Identities and Film: blog task

Constructing Identity

1) Complete the Twenty Statements Test yourself. This means answering the question ‘Who am I?’ 20 times with 20 different answers. What do they say about your identity? Write the 20 answers in full on your blog.

• I am a brother
• I am Sikh
• I am a film maker
• I am a student
• I am determined
• I am brown
• I am a Star Wars fan
• I am 18
• I am a DC fan
• I am an Indian
• I am a risk taker
• I am the senate
• I am a 5'8
• I am me
• I am against racism
• I am the Barry Allen
• I am reliable
• I am a media student
• I am dedicated
• I am struggling to complete this task

2) Classify your answers into the categories listed  on the Factsheet: Social groups, ideological beliefs, interests etc.

Social-

• I am a Media student
• I am Dedicated
• I am 5'8
• I am me
• I am reliable
• I am struggling to complete this task
• I am a risk taker
• I am 18
• I am an Indian
• I am a brother
• I am a student

Beliefs-

• I am Sikh
• I am against racism
• I am the senate
• I am brown

Interests-

• I am Barry Allen
• I am a Star Wars fan
• I am a film maker
• I am a DC fan

3) Go back to your favourite film (as identified in the lesson). What does this choice of film say about your identity? Are there any identities within the film (e.g. certain characters) that particularly resonated with your values and beliefs?

Chosen film: Goodfellas

The film chosen states I like quite serious, yet comedic as well as prestigious style of films like the film listed above. Films which is known for its intriguing story and characters. One of the main identities shown in the film would be the higher/upper class representation. There is a core theme played throughout this film and many films like it, between the lower and upper class. This is presented through the props and mise-en-scene that is shown in the film. The concepts of looking professional is an aspect I really value as a person, suits and ties really resonate with my style etc.

4) Watch the trailers for the five films highlighted as examples of gay/lesbian representation in mainstream film. How are LGBT identities constructed in the trailers and how are audiences encouraged to respond to these representations?

Wilde- there is a sense of being ashamed of their sexuality which is evident through the father being bisexual, both being in love with a man and a woman. What makes this even more evident is the fact that the traielr itself puts it down to the viewer to infer that their is a relationship between the main character and another man, as it seems that on screen intercourse with someone from the same gender is possibily frowned upon at the time which is why it isn't seen in the trailer, rather inferred.

Philadelphia- audiences are seen to respect their sexuality. This is due to the fact that the film is based on the discrimination and proving a point, that everyone is equal in the world. If the outcome of the film is that the man wins the case, then it acts as a message to the viewer to accept this scenario in the real world. The films gives off a more realistic tone, as it has a very specific story regarding everyday issues of discrimination in the work place.

Pride- audiences are seen to see these people as normal people. They dress the same etc, and it also shows the norm that such people live, much like other peoples. The comedic element can also shy away from the core message. It may just make the audience laugh, but forget the entire message that the film is trying to convey.

The Wedding Banquet- much like the film above, as well as Wilde, the representation of sexuality is a hidden element, suggesting that their is a form of embarrassment of sexuality to the outside world, as evident through the groom. There is ideologies of betrayal of the younger generation, as the boy doesn't seem to match his parents expectations and their is a binary opposition between the youth and the older generation.

Identities: applying feminism

Media factsheet: Applying Feminism

#86 Applying Feminism:

1) What are the five types of feminism outlined on the first page of the Factsheet?

• Radical feminism
• Liberal feminism
• Marxist feminism
• Black feminism
• Postmodern feminism

2) Which category would Judith Butler fit into? What about Angela McRobbie? Laura Bates and Everyday Sexism? Explain your answers.

• Judith Butler: Liberal feminism
• Angela McRobbie: Postmodern feminism
• Laura Bates: Radical feminsim

3) What was the difference between suffragists and suffragettes? Which approach do you agree with?

• Suffragettes- A more violent aspproach to protesting such as arson
• Suffragists- Peaceful way of protesting, such as hunger strikes and votes etc

I agree with the suffragette movement, as women were challenging the tradition views of women in the perception of men. To men (at the time), they saw the women as traditional and peaceful, therefore can continue to exploit them because their methods were not having any physical effect on them. It was because of the violent protests that it gained attention to both men and the politicians. Women were challenging the tradition representation of a woman, by doing male acts (being violent), which in turn would create fear and a moral panic towards the future roles of women.

4) What was Laura Mulvey's argument regarding Hollywood film? Do you agree with it? Why?

Mulvey's argument regarding the representation of women in Hollywood is true to an extent. Now days, women aren't always being used as sexual gimmicks to hook males into watching a film. However that was the case. Films such as Fast and Furious was famous for its representation of sex and women in their movies. Every movie would have a beautiful actress appear as one of the leads, and would be the sexual attention throughout the film. Transformers even did this with Nicola Pelts (Transformers 4) and Meagan Fox and there would be a lot of emphasis (in terms of camera shots) on their body. 

