Dominant reading :
The simpsons is a program appropriate for all ages. With the show revolving around a nuclear family type ( married parents and blood related children , pets etc) the programme is family friendly. It uses current issues and trends with a twist to add comedy to everyday lives. Through the main characters never changing age , image etc and remaining the central characters in the text the program is made to remain current and to appear as though it is a 'classic'.
Negotiated reading :
Although the Simpsons can in general be positively recieved by all audience types it could be argued that at times it takes realistic and current storylines too far and over exagerates them to the point where they can no longer allow audience members to gain personal gratifications from viewing the text .
Oppositional reading :
Although the Simpsons is made to appear as though it is directed at a family based audience catering to audience members of all ages and racial backgrounds etc , it simply reflects the bias of the westernised world and elite. It reinforces gender differences in a derogative manner and undermines the role of women through the low status of Marge in the family. It also reinforcenegative stereotypes of ethnic groups for example those of an Asian background simply portraying asian men to be shop keepers and asian wives to have large numbers of kids which is not nececerily the reality. Thus making it inapropriate for younger viewers .
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
task 4 - violent scene and effect theories
SCARFACE FINAL SCENE
What is the effect of the scene on the audience? Use as many effects theories in your answer as possible to show your understanding of these theories.
The final scene in Scarface can be said to affect the audience in a number of ways, various audience theories can be used to reinforce such effects. Firstly due to the high level of blatant violence/death within the clip audience members could become desensitised to the violence thus making the audience view murder for example as a less shocking action.
Aswell as this the cultivation theory can also be applied. As audience members view such acts of violence repeteadly in the context of the film which presents violence being closely associated with high power , audience members may then in turn view this relationship as being realistic although it may be false. The hypodermic needle theory can also be very closely associated with this effect , injecting such ideologies upon the passive audience.
Many may also argue that the copycat theory can be applied which would suggest that audience members may view the violence within the film and then immitate such behaviours and actions. However this theory can be viewed to be constructed by the media in relation to moral panics and the evidence for this theory is quite limited.
What is the effect of the scene on the audience? Use as many effects theories in your answer as possible to show your understanding of these theories.
The final scene in Scarface can be said to affect the audience in a number of ways, various audience theories can be used to reinforce such effects. Firstly due to the high level of blatant violence/death within the clip audience members could become desensitised to the violence thus making the audience view murder for example as a less shocking action.
Aswell as this the cultivation theory can also be applied. As audience members view such acts of violence repeteadly in the context of the film which presents violence being closely associated with high power , audience members may then in turn view this relationship as being realistic although it may be false. The hypodermic needle theory can also be very closely associated with this effect , injecting such ideologies upon the passive audience.
Many may also argue that the copycat theory can be applied which would suggest that audience members may view the violence within the film and then immitate such behaviours and actions. However this theory can be viewed to be constructed by the media in relation to moral panics and the evidence for this theory is quite limited.
task 3 - Representations essay
It has been said that media representations often reflect the social and political concerns of the age in which they are created. Discuss.
There is a vast amount of evidence to support the view that the representations the media landscape puts forth are highly reflective of current social and political concerns. This is clearly evident in a number of texts such as in AdULTHOOD and Eastenders: E20 which reflect the current moral panic surrounding the youth of today being dangerous and out of control in regards to drug use and violence on the streets etc.
One way in which AdULTHOOD can be said to reflect current concerns of the public is through emphasising on current stereotypes of the British youth which are causing moral panics across the world. This is shown throughout the film through general iconographies such as weapons presenting knife crime, hoods reflecting the world known stereotype of the ‘hoodie’ and through diegetic sounds. The film itself reflects current news values while also aiming to break the negative representations of the youth.
This representation can also be seen to be reflected within underground music video ‘Slang like this’ by True Tiger ft. P-money. The mise-en-scene within the music video plays a vital role in painting a negative picture of the youth , supporting the moral panic surrounding the youth further. For example , the video is largely filmed outside in the streets , near-by a council estate. The council estate is a key feature in the stereotype of the youth and can be considered an iconography of the stereotype.A number of medium-long shots are also used in dark settings to reinforce the loss of identity and distancing of the characters (the youth) within the video. The characters are shown a number of times hooded, in dark settings creating the image of a blank individual – A character with no background and morals. This representation can be linked to the political panics surrounding the desensitisation of the youth which would in effect lead to an increase in crime rates and deviation etc.
E4 drama series Skins also represents the British youth , however it does so in a different manner. Instead of representing the youth as being dangerous criminals of the streets , Skins instead reflects another social concern for teens being rebellious and out of control in concern to illegal drinking , drug abuse and vandalism. When the first series was aired it could be argued that the moral panic surrounding this issue was still premeture , however in the four years after the first series aired the issue has risen incredibly. Some may argue instead of the drama reflecting current social and political concerns it instead influenced the rebellious behavior.
Television series ‘Super Size vs Super Skinny’ can also be seen to represent the social concern of increasing obesity in England and world wide. In recent years a number of acts and concerns have been put forth surrounding the area such as fast food chain Mcdonalds , withdrawing a number of high calorie options and replacing them with healthier options such as salads and fruit as sides. This is highly represented in the programme drawing comparisons between the two diets of the individuals being followed , aiming to educate the audience about obtaining a healthier life style.
