Film still from Grrlyshow

TEACHING MODULE: Feminism An excellent introduction on the history and meaning of "feminism," these films and videos provide girls a refreshing new look at the women's movement and its contemporary expression among third wave feminists. Both challenging and entertaining, these titles are excellent dialogue starters on relevant issues affecting young women today - such as self-esteem, sexism and media representation of girls and women. From stories on pop culture divas to self-published mavens, they demonstrate alternative history and career paths that are certain to inspire young women to aim higher. MODULE STUDY GUIDE: For Grades 6-8 and 9-12 QUESTIONS & ACTIVITIES: GRADES 6-8 Pre-viewing questions: What are some of the challenges young woman face today? Who are your female role models? Why are they important to you? Who are your favorite super heroes, music idols or television characters? Are they male or female? How are females represented on MTV, in the movies, commercials, in magazines or on television? What do you think about when you hear the word "feminism"? What does it mean to you? Post-viewing questions: After viewing these films, have your thoughts, feelings or beliefs about young woman on television, in the movies or in the music business changed? How is feminism represented in each of these films? What are some of the issues facing the young women in these films? Do the girls experience similar questions, problems, issues as you do? Activities: Design a collage with photographs of girls and women from magazines and newspapers. Include images from different class, race, ethnic and religious backgrounds. When complete, compare your collage with your classmates. How are they the same? Different? What did you learn from this exercise? Look at the ads in those magazines. How is "feminism" used to sell products? Compare the difference between two kinds of magazines like sports and music magazines and women's magazines. Now look for the word "feminism" in various newspaper and magazine articles. Discuss the positive and negative ways "feminism" is referred to in print. QUESTIONS & ACTIVITIES: GRADES 9-12 Pre-viewing questions: What does the word "feminism" mean to you? Is it a positive or negative word? Do you consider yourself a "feminist"? If so, who or what has influenced you in making that decision? Does "feminism" speak to women/girls of all socio-economic and racial backgrounds? If so, how? If not, why not? Have you ever experienced sexism? How are girls and women depicted on television and in the music business? Are they represented differently than men? If so, how? Post-viewing questions: After viewing these films, have your thoughts, feelings or beliefs about the word "feminism" changed? Do women of color experience sexism differently? How are women in the entertainment world represented? Is the industry positively or negatively changing the image of women in the media? Do you feel that women have more opportunities in the music industry today? Activities: Find books, toys or games that you feel are sexist. Write a letter to the company or book publisher explaining why you think their products are misrepresentative of girls and women. With your classmates or other group members, discuss which television shows, music videos or movies you feel are sexist. Write a letter to the TV station, record company or film studio clearly stating your complaint by using concrete examples. Like the women interviewed in "Grrlyshow", create your own grrly zine. Include articles and advertisements that you think come from a feminist perspective.

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