Film is an excellent, accessible, and informative resource to learn more about everything from the trope of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl to the Evil Demon Seductress.
Bitch Media Blog: Movies and Television Sections
Ever see a TV show or movie where you’re left thinking “Hmm, that was kind of a weird thing that happened to [X] woman”? Then head over to the Bitch Media Blog–they always have the latest and sharpest eye-opening critiques of TV shows including cartoons, web series, Oscar nominees, as well as bigger hits on Netflix and HBO. The bloggers are paid and the content is good–you’re sure to learn something that you didn’t catch the first time you watched Breaking Bad or The Wolf of Wall Street.
Target Women by Sarah Haskins
Target Women created by Sarah Haskins is a hilarious (and now sadly discontinued) video series that is apart of InfoMania on Current TV (also discontinued). It is a critical and funny look at commercials targeted to women–it may be a couple years old now and the site itself may be down, but fortunately most of the videos are up on YouTube here. Do yourself a favor and watch these ASAP–everyone will be wondering what you’re laughing about.
Racialicious
Killer name, excellent content. Racialicious is a blog focusing on intersections of race and pop culture. They very frequently discuss tv shows and movies with a unique take on the representations of the actors shown. For example, one of their latest posts asks “Is Agents of Shield Really an Interracial Family Show?”
Other Excellent Websites/Blogs Focused on Media Literacy