This can also be linked to the image obsessed nature of the society today , with the growth of interest surrounding ‘Size 0’ there are a number of representations being expressed accross the media such as in soap operas , dramas etc. For example in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks , character Hannah was diagnosed with Bolemia. The soap represents the illness in quite a close to reality way , showing the rough details of the illness. Whilst the programme neither represents the illness positively or negatively , the representation of the reason for progressing the illness was realistic , acting as both a means of gaining personal and educational gratifications.
Finally the representation of mental health in the media can also be linked to social and political concerns. It has become apparent that mental health is a major tabboo in the society , thus the media has since placed more emphasis on this. For example new film genres have surfaced such as ‘The psychological horror’. As well as this E-media is also playing a vital role with social networking site Facebook giving members the chance to take a ‘How mental are you?’ quiz – giving off the idea that mental illness is almost fashionable.
To conclude the media landscape widely incorporates current social and political concerns into the media being made available to the audiences. Common storylines surrounding issues such as bodily health , youth crime and mental health are now on the rise whilst stories surrounding female empowerment and oppression of ethnic minorities are now becoming less popular.
Task 2-New and digital media essay
The development of new/digital media means the audience is more powerful in terms of consumption and production. Discuss the arguments for and against this view.
There are both arguments to support and disagree with the idea that “the development of new/digital media means the audience is more powerful in terms of consumption and production”. On one hand audiences now take on a less passive role in regards to the media, however on the other hand institution still regulates what can actually be accessed by the audiences and some elements of the media are still censored and controlled.
In regards to the audience gaining more powerful in terms of production of media , online sites such as ‘Youtube’ and ‘Facebook’ allow audience in effect to leave the past passive status of the audience behind , with audiences creating media to release to the wider society. Many people now use websites such as ‘Youtube’ to publicize their talents such as musical talents etc in a quick and easy way, which in the past would have been far more difficult. By doing so the audience is both gaining more power and receiving personal gratifications. Also it is possible for the general public to make money through their uploaded video’s by sharing revenue with the ‘Youtube’ institution itself , giving the audience power in a financial way.
Another way in which the audience gains power through new and digital media is through social networking sites and VoIP, which reflect the globalization of the media, landscape today. For example ‘Skype’ acts as a means of communication across the world allowing audiences to do business across the world with little difficulty and expense. As well as ‘Skype’ social networking site ‘Facebook’ allows audience to broadcast information to hundreds, even thousand of people at one time, whether this be business information, advertising or simply general information to friends. ‘Facebook’ means that the audience can both be in control of who they communicate with, what information they see and what it is that gets posted onto their own profile page. In effect making the audience both more powerful in the production of media and in the consumption of it.
However, there are also arguments to suggest that the audience have actually gained very little power from new and digital media. Firstly, from a Marxist outlook, the changes in the media actually reinforce the already established hierarchy, keeping the proletariat on the bottom and the bourgeoisie on top. Institutions do so by allowing the audience to believe they have been given more freedom such as when looking at Apple’s product the iPhone. The vast amount of app’s available create the illusion that the audience has great power in the selecting of what they consume, however Apple as a company still have to approve app’s before they are made available to the audience. This shows that institutions still have major control over what the audience is receiving and at what cost they will do so at.
As well as this the pluralistic and easily accessible nature of the new media landscape also has its negative effects on the audience as opposed to benefits , for example as search engines such as Google and Bing can be accessed from almost all new mobile phones such as Blackberrys and HTC smart-phones , audience members have the world wide web in the palm of their hands. Whilst this could be seen as highly beneficial it also reflects the reliance the audience has on such technology when considering obtaining information , inevitably ‘dumbing down’ audience members. This is also reflected by the use of social networking sites such as MSN , where people are now typing in shortened vocabulary and ‘text talk’ in the past people could only communicate in person , by writing letters or verbally through the phone – all of which use a number of basic literacy skills which are now often pushed aside due to the ease of technology and the lack of literacy required to do so in new media communication methods.
To conclude , it is apparent that the institution is still very much in power when it comes to what audiences produce and consume . However to a certain extent the audience can also be seen to have gained more power , although limited in regards to this , becoming more in control of what they consume and becoming less passive as a result of this.
Task 1 - Bully trailer / opening of skins
BULLY TRAILER
SKINS
1- Within the trailer for Bully teenagers are primarily represented to be aggressive and dangerous . This image is portrayed through the repeated shots of violence , reference to murder and a shot of one of the main protagonist holding a weapon.
This highly contrasts to the primary representation of teenagers within the skins opening (season 5) which represents teenagers to be rebels against the law etc , this is connoted through shots of drug use and promiscuity throughout the trailer. Although there is reference to drug use , drinking etc in the bully trailer , this is more of a secondary representation.
However , one of the main differences between the two representations is that while skins shows both female and male teenagers to be equally placed in terms of power , where as in bully there is a clear hierarchy between women and men , with men shown to be in power , for example in a shot which seems to show one of the male protagonists raping a female , and in a number of shots were the male characters are shown to be more actively aggressive and stronger etc through shots of male characters punching each other , shouting and so on.
