On November 18, the F-word event fair was held at Laurier Brantford’s Research and Academic Centre. The F-word fair brought together students in order to bring awareness to feminism. Organized by a number of Laurier Brantford’s faculty members, the event addressed gender issues pertaining to many different aspects of life. From same sex marriage to aboriginal services, the fair offered a wide variety of information. However, a major issue didn’t seem to be touched upon, the portrayal of women through media. A promising number of students showed interest in the event. However, females outnumbered the males. On the wall a board was hung, encouraging feedback regarding feminism. It posed the question, “What does feminism mean to you?” Some responses included questioning authority, equality for all, double standards and challenging the impossible.

They lined the Atlanta City convention center boardwalks to protest. Women’s liberation crowned a sheep Miss. America, while throwing bras, tweezers and high-heeled shoes into the garbage to represent the fight against female oppression. Not to mention the infamous myth of bra burning. At one point a group of women bought tickets to the pageant and revealed a banner of protest during the competition. From their radical protests women’s liberation made front pages everywhere, showing that there was a new feminist movement rising.

Sarah Paulitzki, a personal counsellor on campus at Laurier Brantford says that feminism has affected counseling since the 1960s. Paulitzki sat by a table at the fair, which had brochures of information ranging from self-confidence to body size diversity and acceptance.

The magic of an airbrush leads us to believe that beauty is perfection. But this perfection isn’t reality. The media leads women to believe that they are not capable of being intelligent or successful. “I find the media bases a lot on esthetics, long legs, shiny hair and beautiful skin.” Says Wanda Nelson, Dove Spa office manager, when asked about women’s portrayal through the media. “They spend too much time on the outer beauty as opposed to women who really can make a difference.”
Dove Spa promotes inner beauty and confidence. By using real women in their advertising, they are stepping out of the box and addressing the issue of females being portrayed insufficiently through the media. In order to improve the portrayal of women as realistic, more ads and representations like the Dove commercials should be implemented.


Women in movies or television are not only portrayed as flawlessly beautiful (with minor exceptions), but also revolved around finding a mate. This shows young girls that they must be with a man to be happy, and that they cannot be strong or independent on their own. “These days, women are led to believe that finding fulfillment in themselves begins with a relationship.” States Paulitzki. This ideal shows that young girls should disregard their female companions, to seek out men to support them.
