WOMAN BEING
Woman Being
(1996) Length 00:28:50
PRODUCED BY TVO
Woman Being is an exciting 12 part series produced by TVOntario which explores current issues in women's studies. Using documentaries, on-the-street interviews, women's circles and profiles, Woman Being presents a wide range of women and groups of women who are changing the world they live and work in. Feminist comics and performers weave threads of humorous and frank commentary throughout each episode. Issues of race, class, sexuality and disability are key themes that appear throughout the whole series.
SHOW 1: THE F-WORD
What is feminism? Who owns it? Where has it been and where is it going? "The F-Word" dives into the heart of one of this country's most important movements with interviews and stories from politicians and activists to educators, artists and women on the street. We explore the concerns and controversies of this extremely diverse and vibrant movement. Feminist comedian Diane Flacks' take offs on feminism in the 90's link together the themes of the series' premier episode
SHOW 2: CONFINING IMAGES
"Confining Images" takes a critical look at traditional notions of beauty, sports and gender. We meet high school students who discuss body image and the media, athletes who advocate equal rights for women on the playing field and men and women who question society's restrictive attitudes to gender and sexual orientation. Feminist comic Elvira Kurt weaves a thread through the themes.
SHOW 3: WELLNESS
An androcentric body model has permeated healthcare in our culture. Client/patient language has created a hierarchy which many healthcare givers and receivers are transforming into a partnership. In "Wellness" we visit a community health centre for women and a client support group. Meet a researcher doing work on lesbians in the health care system and a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine. Performers Diane Braithwaite and Alex Bulmer tie together the show's themes with music and humour.
SHOW 4: GROWING OLDER
Is sex really better after menopause? Is short-term memory overrated? For answers to these and other fascinating questions about women and aging, tune in to "Growing Older". Meet Kay MacPherson and Shelagh Wilkinson, two feminists who share touching and humorous stories about aging. Learn about culturally-appropriate care on a visit to a Chinese nursing home in Greater Toronto. Feminist performer Lisa Merchant introduces us to three characters who confront society's often closed-minded views about aging with their own brand of ironic humour.
SHOW 5: SPIRITUALITY
A fascinating look into the ways in which women today are finding and redefining their spirituality in both traditional and non-traditional contexts. Professor Johanna Stuckey takes us through a survey of the major ways women are making a place for themselves in religion and spiritual paths today. Meet a Dakota woman preparing to take on a role of spiritual leadership in her community. Women of different faiths candidly discuss their roles as leaders, their experiences with patriarchy and how their gender has influenced their spirituality. Join us for an Ojibway cedar ceremony performed by a traditional Medicine Woman under the full moon.
SHOW 6: LEARNING
"Learning" questions how women are served within educational systems. Feminist academic Ursula Franklin gives us her views on education and technology and how she feels computers will impact women's access to learning. "Learning" also profiles a student who overcame obstacles to her education with the help of a Women's Studies Bridging program. A chorus of a-capella singers led by spoken word artist Jay Pitter weaves together this episode's themes.
SHOW 7: ECOSENSE
Women represent 50% of the world population, perform nearly 2/3 of all working hours, receive only 1/10th of the world's income and own less than 1% of world property. In "Ecosense" we meet with woman who recognize the failure of the old economic order to provide an equitable fiscal and ecological environment for us all. We hear from well-known New Zealand author and economic critic Marilyn Waring and visit a circle of academics in Atlantic Canada who are hopeful despite hard times. Host Pamela Matthews talks about the hectic pace of modern life and questions our society's priorities.
FILM CREDITS
WOMAN BEING is available through:
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