#LIFI24 – Sensationalism and Stereotypes

Icons Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem) and Carol Vorderman delved into the archaic portrayals of powerful women in the media. From sensationalism to sexism, the conversation tackled the harmful labels and stereotypes that continue to plague women in the public eye.

No holds barred; nothing is off limits, two voices at the heart of it all. Together, they confronted the stereotypes head-on, looking at what has evolved, where it still falls short, and how we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and empowering narrative.

Panellists: Carol Vorderman and Rebecca Lucy Taylor (AKA Self Esteem)

• “Everything about me was filtered through a newspaper editor, and it seemed like their aim was to make women hate other women.” – Carol Vorderman
• It wasn’t until 1975 women were allowed their own bank account. “We have to put it in perspective to see how far we’ve come.” – Carol  Vorderman
• Violence against women and girls has been declared a national emergency, and 1 in 12 women per year will face physical abuse.
• “The music industry is so unsafe for women and there is no support.” – Rebecca Lucy Taylor
• “There are women that exist who are over 40 … and they deserve a pop-star as well!” – Rebecca Lucy Taylor

Related Books:

Objectification of Women in the Media – Christine Evans

Women are objectified and misrepresented across media, from movies to magazines to TV commercials. Objectification of Women in the Media explores the history behind these issues, the effects of these issues on women and society, and ongoing efforts toward gender equality.

Available here

Gendered Media: Women, Men, and Identity Politics – Karen Ross

Karen Ross provides the necessary historical context against which to read recent sex- and gender-based media phenomena such as Big Brother, Terminator, girls’ use of mobile phones, women news editors, the Wonderbra generation, the Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin phenomena, and so on.

Available here

Related Podcasts:

Women in Media – Sarah Burke

The founding podcast on the Women in Media Network, host Sarah Burke invites women and gender diverse media personalities to explore the collective triumphs and challenges they experience in the spotlight. Sarah interviews influential guests in entertainment, sports, and social media as they share personal stories surrounding topics like entrepreneurship, motherhood, diversity, and inclusivity. This podcast is a home for empowerment, celebration, and community.

Available here

The Feminist Lens – Nina De Ayala Parker and Peris Thuo

The Podcast that looks at the World through a Feminist Lens.

Join Peris Thuo and Nina de Ayala Parker the co-founders of the Women’s Rights Organisation ‘Women For Wanawake’ and a powerhouse of incredible Feminist guests to discuss the current issues of today from an intersectional Feminist perspective. Be inspired, feel empowered and live your best life!

Available here

Further Help:

• Alliance for Women In Media Foundation
• Sexism. See it. Name it. Stop it. – Human Rights Channel
• You Do Not Need to Look Far to Find that Sexism is Still Rife in the Media
• Combating Sexist Stereotypes in the Media
• What Does Sexism in Media Look Like Today?
• Raising Low Self Esteem – NHS

Watch:

• Women in the Media
• Everything That’s Wrong With Women in the Media
• How the Media is Sexist Towards Women Political Leaders
• The Battle for Women’s Voices in Entertainment Media