2- It can be argued that the representation of teenagers currently in the media is simply another moral panic through the over exaggerated and dramatic representations.
Texts such as skins , AdULTHOOD and music video by p-money 'slang like this' can be seen to strongly support this view. Whilst a large percentage of teens in todays society are no more rebellious , dangerous or troublesome than you're average 24 year old , a small percentage are fulfilling such expectations.
This small percentage is then represented in the media , for example in the music video for UK underground grime song 'slang like this' a number of shots showing the stereotype of the 'hoodie' is repeatedly shown which is probably the most common association with the teenage moral panic today.
Such stereotypes associated with the moral panic can also be seen in AdULTHOOD a film following ex-prison inmate 'sam' and enemies in the streets of London. Teens are typically represented to be troublesome through scenes involving selling drugs , weapon use and violence.
Although these representations could be said to be based upon reality , it is certain that such representations are highly exaggerated and dramatised fitting into the current moral panic surrounding teenage rebellion with the majority of teen representations fulfilling such stereotypes across the media landscape .
3- New/digital media can be said to have allowed younger audience members the chance to shape their own media representations in many ways through the growth of e-media sites such as Youtube , Facebook and Myspace.
Firstly user generated content on Youtube for example acts as a means of the youth presenting their own content , presenting themselves , the youth in a light which they have created. Through putting home videos etc on the internet , the wider population are being given access to such representations , putting forth an alternative representation to the "big players" in the media such as the print industry and television. Youtube sensation 'Diary of a badman' is a great example of how the youth can express their own representations of the youth although partially playing on the mass media's stereotypes , the video's have put forthe a character from the youth made by the youth which has in turn been seen by thousands , all of different ages etc.
However there are arguments which contrast this view. With television still largely remaining on top in the media landscape , representations of the youth are still inevitably set , reaching out to the mass population.
SKINS
1- Within the trailer for Bully teenagers are primarily represented to be aggressive and dangerous . This image is portrayed through the repeated shots of violence , reference to murder and a shot of one of the main protagonist holding a weapon.
This highly contrasts to the primary representation of teenagers within the skins opening (season 5) which represents teenagers to be rebels against the law etc , this is connoted through shots of drug use and promiscuity throughout the trailer. Although there is reference to drug use , drinking etc in the bully trailer , this is more of a secondary representation.
However , one of the main differences between the two representations is that while skins shows both female and male teenagers to be equally placed in terms of power , where as in bully there is a clear hierarchy between women and men , with men shown to be in power , for example in a shot which seems to show one of the male protagonists raping a female , and in a number of shots were the male characters are shown to be more actively aggressive and stronger etc through shots of male characters punching each other , shouting and so on.
2- It can be argued that the representation of teenagers currently in the media is simply another moral panic through the over exaggerated and dramatic representations.
Texts such as skins , AdULTHOOD and music video by p-money 'slang like this' can be seen to strongly support this view. Whilst a large percentage of teens in todays society are no more rebellious , dangerous or troublesome than you're average 24 year old , a small percentage are fulfilling such expectations.
This small percentage is then represented in the media , for example in the music video for UK underground grime song 'slang like this' a number of shots showing the stereotype of the 'hoodie' is repeatedly shown which is probably the most common association with the teenage moral panic today.
Such stereotypes associated with the moral panic can also be seen in AdULTHOOD a film following ex-prison inmate 'sam' and enemies in the streets of London. Teens are typically represented to be troublesome through scenes involving selling drugs , weapon use and violence.
Although these representations could be said to be based upon reality , it is certain that such representations are highly exaggerated and dramatised fitting into the current moral panic surrounding teenage rebellion with the majority of teen representations fulfilling such stereotypes across the media landscape .
3- New/digital media can be said to have allowed younger audience members the chance to shape their own media representations in many ways through the growth of e-media sites such as Youtube , Facebook and Myspace.
Firstly user generated content on Youtube for example acts as a means of the youth presenting their own content , presenting themselves , the youth in a light which they have created. Through putting home videos etc on the internet , the wider population are being given access to such representations , putting forth an alternative representation to the "big players" in the media such as the print industry and television. Youtube sensation 'Diary of a badman' is a great example of how the youth can express their own representations of the youth although partially playing on the mass media's stereotypes , the video's have put forthe a character from the youth made by the youth which has in turn been seen by thousands , all of different ages etc.
However there are arguments which contrast this view. With television still largely remaining on top in the media landscape , representations of the youth are still inevitably set , reaching out to the mass population.
