Crosscurrents

A record number of lobbyists were hired in 2011 by labor unions, business, and other interests. Union groups like the California Teachers Association are among those who have spent the most...

Miss Representation is a new film about the rapid proliferation of media in the 21st Century and how it affects young boys and girls. The film notes that the reach of media today is unprecedented and more pervasive than ever before – and it may be presenting a very skewed portrayal of what it means to be female. Women are only 16 percent of the protagonists in movies and, Miss Representation argues, girls are encouraged by ads, TV and films to achieve an unrealistic standard of beauty at younger and younger ages. Here are some girls talking about how images are affecting them:

Listeners comment on the Occupy Wall Street movement, the secret world of little girls, media's negative affects on women and the film, Miss Representation, a theater dedicated to producing the work of female playwrights, and local musician Ned Boynton.

Serafin Rodriguez lives in Oakland. This song makes him think about different ways his life could have turned out.

Thousands of students and other protesters converged on the Capitol today to protest cuts to public education. Tuition and fees at the University of California 10 campuses are up 21 percent this year, according to the College Board. Students and faculty say the constant cost increases are pricing out most Californians.