31 Jan 2013
Staff Writer
T.S Johnson
Senior Staff Writer
Cramped in a small movie theater, about 25 people watched “The Purity Myth,” a film that analyzes the way society perceives women.
The film was the first of this semester’s “Fem Flicks,” a UNT Libraries sponsored series of movies hosted by the women’s studies program that explores women’s gender roles throughout the world.
The series takes place once a month in the UNT media library and is open to the public.
“The Purity Myth,” created by author Jessica Valenti, questions the role of virginity when establishing how women are viewed in society. The film’s main message is that culture should not focus on a woman’s virginity or physical attributes, but rather her personal character.
News reports, TV clips and sermons create a collage of information regarding purity.
“It’s important for UNT to think about why this generation is being told that their purity is the most important thing about them,” said Suzanne Enck, communication professor and “Fem Flicks” coordinator. “It’s incredibly important to think about owning their own sexuality.”
Enck said this specific documentary is the perfect example of the presentations this series is looking for, as it spawns conversation among students and is especially important to this campus.
After the film, Enck fielded questions as students openly discussed the issues proposed in the film. Education in schools was one of the many subjects.
“There needs to be more sex education, highlighting that there are other ways to practice safe sex,” general studies senior Greg Foster said. “People should know that they have access to contraceptives.”
The audience had mixed emotions throughout the film as laughs and gasps accompanied it, but overall it inspired people with strong feelings and something to agree with, international studies junior Darian Gore said.
“Even if you’re heavily involved in activism, films like these can reignite passion,” Gore said. “It’s our job to turn the dialogue around, and it’s our job to speak out on these issues.”
Next up for “Fem Flicks” is the “Bro Code,” which analyzes the culture of males, focusing on their relationship with women.
The film will be shown on Feb. 27. Check UNT’s website for room and time details.