Thursday, 3 February 2011
Impact of new and digital media on COMMUNICATION case study
TEXTS :
- Facebook (Founders: Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes)
- Skype (Founders: Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis)
- iPhone
- Blackberry
http://www.insidefacebook.com/2009/06/08/will-facebook-and-twitter-become-communication-tools-or-identity-platforms/
Conclusion: Today, Twitter is a Communication Platform, but Facebook is an Identity Platform
People who are concerned about the security of their identity are obviously less likely to share personal information in a public forum. Thus, because Twitter is largely public and Facebook is largely private, the degree of disclosed identity on Twitter is likely to always be lower than that on Facebook. That means significant things for the future of Facebook and Twitter as products, and also as businesses:
When viewed this way, Facebook and Twitter actually look like pretty different products and businesses today. Twitter is a hybrid broadcast/conversation communication platform, while Facebook is an identity platform with communication, content distribution, and financial applications built on top of it. Unless Twitter gives users more Facebook-like control over different parts of their identity, Twitter is going to have a hard time serving those users who are more sensitive to security in addition to those aiming for more visibility. But Twitter may not be worried about that right now anyway.
http://www.suite101.com/content/facebook-good-or-bad-for-communication-a121387
"Social networking can enrich social lives for those separated from family and friends by long distances, bringing them together despite the physical separation. This has recently come to light in the number of people in the armed forces using YouTube, FaceBook and Twitter to stay in touch."
- Facebook (Founders: Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes)
- Skype (Founders: Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis)
- iPhone
- Blackberry
http://www.insidefacebook.com/2009/06/08/will-facebook-and-twitter-become-communication-tools-or-identity-platforms/
Conclusion: Today, Twitter is a Communication Platform, but Facebook is an Identity Platform
People who are concerned about the security of their identity are obviously less likely to share personal information in a public forum. Thus, because Twitter is largely public and Facebook is largely private, the degree of disclosed identity on Twitter is likely to always be lower than that on Facebook. That means significant things for the future of Facebook and Twitter as products, and also as businesses:
When viewed this way, Facebook and Twitter actually look like pretty different products and businesses today. Twitter is a hybrid broadcast/conversation communication platform, while Facebook is an identity platform with communication, content distribution, and financial applications built on top of it. Unless Twitter gives users more Facebook-like control over different parts of their identity, Twitter is going to have a hard time serving those users who are more sensitive to security in addition to those aiming for more visibility. But Twitter may not be worried about that right now anyway.
http://www.suite101.com/content/facebook-good-or-bad-for-communication-a121387
"Social networking can enrich social lives for those separated from family and friends by long distances, bringing them together despite the physical separation. This has recently come to light in the number of people in the armed forces using YouTube, FaceBook and Twitter to stay in touch."
Thursday, 13 January 2011
letter to murdock
Dear Rupert Murdoch,
I am writing this letter to address a number of points raised in the ‘The death of the newspaper’ article regarding the online charges for news.
I would like to start off my saying that I do not personally agree that there should be any vast charges for readers to access news off of the Internet. Although I do agree that the newspapers are losing profit due to the publication of news on the web, I feel that by in effect abolishing the newspaper and placing all news on the internet would not only put an end to a world-wide news staple but it would also cause a number of difficulties in accessing news for various different social groups.
Statistics show that online news s The Wall Street Journal makes more than $100m per year, however this is a business paper and has a target audience consisting of high-paid professionals so it is not unlikely that this audience would be willing to pay a weekly fee. However in the case of other tabloid newspapers for examples the readers are less likely to have such funding and therefore may not be able to afford such weekly fees.
Also for many the British newspaper is seen as a staple of history within the society , on a number of historical events the print media has been the first to expose such events such as the Watergate scandal and the My Lai massacre in Vietnam. By abolishing print media , an era is in effect coming to an end , which in some cases may put people off such news publications all together , which would in the long run result in major losses of profit.
As well as this , many people especially those with disabilities or those who are elderly may have difficulty gaining access to the internet with ease like some of the younger generations , this will also lead to a decrease in profits , loss of customers and also loss of reputation for the news publications.
Finally , due to the rise in social networking and blogging etc , people are likely to still be able to gain access to the news as those who do pay for the news could publish the stories on their blogs etc. This people will not actually have to pay to access the news they wish to see.
Yours faithfully ,
Nicki Edwards
Friday, 26 November 2010
'Lesbian vampire killers'
Lesbian Vampire Killers is a 2009 British comedy horror film written by Stewart Williams and Paul Hupfield, produced by Steve Clark-Hall and directed by Phil Claydon.
http://www.unblockyoutube.com/index.php?q=aHR0cDovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS93YXRjaD92PWJPSVJxNGhTSU13
http://www.unblockyoutube.com/index.php?q=aHR0cDovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS93YXRjaD92PWJPSVJxNGhTSU13
'Lip service'
Lip Service is a British television serial drama portraying the lives of a group of lesbian women in Glasgow,
Scotland. Production on the series, which stars Laura Fraser, Ruta Gedmintas and Fiona Button, began in summer 2009 in Glasgow. The show debuted on BBC Three on 12 October 2010.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHwgUfr5m0o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy-cxkhxiAc
Scotland. Production on the series, which stars Laura Fraser, Ruta Gedmintas and Fiona Button, began in summer 2009 in Glasgow. The show debuted on BBC Three on 12 October 2010.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHwgUfr5m0o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy-cxkhxiAc
Representations of Homosexuals in Television
'Eastenders'
Clips ( Syed & Christian )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x2RAOWy21k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld9VUWLE-4c&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/user/EastEnders#p/search/7/ZihpRoYL06E
'Corronation Street'
Clips ( Sophie & Sian )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY2ldOLOtu4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzFJFLiH9Xs&feature=related
Clips ( Syed & Christian )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x2RAOWy21k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld9VUWLE-4c&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/user/EastEnders#p/search/7/ZihpRoYL06E
'Corronation Street'
Clips ( Sophie & Sian )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY2ldOLOtu4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzFJFLiH9Xs&feature=related
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Representations case study
What group of people or place you will be studying the representation of, and on which platform(s):
Homosexual’s – Television.
