HarlemLive went to Midtown Manhattan to find out what is on New Yorkers' minds when it comes to Women's Issues.


NAME: Joshua
AGE: 45
RESIDENCY: Brooklyn
OCCUPATION: Designer

Abortion: Do you believe in a woman's right to choose?
Yes, because the woman knows her body. As far as the man is concerned, all he does is plant the seed. His decision should be the last one considered.

Women in the army: What do you think about it?
I feel that the choice comes with being an American. Total equality for women.

Film/TV/Music: How do you think women are portrayed in the entertainment industry?
Sex sells! Marketing in society should have better roles in film and such things for women. It is a male-dominated industry. In music, females have a better range of what they can do.


NAME: Rachel
AGE: 22
RESIDENCY: Greenwich Village
OCCUPATION: NYU student

Abortion: Do you believe in a woman's right to choose?
Yes, it's their choice and body. They should do what they want.

Women in the army: What do you think about it?
I think it's fine. They could and should serve, just like a man can.

Film/TV/Music: How do you think women are portrayed in the entertainment industry?
Women are exploited sexually because that's what the industry calls for.


NAME: Sharon
AGE: 30
RESIDENCY: Manhattan
OCCUPATION: Writer

Abortion: Do you believe in a woman's right to choose?
Strides were made during the women's movement that gave women more information so that they could make a decision. Today, it's a woman's life and they have the knowledge and the right to choose. Having a baby is a huge choice. If you are against abortion, don't have one.

Women in the army: What do you think about it?
I think it is fine. It should not even be a topic today. It's like asking about gays and blacks. (Although with blacks it is still an issue.)

Film/TV/Music: How do you think women are portrayed in the entertainment industry?
There is a larger variety of women in the media compared to the 70s. However, many of them have risky surgeries just to look "perfect."


NAME: Ron
AGE: 33
RESIDENCY: Manhattan
OCCUPATION: Teacher

Abortion: Do you believe in a woman's right to choose?
Of course! It is their body, they should do what they want.

Women in the army: What do you think about it?
Anywhere men are, women should be welcomed with equal positions and pay, although we really need fewer people in the military.

Film/TV/Music: How do you think women are portrayed in the entertainment industry?
I think it's good because there is a larger representation of women of color in the media. However, the public has been misled in their thinking of what is beautiful and sexy. For the human race, "sexy" has been shaped by the media. It's not what we all want or think. The media needs to lighten up and loosen up!


NAME: Darnel
AGE: 25
RESIDENCY: Queens
OCCUPATION: Bike Messenger

Abortion: Do you believe in a woman's right to choose?
I support a woman's right to choose but I do think that the man should have a chance to voice his concerns as well. After all, it takes two to tango so it should take two to decide what happens to that baby.

Women in the army: What do you think about it?
I don't really know. I know I wouldn't want my daughter or my wife in there.

Film/TV/Music: How do you think women are portrayed in the entertainment industry?
Women are portrayed like women should be portrayed in every aspect from mothers, to CEO's, to strippers. They are portrayed in every profession they participate in.