Do TV Stereotypes Hurt Women?

In her latest column, The New York Times’ Maureen Dowd wrote: “Good Riddance Carrie Jamieson,” bidding a snarky farewell to Claire Danes’ character on the popular Showtime series “Homeland.” She’s not leaving the show – just the CIA. Notes Dowd, the CIA sisterhood is celebrating this since they are offended by her somewhat off-the-wall behavior. As author and actress Anita Finlay stated, “No woman who wants to be taken seriously shows up to the job with breakfast, lunch and dinner hanging out. Work place trysts are not #1 on a woman’s hit parade either.” The CIA sisterhood agreed, saying that their trade-craft involves “solving puzzles” with a focus on balancing work and family. The myth of the bed-hopping spy is just that – a myth.
Since networks engage in so much stunt casting in order to blur the line between entertainment and reality, does exaggerated emphasis on “high-strung” or sexually preoccupied characters lead to a false or damaging image of women?  Political strategist and commentator Shawna Vercher turns the tables on this discussion. You won’t want to miss her take – or Anita’s expression when Shawna makes her comment!
Don’t miss our segment and give us your views…Enjoy!

Anita Finlay is an author, actor, blogger and host. Her book, Dirty Words on Clean Skin, a shocking exposé of the media bias leveled at Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign. This empowering book has been #1 on Amazon’s Women in Politics books for 16 weeks. An ongoing commentator for The Jerry Doyle Show, Anita is also a regular guest on Newsmax/Midpoint with Ed Berliner. Her articles have been featured on Real Clear Politics, MemeOrandum, MediaBistro/DC Fishbowl, xoJane, and Knoxville Journal.  She has worked steadily in film and TV for 25 years, most notably for 7 years as Dr. Nora Thompson on “The Young & the Restless.” She is a familiar presence on shows such as “Castle,” “Perception,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “24,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Hannah Montana,” and many more.

Shawna Vercher is, above all else, a fearless advocate for speaking truth to power. Shawna is an author of the book “A Fearless Voice: How a National Scandal Made Me an Advocate for Building a Better America”. Shawna’s book takes an honest and heartbreaking look at our broken justice and law enforcement systems, and how we can work together as Americans to improve them. Shawna is currently the Political Director for Florida NOW (National Organization for Women). When she is not working on her political initiatives, Shawna travels around the country as a motivational speaker and media strategist.