Why have you chosen this topic and why do you think it will be a rich area of study?
I have chosen this topic as I feel in recent years television has shown an increase in the representation of homosexuals , particularly in pre-watershed Soap opera’s such as Hollyoaks and Eastenders. I feel that it would be interesting to see how realistic and positively/negatively they are represented and to what exactly is shown of them.
Identify at least 3 media texts that you will use as your primary sources (e.g. a specific newspaper, TV programme, film, magazine, website...)
• Eastenders
• Hollyoaks
• Corronation Street
List the theorists who are relevant for your study (choose from: Gaye Tuchman; David Gauntlett; Laura Mulvey; Judith Butler; Stuart Hall; Antonio Gramsci; Anthony Giddens; Manuel Alvarado; Nick Lacey; Richard Dyer; Marshall MsLuhan; Theodor Adorno.)
Gaye Tuchman –symbolic annihilation
Judith Butler
Anthony Giddens?
Nick lacey?
Richard Dyer
Homosexual’s – Television.
Why have you chosen this topic and why do you think it will be a rich area of study?
I have chosen this topic as I feel in recent years television has shown an increase in the representation of homosexuals , particularly in pre-watershed Soap opera’s such as Hollyoaks and Eastenders. I feel that it would be interesting to see how realistic and positively/negatively they are represented and to what exactly is shown of them.
Identify at least 3 media texts that you will use as your primary sources (e.g. a specific newspaper, TV programme, film, magazine, website...)
• Eastenders
• Hollyoaks
• Corronation Street
List the theorists who are relevant for your study (choose from: Gaye Tuchman; David Gauntlett; Laura Mulvey; Judith Butler; Stuart Hall; Antonio Gramsci; Anthony Giddens; Manuel Alvarado; Nick Lacey; Richard Dyer; Marshall MsLuhan; Theodor Adorno.)
Gaye Tuchman –symbolic annihilation
Judith Butler
Anthony Giddens?
Nick lacey?
Richard Dyer
Friday, 5 November 2010
1- I’ve come accross the term used in the way Lurker describes, similarly, in academic circles, and for academic reasons I don’t think anyone should use it. The problem lies in the ambiguity of the prefix “post”, because post can mean since something commenced OR since something concluded. So, while technically a “post-feminist society” could mean a society since feminism began to be an influence, there will always be people who think you mean since feminism ended.
[orlando (Hi There. Plus, Postfeminism: Innocuous Descriptive Term or Crock of Antifeminist Poop?):
-People misunderstand the phrase 'Post-femenism' for 'after the end' instead of 'after the start'.
-Also assume there was an immediate transaction rather then a long process.
2- In raising these questions, I am only at the beginning of figuring out what a more positive kind of post-feminist account of religion and family might look like, and so have no compelling summary to offer, let alone a call to a specific research agenda. In my own work, I do want to take some feminist insights for granted. But I explicitly reject the idea that strong feminist critiques have had their day and must now give way gracefully to approaches that favor a consensual and functional, or even communitarian, interpretation of the good society. I am feeling more combative, or at least constructively critical, about theories that neatly divide society into a “public” and a “private” realm, while systematically devaluing those feminine things (religion, family) assigned to the private (cf., Warner 1999). I am not sure where it will lead, but it feels right to begin pushing back the boundaries of post-feminism by asking a different set of questions.
[Penny Edgell Becker (Sociology of Religion, Winter, 2000): Boundaries and Silences in a Post-Feminist Sociology]
-Rejects the idea that femenism is over.
-Does not believe that it is possible to define teh society completely by one theory , this process is much more complex.
3- What the hell is postfeminism, anyway? I would think it would refer to a time when complete gender equality has been achieved. That hasn’t happened, of course, but we (especially young women) are supposed to think it has. Postfeminism, as a term, suggests that women have made plenty of progress because of feminism, but that feminism is now irrelevant and even undesirable because it has made millions of women unhappy, unfeminine, childless, lonely, and bitter, prompting them to fill their closets with combat boots and really bad India print skirts.
[Susan J. Douglas (Alternet): Manufacturing Postfeminism]
-It is impossible to claim a 'post' era , when there has been very limited change after teh inrodiction of feminism.
