MIGRAIN: Feminist theory

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

One example is how Beyonce is objectified herself on the camera for male gaze.

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

I think these works demonstrate feminism in a different way rather than demonstrating that it is no longer necessary. This is because the women in these media items are portrayed as strong, etc., utilising their appearance as a weapon.

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

Para texts: Additional texts surrounding a central text – trailers, reviews, posters, ads, credit sequences, texts within the text etc. Hyperreality: the state of the world, according to Baudrillard, where nothing is real because

everything we consume is filtered through the Media. Simulacrum: a likeness, or similarity; an image which replaces the reality with its representation

The Theory Drop: Gender Performativity

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

Kids are trained to act in a certain way and to dress in a certain way that their parents deem appropriate for them. 

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

Someone who does not identify as either male or gender is non-binary. 

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

Females are taught to be sensible, kind, and compassionate, as well as that in order to be accepted in society, they must meet a certain level of beauty.

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’?

Butler's theory that gender norms are a performance is connected to the video's repeated usage of makeup.

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

Van Zoonen can contend that the way Beyonce is dressed and presented to the public/audiences encourages traditional Western notions of beauty, such as being young, thin, etc. She can also say that Beyoncé is portrayed in this video as being passive.

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

I partially agree that Beyoncé has the power since she objectifies herself in the knowledge that doing so will make her boyfriend fall in love with her. She has the authority to challenge her spouse's opinions, demonstrating her dominance. But, by objectifying and sexualizing herself with our gestures and clothing (mise-en-scene), which provide men pleasure, she also encourages the "manly gaze."

Will Jay - Gangsta

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

Throughout the film, the lighting frequently changes to pink, which traditionally is a colour that is used to identify females and contrasts masculinity as a whole. This fully challenges and dismantles the assumption that men should be leaders, angry, and in command.

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

He claims that he "disagrees that masculinity is in crisis" and that stereotypes of males in the media have had an impact on many people because they lead them to adopt the same personas they have online and act in the same ways in real life.

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 conclusion, I am a disappointed but not surprised to see how the world and especially the media have changed guys into way more acceptable feminine women. I believe that young men are also under pressure from the media to act in a specific way.