The STOPLight

Sexism challenged

The Action Committee to End Sexism and Violence Against Women in the Media, founded in 1992, is concerned about the epidemic of violence against women. The Committee's mission is to challenge images, messages and practices that reinforce and promote violence against women, especially in the mass media, and particularly in the advertising and entertainment industries. Its membership has grown from a few in Minnesota to hundreds nationwide in less than a year.

Members receive the Action Agenda, a newsletter that includes examples of exploitative media, including where they appeared and the names, addresses and phone numbers of the companies and agencies responsible for them. Members are encouraged to call and write to voice their objections. Awareness speakers with a slide presentation are available to help educate the public about how the images of women portrayed by the media impact society's attitudes and behaviors toward them.

To subscribe to the Action Agenda newsletter, send a check for $5.00 to Media Action Committee, PO Box 391, Circle Pines, MN 55014-0391, or call (612) 434-4343.