4- It’s about deeply held political convictions, not to mention strategy. If there’s a wad of people out there extolling postfeminism and meaning “I think feminism is flawed and I’d like to see some goal-shifting, fresh tactics, and revisiting of contentious topics,” this isn’t just an issue of what’s going on in a speech group that doesn’t overlap with mine. It’s about defending feminism’s ground. Feminism is already doing the work that these (as I have come to think of them) non-evil postfeminists think comes with their prefix. And it’s beyond obvious that feminism suffers from its terrible reputation and from the vast misunderstandings that stunning numbers of people still have about it (no matter how many times it happens, I will never, ever get used to being asked if I hate men). I can’t help but see even the non-evil usage of “postfeminism” as a rejection of and attack on feminism, and an implication that the movement is finished. And that means I need to challenge it at every turn.
[Lisa (Feministe): Hi There. Plus, Postfeminism: Innocuous Descriptive Term or Crock of Antifeminist Poop?]
- Quite cliche.
- 'Post feminism' simply a way for men to shun femenism.
[orlando (Hi There. Plus, Postfeminism: Innocuous Descriptive Term or Crock of Antifeminist Poop?):
-People misunderstand the phrase 'Post-femenism' for 'after the end' instead of 'after the start'.
-Also assume there was an immediate transaction rather then a long process.
2- In raising these questions, I am only at the beginning of figuring out what a more positive kind of post-feminist account of religion and family might look like, and so have no compelling summary to offer, let alone a call to a specific research agenda. In my own work, I do want to take some feminist insights for granted. But I explicitly reject the idea that strong feminist critiques have had their day and must now give way gracefully to approaches that favor a consensual and functional, or even communitarian, interpretation of the good society. I am feeling more combative, or at least constructively critical, about theories that neatly divide society into a “public” and a “private” realm, while systematically devaluing those feminine things (religion, family) assigned to the private (cf., Warner 1999). I am not sure where it will lead, but it feels right to begin pushing back the boundaries of post-feminism by asking a different set of questions.
[Penny Edgell Becker (Sociology of Religion, Winter, 2000): Boundaries and Silences in a Post-Feminist Sociology]
-Rejects the idea that femenism is over.
-Does not believe that it is possible to define teh society completely by one theory , this process is much more complex.
3- What the hell is postfeminism, anyway? I would think it would refer to a time when complete gender equality has been achieved. That hasn’t happened, of course, but we (especially young women) are supposed to think it has. Postfeminism, as a term, suggests that women have made plenty of progress because of feminism, but that feminism is now irrelevant and even undesirable because it has made millions of women unhappy, unfeminine, childless, lonely, and bitter, prompting them to fill their closets with combat boots and really bad India print skirts.
[Susan J. Douglas (Alternet): Manufacturing Postfeminism]
-It is impossible to claim a 'post' era , when there has been very limited change after teh inrodiction of feminism.
4- It’s about deeply held political convictions, not to mention strategy. If there’s a wad of people out there extolling postfeminism and meaning “I think feminism is flawed and I’d like to see some goal-shifting, fresh tactics, and revisiting of contentious topics,” this isn’t just an issue of what’s going on in a speech group that doesn’t overlap with mine. It’s about defending feminism’s ground. Feminism is already doing the work that these (as I have come to think of them) non-evil postfeminists think comes with their prefix. And it’s beyond obvious that feminism suffers from its terrible reputation and from the vast misunderstandings that stunning numbers of people still have about it (no matter how many times it happens, I will never, ever get used to being asked if I hate men). I can’t help but see even the non-evil usage of “postfeminism” as a rejection of and attack on feminism, and an implication that the movement is finished. And that means I need to challenge it at every turn.
[Lisa (Feministe): Hi There. Plus, Postfeminism: Innocuous Descriptive Term or Crock of Antifeminist Poop?]
- Quite cliche.
- 'Post feminism' simply a way for men to shun femenism.
Bianca's essay - Key words/phrases
The representation of women can be positive: challenging the roles and expectations of women or negative: reinforcing a patriarchal society. This essay questions how and why these representations are constructed in an advert for Gucci Guilty Perfume and Stella Artois beer.
Firstly the Gucci advert is in widescreen which connotes a dramatic cinematic experience to engage its audience. More attention is gained by the female character first seen in the text and her protagonist is signified through this. The protagonist has female dominance which is signified through the use of colour- everything is in black and white while her hair is gold/blonde. This colour connotes gold, power and divinity signifying her importance in the text.
The use of intertextuality in this text will appeal to a particular audience. The film references a great deal to the neo film noir Sin City, with the use of colour and the female dominant femme fatale character. Sin City appeals to a male audience due to the action genre, this trailer could also appeal to the same audience due to the intertextuality. In terms of the Uses and Gratifications theory, a female audience might realise and accept the protagonist in the text is a form of escapism and also a male gaze, by theorist Mulvey, and therefore might aspire, from Young and Rubicam's 4Cs, to be the object of male gaze too.
Though the protagonist is an object of male gaze, it could be suggested that she sexually objectifies herself to tease the audience. The protagonist puts her leg into the frame of the shot. As she puts into the frame, it signifies self objectification, allowing the audience to fetishise her body. Another shot, a high angle, of their sexual activities signifies CCTV and spying which is voyeuristic. The fact she is on top signifies her control of the situation for both the male character and the audience.
Not only does the protagonist exert her feminity through self objectification she also presents herself as an anarchic character signified by adopting male stereotypes. The advert begins with a long shot of an unknown character speeding down the motorway, which stereotypically would be expected to be a male character. However, the audience's expectations are challenged when a medium shot of the driver shows to be a female.
