Miss Representation: Documentary Analysis

There is a clear difference in approach to interviews and media coverage regarding genders. The person conducting the interview plays into how the interviewee speaks. Research shows how the certain questions and verbal manors of the interviewer can effect the person being interviewed. In Miss Representation, a documentary directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the difference in interview questions and media coverage between men and woman are shown to be demising toward woman. Men are questioned more on their career and accomplishments, while woman are questioned on appearance and personal life. Regardless of platform, interviews are bias to gender. Topics and language are asked accordingly to gender. In one segment they asked a male actor the same questions a female actress was recently asked. The male actors expressing feeling awkward and uncomfortable during the interview, and even questioned why he was being asked such things. The responses and language of those being interviewed are based on how the interviewer is engaging in conversation with them; They set the tone and navigate the direction. Craig Ferguson of The Late
It’s hard to say if this is because he naturally is a better speaker, or if Fergson gave him the opportunity. Considering the great difference between the two interviews not only strengths the argument of the media’s nature to overpower woman during interviews, but also demonstrates the significance of the person conducting the interview. Language and Gender by Eckert and Mcconnell-Genet explore the different variations in conversation how simply changing the audience can greatly effect the outcome. We could conclude that Deschanels inability to gain power during the interview could be because she is speaking with a male overseas another woman. This can also be said regarding the interview with Hader. Had the interview been a woman, would he to be less able to speak with