March 12, 2010
Children and stereotypes focus of women's history month event
To mark women's history month, the women's and gender studies department will show the 1970s film "Free to Be You and Me" and host a post-film discussion on Thursday, March 18 at 4:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of Emmy Carlsson Evald Hall (3601 7th Ave.). The event is free and open to the public.
Participants will be invited to browse the exhibits of faculty and staff photos from the 1970s before the film screening at 5 p.m. Film creator Marlo Thomas started working on the project after not finding any story books she felt were suitable for her niece. The goal of the 45-minute film is to inspire children to seek their unique strengths and pursue their dreams no matter their race, gender or ethnic background.
"The film is a collection of short songs and stories for school-age children that is meant as an alternative to children's stories that reinforce gender stereotypes of girls as obedient and dependent and boys as strong and tough," said Dr. Jane Simonsen, assistant professor of both history and women's and gender studies. "The segments--many of them humorous--instead encourage kids to 'be themselves', do what they want to do in spite of what others may say they should do."
"Free to Be You and Me" was first shown in 1974 during the second wave of the Women's Feminist Movement. The second wave began during the early 1960s and continued throughout the late 1970s.
"This film...was widely shown and was influential for a generation of children who came of age in the 70s," added Simonsen.
To learn more about the film or the Ms. Foundation's education initiative, visit www.freetobefoundation.org/history.htm.Keri Rursch
Director of Public Relations
(309) 794-7721
kerirursch@augustana.edu