In contrast, women are negatively represented in the Stella Artois text. The most obvious editing technique used in the advert is the split screen: one side shows the female getting dressed and the other side is of the beer getting "prepared". This use of split screen signifies that neither the beer nor the woman know they have been placed side by side. This puts the audience in position of control as they can voyeur the woman, in a socially acceptable way. Audiences may identify this control as patriarchy, and also identify with the unknown male character whose presence is felt within the text. This text then reinforces the idea of a patriarchal society and that women are subordinated by men.
Not only does the female share the screen with the beer, but the screen is split equally between the two "objects" which connotes the woman is equally objectified to the status of beer. It is suggested the audience is male due to the female and beer subject. Though the advert is targeted at men, it also negatively stereotypes men as people who have little respect for women which however is a dominant representation.
A range of close up shots of the female are used to fetishise her body. There is a close up shot of the female's leg slowly and elegantly rising from the bath tub. On one hand this could signify femininity and her control over it which is the oppositional reading. However, the more dominant reading is that her legs are an important part of the female body and connotes a male audience who can voyeur her body.
The text near the beginning of the trailer says "the preparation" which is an enigma code as the audience question "what event is the preparation for?". It is signified through the shots that the woman and beer preparation is for the male through the use of action codes. Action codes of both the preparation of the woman and the glass of beer are the same.
Women are represented as people who prioritise their looks and appearance, and this ad reinforces this ideology. Action codes including close ups of her: brushing her hair, doing her make up and putting on heels strongly represent women as image conscious. It could be said that the advert reinforces this representation, which is always seen in the media. Funnily enough, it could also be said that the media itself is the cause of this representation as this ideal, perfect woman is always represented in the media, and women feel they have to aspire to it.
In conclusion, both texts females are the protagonists and are sexually objectified for male audiences to fetishise and vouyer their bodies. However, while Gucci’s advert’s protagonist controls her sexuality through self objectification, the Stella Artois’ protagonist is objectified by an unknown but present male character.
In the Gucci’s ad, there are many examples in the text that signify the protagonist’s female dominance, but it is arguable whether this could be seen as a positive representation. The dominant reading is that the protagonist exerts her female dominance over the male challenging the historical patriarchal society and even subordinating males as easily manipulated and easily tempted by women and sex and this would favour feminism. However the oppositional reading which would favour the ideologies of the Stella Artois advert, might be that females can control their sexuality, but it is still for the male gaze and male dominant society.
Firstly the Gucci advert is in widescreen which connotes a dramatic cinematic experience to engage its audience. More attention is gained by the female character first seen in the text and her protagonist is signified through this. The protagonist has female dominance which is signified through the use of colour- everything is in black and white while her hair is gold/blonde. This colour connotes gold, power and divinity signifying her importance in the text.
The use of intertextuality in this text will appeal to a particular audience. The film references a great deal to the neo film noir Sin City, with the use of colour and the female dominant femme fatale character. Sin City appeals to a male audience due to the action genre, this trailer could also appeal to the same audience due to the intertextuality. In terms of the Uses and Gratifications theory, a female audience might realise and accept the protagonist in the text is a form of escapism and also a male gaze, by theorist Mulvey, and therefore might aspire, from Young and Rubicam's 4Cs, to be the object of male gaze too.
Though the protagonist is an object of male gaze, it could be suggested that she sexually objectifies herself to tease the audience. The protagonist puts her leg into the frame of the shot. As she puts into the frame, it signifies self objectification, allowing the audience to fetishise her body. Another shot, a high angle, of their sexual activities signifies CCTV and spying which is voyeuristic. The fact she is on top signifies her control of the situation for both the male character and the audience.
Not only does the protagonist exert her feminity through self objectification she also presents herself as an anarchic character signified by adopting male stereotypes. The advert begins with a long shot of an unknown character speeding down the motorway, which stereotypically would be expected to be a male character. However, the audience's expectations are challenged when a medium shot of the driver shows to be a female.
In contrast, women are negatively represented in the Stella Artois text. The most obvious editing technique used in the advert is the split screen: one side shows the female getting dressed and the other side is of the beer getting "prepared". This use of split screen signifies that neither the beer nor the woman know they have been placed side by side. This puts the audience in position of control as they can voyeur the woman, in a socially acceptable way. Audiences may identify this control as patriarchy, and also identify with the unknown male character whose presence is felt within the text. This text then reinforces the idea of a patriarchal society and that women are subordinated by men.
Not only does the female share the screen with the beer, but the screen is split equally between the two "objects" which connotes the woman is equally objectified to the status of beer. It is suggested the audience is male due to the female and beer subject. Though the advert is targeted at men, it also negatively stereotypes men as people who have little respect for women which however is a dominant representation.
A range of close up shots of the female are used to fetishise her body. There is a close up shot of the female's leg slowly and elegantly rising from the bath tub. On one hand this could signify femininity and her control over it which is the oppositional reading. However, the more dominant reading is that her legs are an important part of the female body and connotes a male audience who can voyeur her body.
