Equal Means Equal

Equal Means Equal is an unflinching and compelling exploration of womanhood in today's America. Released in 2016, this documentary offers a deep and thorough examination of the role of gender inequality in the current socio-political climate. A provocative piece of feminist cinema, it features insightful conversations with women from different walks of life, including Leslie Acoca, Beth Adubato, and Brigitte Alexander.

Directed by Kamala Lopez, herself a renowned actress and women's rights advocate, Equal Means Equal presents an involved analysis of gender discrimination. The documentary's title also serves as an accurate snapshot of its primary concern - the pursuit of identical rights and opportunities for all, regardless of gender.

Equal Means Equal opens with setting the foundation of discrimination which traces its roots from historic times. The documentary merges interviews, archival footage, and statistics to reflect a stark image of the state of gender-based discrimination in this era. Hollywood actress Patricia Arquette lends her voice to narrate the movie, which adds a layer of gravity and assertion to the documentary's otherwise factual style.

Featuring conversations with familiar women from various professions adds a personal touch to the otherwise statistic-driven narrative. Leslie Acoca, a nationally recognized advocate for girls and young women in need, Beth Adubato, a media commentator, and Brigitte Alexander, an actress known for her roles in socially relevant films, lend their voices to this courageous narrative.

Through the eyes of Acoca, Adubato, Alexander and others, the audience is led to explore different aspects of gender discrimination: from the wage gap, domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, to the less acknowledged issues such as the feminization of poverty and the inadequate healthcare for women. Their narratives create a poignant portrayal of the hard-fought battles still being waged.

Equal Means Equal clarifies that the issues in the film do not affect women only but also men, families, society, and the overall economy. For example, the movie brings to light the unfair wage practices that lead to the feminization of poverty. This section argues that when women get paid less than their male counterparts for the same work, it results not just in the stagnation of their economic progress but also the perpetuation of generational poverty.

Another significant highlight of the documentary is its focus on the legal aspects of gender-based discrimination. It shows how a lack of comprehensive legal protections and lax law enforcement contributes to the persistence of this issue. The movie effectively challenges the viewer to rethink their understanding and perception of the term 'equality.'

The film's call to action revolves around the push for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens, regardless of sex. The ERA has been a contentious issue in America's political history and continues to be an emblem of the gender equality movement. Equal Means Equal injects a renewed urgency into this debate, compelling its audience to support this cause.

The movie Equal Means Equal is undeniably hard-hitting and raw. On one hand, it hopes to put a stop to complacency and ignorance concerning gender inequality issues. On the other, it inspires an urgent call to action for viewers to acknowledge and challenge the system that perpetuates gender discrimination. The film is equally critical of the subtle moments of inequality that are often overlooked amidst more headline-grabbing incidents – hence, serving as both a tool for enlightenment and a call to action.

Equal Means Equal is not just a film about women's rights. It is a call to rethink gender norms and question the systemic biases entrenched in our society. Offering a thought-provoking examination of womanhood in America, the movie poses an essential question to its audience: If we believe that all men and women are created equal, why do we accept a status quo that suggests otherwise?

In closing, Equal Means Equal is an inspiring documentary, painstakingly put together over several years, that brilliantly highlights the plight and strength of women in America. It is an essential watch for everyone who fights for equality and deems it a fundamental human right.