Posted in Generation Y Recommended Resources Women on June 2, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Last Thursday I had the privilege of attending the premiere of a new documentary, What’s Your Point, Honey?
The film, from the creator of the fabulous Mad Hot Ballroom, puts a fresh spin on political leadership by introducing seven college-aged women, presented as possible contenders for President of the United States someday. The seven college women in the film are each winners of Project 2024, an initiative sponsored by The White House Project and CosmoGirl! to get more young women involved in politics.
Two other age groups, teens and tweens, weave in and out of the movie to present the next generations’ take on the topic of women in leadership, providing some pretty delightful comic relief along the way (My favorite moment: watching three tween girls wander through Madame Tussauds Wax Museum arguing about how to pronounce “Tussaud”).
I went to the film with my friend and mentor Carol Frohlinger (check out Carol’s blog on women’s leadership: The Thin Pink Line), and we both loved it. Here are some reasons I give it a thumbs up:
It portrays Gen Y in a positive light. Yes, some of the college women in the movie wear flip-flops, say “like” too much and chew gum on the first day of their internships. But unlike so many media stories that only show the negative stuff, the filmmakers of What’s Your Point, Honey? mostly show these Millennial women as articulate, motivated, witty, public-service minded and independent thinking. That’s been the majority of my experience with Gen Ys, and I’m glad to see it on the big screen.
It approaches feminism with a sense of humor and relevance. As someone with a master’s degree in women’s studies and a lifelong interest in women’s issues, I’m often disappointed in the way many people dismiss feminism as an “old cause.” This film shows how women have come very far, but we still have a long way to go, especially when it comes to women in leadership positions. Much of the humor comes from those tween girls, who ride around New York City on little scooters and ask men on the street if they would ever vote for a woman. (Luckily, they all answer yes.)
It’s not anti-men. One of the major themes of the film is the role that supportive dads play in the lives of the seven young women. Rather than complaining about helicopter parenting, the film celebrates the positive involvement of many parents in their kids’ lives. It also includes conversations with young men addressing women’s issues. If you’re a guy reading this post and wondering if you should see the movie, check out this review from the film’s website:
“I didn’t hate it,” John-Michael Ulmer, 16, high school student, baseball/football player
If I sound like a raving fan of this movie, well, I am. I love documentaries, and this one is smart, funny and important. The filmmakers are hoping to spread the film by word of mouth and private viewings, so I hope you’ll check out the What’s Your Point Honey? website to watch the trailer and consider buying the DVD.
And for the record, I hope that all seven girls in the film run for office someday. I’d vote for every one of them.
@ Kate Hutchinson – I hope you do see it. It’s really great. All of the showings are listed on the film’s website – http://www.whatsyourpointhoney.com – although I know they are mostly distributing it through DVD sales, which are also available on the website. Enjoy!
- Lindsey
I’m really interested in seeing this… will it be coming to the Boston area anytime soon?
@ Zanade – Thanks for your comments, and I’m so glad you enjoyed my Career Peeks talk last year! Glad you saw the film, too. We all need to spread the word!
- Lindsey
Hello Lindsey,
I had the pleasure to view this documentary as well at my organizations New York Women in Communications screening event and I also had a chance to meet the wonderful producers. Amy was and Susan were very pleasant and allowed me to take a photo with them. My favorite part was watching the young tweens ask New Yorkers would they vote for a woman president and also when the young intern got stationed at Ex Gov. Spitzers office, everyone at the screening started to laugh! The music that accompanied the documentary was great as well. The film has a great MySpace page as well as FaceBook account and I encourage you to sign on.
What is interesting to me is that I read in this mornings Daily News. A journalist stated would Hillary Clinton run for VP Yay or Nay and he put Nay because it would be too much change at one time “An African American and a Woman”!!! I wanted to scream after reading that because I am an African American woman and I believe that if I wanted to I could run for Presidency! I am SO WAITING FOR A CHANGE!
By the way, I attended a session with you for the CareerPeeks Organization and I want to add that you are a resourceful woman, you allowed me to feel confidant when it came to following my passion. Keep up the good work!
@ Molly – Thanks. It really is a great movie!
- Lindsey
Great post, Lindsey! The movie looks fantastic, I’m looking forward to checking it out. Thanks!