Implications about Gender in the film Fight Club.
In the film, the narrator's character has an alternate personality named Tyler. Tyler is in a very physical relationship with a desperate woman named Marla. The relationship between Marla and the narrator is one of both love and hate, on the outside he seems to loathe her, yet on the inside, he has deep feelings for the self destructive and promiscuous woman. The film portrays women in a very negative manner, with the main character saying things multiple times throughout the film that reflect his belief that women are weak, worthless, and unable to be strong, independent individuals. Despite the narrator's negative attitude towards Marla, he quickly rushes to her side when she calls him for help. This shows the narrator's character is more weak than he would like to admit. He even exhibits some very feminine qualities early on in the film such as an obsession with furniture shopping and his passivity/submissiveness towards his male boss. Subconsciously, the narrator knows he does not possess the masculine qualities that society expects of him and creates the alternate personality, Tyler. Tyler is the epitome of a man's man. He is cocky, confident, strong, brave, and does not care in the least about conforming to societal expectations. He is portrayed with both rugged appearances and antics and a complete disregard for authority. Tyler is everything the narrator wishes he could be, and even becomes jealous when Tyler steals Marla away from him for sexual purposes. The narrator and Tyler symbolize the feminine and masculine qualities that are both present inside of every human, whether male or female and whether one side is being repressed or not by the individual.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ninth Post
Implications about Gender in a Nike commercial.
In this particular commercial, Nike endorses professional tennis player Serena Williams by showing clips of her in action, overcoming injuries, discrimination, and the challenges of the sport. This commercial shows the strides women have made not only in the male dominated world of professional sports, but also in society in general. Years ago, it was extremely rare for a woman to be so strong, independent, and athletic. But today, many woman are pursuing their dreams of becoming successful tennis players, basketball players, Olympic athletes, and more. There still are many more men that women in the professional sports industry, but the number of females has been on a constant increase over the past two decades. It will likely continue to grow due to the rise in modern ideals about women being more liberated, independent, and equal than in the past. Commercials such as this Nike commercial and the popular one in which the song "Anything you can do, I can do better" is sung by the male and female athletes, have made the public aware of women on the scene of this traditionally male business and shows we're not going anywhere. Serena Williams as well as her sister, Vanessa, are great role models for young women and convey the message that women can in fact follow their dreams and do anything men can do, and sometimes even do it better!
In this particular commercial, Nike endorses professional tennis player Serena Williams by showing clips of her in action, overcoming injuries, discrimination, and the challenges of the sport. This commercial shows the strides women have made not only in the male dominated world of professional sports, but also in society in general. Years ago, it was extremely rare for a woman to be so strong, independent, and athletic. But today, many woman are pursuing their dreams of becoming successful tennis players, basketball players, Olympic athletes, and more. There still are many more men that women in the professional sports industry, but the number of females has been on a constant increase over the past two decades. It will likely continue to grow due to the rise in modern ideals about women being more liberated, independent, and equal than in the past. Commercials such as this Nike commercial and the popular one in which the song "Anything you can do, I can do better" is sung by the male and female athletes, have made the public aware of women on the scene of this traditionally male business and shows we're not going anywhere. Serena Williams as well as her sister, Vanessa, are great role models for young women and convey the message that women can in fact follow their dreams and do anything men can do, and sometimes even do it better!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Eighth Post
Implications about Gender in a Seventeen Magazine article.
In this article, the author discusses the issue of dating and deciding who should pay for the meal. In her eyes, which are extremely traditional, the male figure should always pay for the costs and dinner on a date. If that is not the case, she explains, the female figure should have expressed beforehand that on that particular occasion, she she would pick up the tab. However, it is unacceptable for the male figure to assume his date would be paying automatically. Why is this? I agree that it is a topic to be discussed before the server brings the bill to avoid an awkward moment, argument, or causing a scene. But, the female should always offer to help him out, split the check, or pick it up on her own. This gesture shows a woman's graciousness and personal independence. It should never be up to one individual to pay every single time. Instead, if the male insists on paying for dinner, his date could help out in other ways by providing the vehicle for transportation, pitching in for gas, or other little everyday expenses that can take a toll in today's economy. By evening out the costs associated with dating, the couple will more than likely experience positive effects such as feeling more equal in their relationship. In the case of non-heterosexual couples, it is still unfair for one partner to always spend the money for a date, unless perhaps one individual is on a very high level of financial stability while the other is not. This situation could create problems in the future though, when the feelings of inequality may lead to unequal treatment and emotional rockiness further on in the relationship. In my opinion, balance along with communication is key when trying to date successfully in modern times.
In this article, the author discusses the issue of dating and deciding who should pay for the meal. In her eyes, which are extremely traditional, the male figure should always pay for the costs and dinner on a date. If that is not the case, she explains, the female figure should have expressed beforehand that on that particular occasion, she she would pick up the tab. However, it is unacceptable for the male figure to assume his date would be paying automatically. Why is this? I agree that it is a topic to be discussed before the server brings the bill to avoid an awkward moment, argument, or causing a scene. But, the female should always offer to help him out, split the check, or pick it up on her own. This gesture shows a woman's graciousness and personal independence. It should never be up to one individual to pay every single time. Instead, if the male insists on paying for dinner, his date could help out in other ways by providing the vehicle for transportation, pitching in for gas, or other little everyday expenses that can take a toll in today's economy. By evening out the costs associated with dating, the couple will more than likely experience positive effects such as feeling more equal in their relationship. In the case of non-heterosexual couples, it is still unfair for one partner to always spend the money for a date, unless perhaps one individual is on a very high level of financial stability while the other is not. This situation could create problems in the future though, when the feelings of inequality may lead to unequal treatment and emotional rockiness further on in the relationship. In my opinion, balance along with communication is key when trying to date successfully in modern times.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Seventh Post
Implications of Gender in the TV program Rachel Ray.
Rachel Ray is one of my favorite cooking programs on TV. However, there are underlying implications about gender in some of her words and actions on the show. For example, the fact that a woman has a cooking show is very common and plays into the societal expectation that says women should be responsible for cooking in the household. This idea has been accepted by many generations preceeding us, and is also held by our generation even though we claim to be the generation of liberated women. Yet, some shows still portray women as domesticated housewives who should cook, clean, and take care of children. On the show, sometimes Rachel says things like "Ladies, just wait 'til you make this dish for your man when he comes home from work." In this instance, Rachel is reinforcing the role of women to cook meals for their men, who are assumed to be outside of the home working. Instead, she should try to say things like "Audience, just wait 'til you make this dish for your family or your significant other, they will really love it." This would send the message of gender neutrality, making it seem like both men and women have the capability to be great cooks/chefs, and should try to achieve excellence in their cuisine.
Rachel Ray is one of my favorite cooking programs on TV. However, there are underlying implications about gender in some of her words and actions on the show. For example, the fact that a woman has a cooking show is very common and plays into the societal expectation that says women should be responsible for cooking in the household. This idea has been accepted by many generations preceeding us, and is also held by our generation even though we claim to be the generation of liberated women. Yet, some shows still portray women as domesticated housewives who should cook, clean, and take care of children. On the show, sometimes Rachel says things like "Ladies, just wait 'til you make this dish for your man when he comes home from work." In this instance, Rachel is reinforcing the role of women to cook meals for their men, who are assumed to be outside of the home working. Instead, she should try to say things like "Audience, just wait 'til you make this dish for your family or your significant other, they will really love it." This would send the message of gender neutrality, making it seem like both men and women have the capability to be great cooks/chefs, and should try to achieve excellence in their cuisine.
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