Watch a new PSA called “Make a Woman Smile,” by Temple University student Kara Lieff.

SSH: I know you created another PSA for a college class, was this PSA for a class too?

Kara Lieff (KL): Yes, this was also for a class project at Temple University.  This PSA was made to fulfill a project requirement to use a form of filming called the Steadicam, so the class requirement part just relates to the style of filming.  I hope to make more outside of class in the near future.

SSH: Was there a particular incident that inspired your PSA?

KL: There isn’t a specific incident that caused me to make this PSA, but I have seen more and more people speaking out (through online articles I’ve read, clothing designs, and art) about this specific problem of women being expected to smile.  I wanted to contribute to this conversation, so I made this PSA to express my opinion that women shouldn’t need to smile for a stranger’s benefit or because women are expected to be pleasant at all times.  I hope to address a variety of specific street harassment issues with future PSAs.

SSH: Thanks!

Watch more of Kara’s work here.