Feminist theory: blog task

Feminist theory: blog task

Media Magazine reading - 

1.

The article talks about how things have changed post-feminism, women having more rights, going to work and challenging traditional stereotypes. 

2.

Beyonce's music video is of her declaring herself as an independent woman; post-feminism, whilst also objectifying herself for 'male-gaze'. 

3.

Texts like this show that there is no need for feminism anymore as women are becoming more empowering and have the freedom to do more things they wish to, however the fact that women have to go the extra mile to prove that they have the rights,when it's just obvious for men even when they're just getting on with their day-to-day lives does somewhat reinforce female stereotypes without the realisation.

4.

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.

Male Gaze – The gaze referring to Laura

Mulvey’s seminal article ‘Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema’ which argues that main stream Hollywood films subject female characters to the ‘male gaze’ of the camera, fragmenting and objectifying their bodies.

Music Video Analysis: 'Why Don't You Love Me?' -  

1.

This video reinforces Butler's theory to a certain extent that although men are the ones that typically do the dirty work such as repairs, a female character is doing it in this music video which connotes both men and women are capable of doing this job, however due to the way society reacts to it, it is looked at as a mans job. On the other hand, it also challenges Butler's theory as the woman is still dressed in a seductive way and strikes whats seen as 'sexy' postures which would attract male gaze and is seen to be the women's job to portray herself in this way so that men are attracted to her.

2.

This video begins by challenging stereotypes in society by having a female persona do the things a man is typically expected to do and also by having her smoke in the video which is not scene as a feminine trait. However, stereotypes begin to get reinforced as the video progresses as the woman is a homemaker who spends her day cooking in the kitchen and looking after the house. Moreover, she is also dressed in a way that would attract male gaze which reinforces stereotypes of women almost just being an item for men's sexual satisfaction. Although, some way argue that is an affect of post-feminism as females are now allowed to wear more revealing clothes and dress however they wish to without any restrictions. 

3.

McRobbie wouldn't view Beyonce as an empowering role model for women as although she is trying to challenge stereotypes in the beginning of the music video, she gives up on the repair work she is doing and goes into the house to do the typical things a woman is expected to do. Another reason would be because Beyonce is trying to glamorise smoking and almost trying to convey the message that in order to be an empowering woman you need to do things such as smoking which would cause serious health issues.

4. 

I personally believe that Beyonce has reinforced the traditional 'male gaze' because of the clothes she's wearing even though she's only at home and because of the way she poses as well. She tries to act in a seductive manner even when doing house chores at home which kind of reinforces the idea of a typical house wife waiting for her husband to get home. Another reason why I think it reinforces the idea of 'male gaze' is also because of the lyrics in the song along with the video 'why don't you love me' connotes that she is acting in this manner to attract a male's attention and is trying to do these things to make him love her.

Music Video Analysis: 'Gangsta' - 

1.

The video suggests that representations of masculinity has changed in recent years as the male shown in the video is being more soft and subtle with his lyrics and his movements. His dance moves are usually what would be thought of as moves for females but it has now become socially acceptable for both men and women to be like this. The traditional representation of masculinity; being more powerful and aggressive has now began to change.

2.

David Gauntlett looked into men's lifestyle magazines and identified there is quite a different representation of masculinity. However, he disagreed with the idea that masculinity is in crisis which has been a popular opinion over the past 15 years.

3.

In my opinion, there are big changes happening to this idea of masculinity in today's society and the pressure on boys and young men to act in a certain manner to be classified a 'man' is beginning to change as more people are becoming aware and accepting of the changes. Men are now also able to be the way they wish to be without having to put an act on, on the outside. For example, James Charles is a beauty influencer who challenges traditional stereotypes of how a man should dress or behave.