MIGRAIN: Feminist theory

 Media Magazine reading - two articles on feminism and theory

 Playing With The Past: Post-feminism and the Media

1) What examples are provided from the two texts of the 'male gaze' (Mulvey)?

Pan Am - In the pilot episode, one of the stewardesses are pictured on a magazine cover, carefully and purposely constructed to objectify and sexualise her, giving the men visual pleasures. At the end of the episode, the stewardess are shown walking down the airport, gaining the attention of male characters (and audience). 

Beyoncé - In her song "Why Don't You Love Me", Beyoncè's choice of costume has been constructed in a way to offer visceral pleasure for her male audiences. The use of 'playfully gazing as the camera', giving a direct mode of address offers the 'male gaze' to the audience, which is further reinforced by the 'sexy outfits', sexualising and objectifying her. 

2) Do texts such as these show there is no longer a need for feminism or are they simply sexism in a different form?

In my opinion I believe that these texts do not show that there is no more need of feminism, but instead show feminism in a different form. This is because, in these media products, the women are shown to be powerful, etc. using their looks as their weapon.

3) Choose three words/phrases from the glossary of the article and write their definitions on your blog.

Feminism - A movement aimed at establishing and fighting for women's rights. 

Post-feminism - An ideology in media and society, showing that we are past feminism and no longer need it.

Male gaze - Laura Mulvey's theory suggesting that females characters are objectified and sexualised, and so offer pleasures for the male audiences.

The Theory Drop: Gender Performativity

1) How does the writer suggest gender performativity is established from a young age?

Young children are brought up with external influences that makes us perform in a different way due to our gender, for example the clothes we wear and the toys we play with.  e.g. boys are rough and tough so play with nerf guns and girls are sensible and reputation to uphold so play with kitchen sets and dolls.

2) What does the phrase 'non-binary' refer to and how does it link to Butler's theory?

Non-binary is someone who does not categories themselves as male or female. This fits in with Butler's theory as Butler suggests that gender is more of a 'performance' then biological circumstances. 

3) How and why does the media help reinforce gender stereotypes? The writer provides several examples in the final section of the article.

That females are taught to be sensible, caring and kind and that they need to have a certain standard of beauty, for others acceptance in society. 

That males are taught to be rough and tough, so this is why there are more women suffering an abusive relationship.  

Music video analysis

Beyoncè - Why Don't You Love Me 

1) How might this video contribute to Butler’s idea that gender roles are a ‘performance’?

This relates to Butler's idea as she has adopted and 'preformed' the roles that are associated with females. 

2) What might van Zoonen suggest regarding the representation of women in this video?

van Zoonen might suggest that this music video is a clear example of her theory. This is because females are objectified in this video and are sexualised. They restricted to their roles as she is portrayed as a housewife, reinforcing stereotypes that women are domestic goddesses. 

However, she might suggest that some representations have changed. This is because in one scene, she has burnt the food. This subverts the stereotypes of women being domestic goddesses and good cooks. Also, she can be seen as more active than passive, as she has the power to question her spouse of why they don't love her, making her look rebellious.

3) What are YOUR views on this debate – does Beyonce empower women or reinforce the traditional ‘male gaze’ and oppression of women? 

In my opinion, I think partially agree that Beyoncé has the power as she objectifies herself as she knows that will make her lover, love her. She also has power to question the thought of her spouse, showing her dominance.  However, this also reinforces the 'male gaze', as she objectifies and sexualises herself with our actions and costume (mise-en-scene), which offer men pleasure.

Will Jay - Gangsta

1) How does the video suggest representations of masculinity have changed in recent years?

This video suggests that the representation of masculinity have changed over time. This is because stereotypically, men are to be strong, brave, dominate and superior. However, this video subverts these stereotypes, suggesting that man don't need to be physically strong, this is seen when he cannot pick up the dumbbell or do push-ups. Also, it suggests the men do need to be 'gangsters' to be brave and dominant.  

2) What does David Gauntlett suggest about representations of men in the media over the last 20 years?

That the representations of men in the media have changed over the years, reflecting similarities of feminism.

3) What is YOUR view on the representation of men and masculinity? Are young men still under pressure from the media to act or behave in a certain way?

In my opinion, I think that the representations of masculinity and men is accepting, as the over the years, men have gone to different industries e.g. fashion designing, and that men aren't only meant to do 'educational' courses and not for jobs that don't pay high. Young men are under pressure from the media to be brave and superior, and both physically and mentally strong. This, influences them to act and behave in a certain due to these demands. This puts them under stress and makes them commit acts that they otherwise wouldn't do.