Feminism Defined

 

Many people think that feminism is about women proving that they are better than men or dropping everything feminine or being too feminine. To me, feminism and being a woman today is about demanding respect and being who you are and what you want to be. The cartoon illustrates the constant pressure and expectations that women undergo every single day from the world around them when all feminism and the cartoon is saying that,  there is nothing wrong with wanting to be respected for all that you are.

Men Love Fannies!

I love this vintage underwear advertisement. The underwear is almost like a bra for your butt. It’s hilarious. They look so uncomfortable and ridiculous I can’t imagine anyone ever wearing them. “The Living End” and the “Open End” both feature an elastic front panel to “maintain the flattest of tummies” and “the ‘living end’ gently pushed up for a natural rounded look” while the “Fanny Falsies” offer secret fanny pocket that contain pads for a more curvy look.

            Although the look of these undergarments is humorous, it also says something about how far women will go to fit the media’s image of beauty. The look and description of this underwear seems uncomfortable and their purpose is to change how a woman’s body looks in order to be more desirable. Not only that, but the slogan for these shapers is “Men Love Fannies”. The draw of the panties is that men will like you more and find you more attractive if you wear them. This ad implies that women should dress for the enjoyment of men rather than to make them feel good and confident about their bodies. This ad tells women to seek validation for their bodies from men. This ad objectifies women and is no different from many ads geared towards women today. So while at first this ad seems ridiculous and funny, it is part of the barrage of media that damages a woman’s body image and self-confidence.

Here's the article where I found this picture(and the others in it are pretty funny too): http://www.buzzfeed.com/patricksmith/insane-magazine-adverts-that-would-never-get-made-today

REFLECTion

I understand my supportiveness for women in the media is a bit weird since I am a women. But I feel people are just focusing on the negative side of overrepresentation of women in the media. My biggest challenge is having to find reliable sources. Who else is wiling to show light on the matter with all these feminists attacking anyone who supports the "over sexualized" image of a women in the media? I want to know more about the positive sides of this constant battle. I still don't know where I stand on this topic. The posts so far of my fellow classmates give very persuasive sides. I understand where they are coming from. The most important thing I discovered was no matter who you agree with the women is who must decide how the media's portrayal effects her. Enjoyed but hated doing this blog.

Reflection

           My overall topic of feminism and the fact that I get to address something that I am really passionate about; women that are over sexualized in the media. I think that being able to talk about it is a super cool and fun thing. To me personally, I think that my topic is extremely interesting, informative and incredibly different but good thing to do. Some things that I have gotten out of doing this topic is that my view and knowledge on the media and it’s interrelation with society has broadened with each new post on my topic. Where there are gains, there have also been some challenges along the way. Some challenges I face is looking at my topic through a different lens. Finding someone who is affected by my topic factually and their story is not just opinion based. I would also like to "flip the script" and look at men who are overly sexualized in the media and where this need for "sex" and the demeaning of ones self comes from". I still think that women are overly sexualized in the media but I have come to notice that women aren't so fragile and breakable as they are perceived. Another thing that I have come to notice that is important is that the media does not discriminate. This being said, I have come to notice that both women and men are victims and are subjected to over sexualization. I really look forward to learning and writing about my topic.

 

Staying Strong

Ever since I learned what Feminism was about I identified strongly with the movement. Feminism is something I strongly believe in and I want to increase awareness of it and what it really stands for. Most days I try to approach life with a positive outlook and I feel good about what I stand for and I’m ready to correct someone when they think Feminism and Misandry are the same thing and I’m ready to fight for women’s equality. And then some days look incredibly bleak and sometimes I just want to give up when I hear the awful things people say. Last Friday I had one of those days.

            Just before my math class was about to start last Friday I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and an article titled “Some local band are sick of you leaving before their set” caught my eye. This article was on the website of one of my favorite magazines, Alternative Press, and I thought this would be an argument in defense of local bands and how people should support more local acts. And it was sort of about that, but what really made me upset was what the band this article was reporting on said. In a Facebook post the band ranted about how people are leaving their shows after seeing the other bands and before they play their own set to which some girl commented “then make better music”. They responded: “Youre a femail. You dont know good music. You literally listen to whatever that one hot guy tells you to listen to.” Obviously this guy can’t even take the time to spellcheck and shouldn’t be listened to, but the upsetting part is that he voices a mindset that many people in the music industry have and the women in music must face daily. I know that if I have heard many people say that women just aren’t good at metal, then the women already in the music industry must hear so much more.

            Although I felt like curling up in bed and hiding after reading this statement the first time, now it just strengthens my dedication to the feminist movement. It can be a struggle for equality every day, but it’s a struggle that cannot be abandoned. Although some people say horrible sexist things, it’s just a reminder that there is a problem that needs to be addressed and my opinions have been strengthened, if anything.

The article referenced: http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/some_local_band_are_sick_of_you_leaving_before_their_set

Enough

 

 

                                            WHEN WILL ENOUGH BE ENOUGH?

 

Re-Create: Brave/Roar- The spoken word

A re-create on two songs that emphasize taking a stand for what you believe in and being true to yourself regardless of societal norms and perceptions. Enjoy!