The text near the beginning of the trailer says "the preparation" which is an enigma code as the audience question "what event is the preparation for?". It is signified through the shots that the woman and beer preparation is for the male through the use of action codes. Action codes of both the preparation of the woman and the glass of beer are the same.
Women are represented as people who prioritise their looks and appearance, and this ad reinforces this ideology. Action codes including close ups of her: brushing her hair, doing her make up and putting on heels strongly represent women as image conscious. It could be said that the advert reinforces this representation, which is always seen in the media. Funnily enough, it could also be said that the media itself is the cause of this representation as this ideal, perfect woman is always represented in the media, and women feel they have to aspire to it.
In conclusion, both texts females are the protagonists and are sexually objectified for male audiences to fetishise and vouyer their bodies. However, while Gucci’s advert’s protagonist controls her sexuality through self objectification, the Stella Artois’ protagonist is objectified by an unknown but present male character.
In the Gucci’s ad, there are many examples in the text that signify the protagonist’s female dominance, but it is arguable whether this could be seen as a positive representation. The dominant reading is that the protagonist exerts her female dominance over the male challenging the historical patriarchal society and even subordinating males as easily manipulated and easily tempted by women and sex and this would favour feminism. However the oppositional reading which would favour the ideologies of the Stella Artois advert, might be that females can control their sexuality, but it is still for the male gaze and male dominant society.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Beyonce Pink Britney - Pepsi Commercial
This commercial for Pepsi starring Beyonce , Britney and Pink i feel represents women positively , portraying them as the subordinated individuals breaking through to the dominant group. Although in the initial stages of the commercial the three women appear to be subordinated , shown in settings with low-key lighting , 'sexy' costumes and enclosed spaces as though they are trapped in comparison to the shots of Enrique in high-key lighting and open settings , this theme is then juxtaposed showing the women as the characters in power.
The women are first shown to break the typical stereotype when they throw in their weapons and break into song , were in effect they are in control of the crowd in the stadium surrounding them shown by the crowd singing with the characters.
In the advert it appears as though the women are using their sexuality and femininity as a weapon instead of being suppressed by it , connoting that they have the power to use such features to control those around them.
The shot near the end of the commercial where Enrique "the ruler" is standing in front of a lion with a vulnerable expression on his face , shows the switch in the binary opposition within the advert (Women .vs. Men) as it contrasts with the final shots of the women who are drinking the product standing in a powerful stance. I feel that the advert is stating that women can receive the power from the product acting as a means of breaking through the patriarchal society.
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Dove Perfect Curves (30 sec)
Although to the average eye this advert may appear to be empowering for women through the use of the “average” sized woman , showing off their curves , this advert in my opinion does quite the opposite representing women in a sexual manner subordinating women.
The use of blow up exercise balls can be used to connote the ideology that women are merely play-toys to the dominant groups within society such as the typical white middle-class male. This prop is used throughout the advert and in a number of close up shots with the women sitting and/or bouncing on them.
An example of this is at 0:06 seconds into the advert where there is a close up shot used of the women’s bottom and lower stomach whilst bouncing on the ball to demonstrate the desired ‘elasticity’ received through using the product. Although this can appear as a innocent shot, the shot may also be seen to show the woman in a provocative position in slow motion aiming to lure in the male gaze and gratifications for men so they will go out and buy the product for their partners/wives etc.
An example of this is at 0:06 seconds into the advert where there is a close up shot used of the women’s bottom and lower stomach whilst bouncing on the ball to demonstrate the desired ‘elasticity’ received through using the product. Although this can appear as a innocent shot, the shot may also be seen to show the woman in a provocative position in slow motion aiming to lure in the male gaze and gratifications for men so they will go out and buy the product for their partners/wives etc.
As well as this there are a series of shots of 3 women standing together in their underwear comparing their bodies with one and another , playing with the exercise balls and getting very close to one and another which could reflect male fantasies .
Although the adverts claims to “campaign for real beauty” and aims to empower women I belive that the advert shows women negatively as though they are simply objects of which are existing to entertain men.
Sunday, 29 August 2010
TOP 5 : Student internet presentations
I selected this as one of my top 5 videos as i feel it is very entertaining whilst still putting across information about the internet , however i feel that it could possibly use more factual information and portray the positive and negative effects of the internet.
In general i think this video is a creative and very original piece of work showing skill in editing/animation ,successfully presenting a view on the internet as a whole but could use more specific information .
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
The internet
After research into internet use for the short video i found that most of my views prior to this were confirmed. It is clear that although there are many highlights of the rising popularity of the world wide web such as quick and easy socializing, access to information and simply a means of entertainment , the internet also holds numerous down falls such as its addictive qualities , publication of information resulting in negative effects and the sheer danger of something holding so much information being so accessible to all .
To complete this task i used 'iMovie' a movie making software for Macbook's . I used images and statistics gathered from google , as well as short video clips filmed by myself .
WWW- I gathered a sufficient amount of statistics and background info surrounding the subject whilst also gathering public perceptions of the internet in a successful manner.
EBI- I focused more on the actual technical elements of the video creating a professional end product .
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