"Girls State", the critically acclaimed follow-up to "Boys State," explores the experience of young women participating in a government simulation program while shedding light on deep-seated gender bias in the political realm. The Governor of Missouri’s blatant disregard for the girls' gathering at the ceremonial inauguration, while attending the boys' meeting at the identical venue, underscores this gender disparity.
The American Legion has been sponsoring Boys State since the 1930s and its female counterpart, Girls State by the American Legion Auxiliary, since the 1940s. Both programs, which run in every state except Hawaii, enable high school students to build a simulated government, complete with a Supreme Court appointment and gubernatorial election.
The documentary, filmed in Spring 2022, is both revealing and endearing, showcasing these remarkable young women with their political aspirations, earnest commitment, and impressive public spirit. An inside gaze into the political education of these teenagers uncovers the gap between their classroom learning and their real-world perception of national politics.
The program's timing coincided with the leaked draft decision of the Dobbs case which indicated that the Supreme Court was planning to overturn abortion rights, making it a hot topic for discussion during the program. Some of the featured debates are highly sophisticated, such as the one challenging Missouri's law mandating counseling before an abortion, argued brilliantly by two participants
An overarching sense of unity prevails within the large assembly, despite palpable competition. They listen to one another attentively, trying to build consensus, a sharp contrast to the boys' focus on politics over governance. The film also brings to the fore the unfairness in girls' dress code, the cupcake-making activities, and the Governor's disregard, all of which reinforce the gender bias.
Despite the vast gender disparity in the program, the girls' political aspiration and perseverance shine through, inspiring viewers with their determination to drive change. Contrary to the notion that the two programs cannot be compared, the documentary was successful in exposing the pressing need for comparison and for progress. Ultimately, the young women participants make a compelling case - they deserve our vote.
