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Are women in the media only portrayed as sex icons? Statistics Show a Massive Gender Imbalance across Industries. This site touches on some really central issues women in our society are collectively faced with, - with no fear change in the near future. The Women's Media Center has provided dismaying statistical data on the status of women in U.S. media. The report draws attention to the striking underrepresentation of women who determine the content of news, literature, and television and film entertainment, as well as the negative portrayal of women in entertainment television and film. As a consequence, the role of women has had major societal effects, including gender inequity. MissRepresentation.org, an organization that "exposes how American youth are being sold the concept that women and girls' value lies in their youth, beauty and sexuality," is campaigning to shed light on this issue and empower women and young girls to challenge the limiting media labels and recognize their other potentials. The goal of MissRepresentation.org is to expose how media influences youth in America into believing that youth, beauty and sexuality are the driving forces behind a girl's values. The media is a powerful instrument of change and change can only occur once we are able to see the type of force this tool has cast on society. It's up to us women to use the force of media to influence positive change and correct the representation of women. Lastly, stated in this article by Marie Wilson, Founding President of The White House Project, an organization that seeks to get more women into elected office, says, "You can't be what you can't see." This site is useful in exploring this week's image because it describes the leading force that drives the culture of society and the accepted notions constructed towards "woman"; the media. Heidi Beckles