Feminist Theory

Media Magazine reading

Read Playing With The Past: Post-feminism and the Media (MM40, page 64 - our Media Magazine archive is here).

1) What are the two texts the article focuses on?

The texts focus on a show called Pan am the show was making fun of feminist credentials.

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

The male gaze is when men treat women different because of their own desires and this can come off really bad because it may look like male are using women as sexual objects.
3) Do texts such as these show there is no longer a need for feminism or are they simply sexism in a different form?

These kind of texts suggest that there is no longer a need for feminism because it suggest that people do get very offended when you say something wrong therefore it is better to avoid things like this.
4) Choose three words/phrases from the glossary of the article and write their definitions on your blog.

Feminism – A movement aimed at defining,
establishing, and defending women’s rights

and equality to men.

Third wave feminism – Was a movement
that redefined and encouraged women to be

dominant and sexually assertive.

Nostalgia – A sentimental longing for the past,
often only remembering the positives of the

time.

Patriarchy – An ideology that places men in a

dominant position over women.

Watch the Beyonce video for ‘Why Don’t You Love Me?’: 

 

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

Beyonce is seen cleaning and washing in the video which many people would agree that women should be doing however she is also a mechanic in the video which is not typical of women so it shows that she is strong and different
2) Does this video reinforce or challenge the view that women should perform certain roles in society?

It does both because in the video as i mentioned before you can see Beyonce cleaning and washing which reinforces that women should perform certain roles in society, however she is also seen smoking and fixing cars which challenges the views because this is not typical of women.

3) Would McRobbie view Beyonce as an empowering role model for women? Why?

McRobbie would view Beyonce as empowering because she is challenging the women stereotypes and showing that women are powerful and can also do what men do. 

4) What are your OWN views on this debate – does Beyonce empower women or reinforce the traditional ‘male gaze’ (Mulvey)? 

I believe that Beyonce is standing up for women and showing that they are as powerful as men and can do exactly what men can do fro example be mechanics and this video would also help women to feel powerful.

Watch Will Jay's video for ‘Gangsta’:

 


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

It shows that not all men have to be masculine and strong to be seen as "Men" you can be free to act as you want and shouldnt be afraid of how you are viewed.
2) What does David Gauntlett suggest about representations of men in the media over the last 20 years?

Gauntlett suggests that over the last 20 years men have started to become less masculine and do more things that would make them look weak.
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?

I believe that young men are under pressure because if they do something wrong or say something than many people will start judging them and making them feel very different than they are.