5) Watch this YouTube video extract on Jean Kilbourne's Killing Us Softly series and list five examples she gives of the media objectifying women:

6) What is Killbourne's argument regarding the representation of women in advertising?

Women are essentially idealised to look like the 'perfect' woman. With perfect cheek bones, and breaths etc. However, this documentary shows that there is more than meets the eye. Women who see these adds with beautiful women posing in them, is essentially giving off the message on how women should look (to look like the woman in the ad). However, the problem is, is that the advert isn't a woman. It is a virtual compilation of many women's face combined to make one. Giving off the false impression of the nature of the models beauty, when it clearly is a false image. 

7) Why is the representation of women in music videos a controversial topic for feminists?

Women such as Nikki Minage and Rhianna are criticised heavily for reinforcing women as sexual objects for men. This is evident through Rhianna twerking on Drake, giving Drake the dominance over Rhinana, which essentially goes against Feminists views. Feminists are essentially trying to combat such views and for a woman to reinforce them, put their efforts in vein. 

8) What is your view of female artists such as Nicki Minaj or Beyonce - do they empower women or reinforce sexist, patriarchal views?

Although the singers themselves state that they are trying to challenge the stereotype and are in fact reinforcing female empowerment, that isn't the case always. Their videos are very sexual which they are the object for male pleasure. The quote from Minaje's anaconda music video 'My anaconda don't want none unless you got buns hun' further intensifies the fact that women have to try their best to fix their body in order to have intercourse with a man. 

9) Has new and digital media given women an opportunity to challenge sexist views or is it simply another media platform for women to be oppressed? Explain your view.

I do believe to some extent, the aid of the internet has allowed women to become more powerful and heard. The internet has opened doors for communication to come across strong and loud as well as gain a lot of attention through 'likes', or of being viral. These are facts that prior to the internet, women wouldn't of had. McRobbie used the internet for its main purpose; to share information regarding the subject of her choice. She received of 50,000 comments from people (mainly women), and this was all due to the internet having the ability to access the right people. 

NDM: Potential of the internet/technology

Limitless use of technology and its use 

Link: http://www.independent.co.uk/student/istudents/even-as-digital-archivists-we-need-to-put-down-our-cameras-and-smartphones-and-just-enjoy-the-moment-a6827491.html

Summary:

The article shows the limitless opportunities that the internet and new technology can offer in order to either improve our daily lives, and even capture memorable moments through a screen shot. However, the article shows ways in which people misuse the technology, or contradict the purpose of it. The example the article given was if someone recorded (from their perspective), a concert, how many time, if any, will they re-watch it? They would generally watch the official live broadcast version as it has better sound and eve can show you in the crowd, making it more of a memorable moment.

Own view:

I don't agree with the article to a large extent, however most of the arguments stated are true, but aren't worth anything big to talk about. For example, the case study of recording a show, is not anything 'big' in terms of misusing technology. It is simply down to the user who wants to do whatever they want to do with that piece of tech. It isn't worth an entire article as some of the stuff mentioned are just down to personal preference and how the user feels it sees fit, rather than generically. 

NDM: Sky News Feminist Interview

Sky News Interview

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgiLm9bCxrU

Summary:

This was a Sky news interview which had a famous comedian expressing her thoughts and opinions regarding feminism, and why it s an important movement. However, as the interview was coming to a close, the presented asked one of the other guests 'Peter Lloyd' to ask his final words on the controversial topic. Where he simply stated a phrase which offended many feminists around the glove especially the comedian guest who was standing up for feminists.  

Own view:

Many people are entitled to their opinion, however when it is based on a sensitive and controversial topic like feminism, one should not express thoughts like Lloyd did on live television. As it has gone viral all over the internet, which has sparked hatred amongst feminism (as seen in the comments section), and this has simply been used as a way to shut down feminism in the eyes of the person posting this video. Overall, it has weakened the power and authority that feminists have since this video has hit the internet, as it is a viral video which has been supported by many people who dislike feminists and it is also tarnishing the feminist movement. 

Identities: Feminism and new/digital media

Feminism and new/digital media

Everyday Sexism:

1) Why did Laura Bates start the Everyday Sexism project?

Bates began the Every Day Sexism project because she witnessed on numerous occasions that she and other women from different ages and abilities were facing some form  of sexual abuse. She decided to research, to see if it was just her 'illusion' and the results were staggering. She found that there is more sexism in society than ever, including the country's political system. 

2) How does the Everyday Sexism project link to the concept of post-feminism? Is feminism still required in western societies?

I do believe that judging from the stats gathered in this video and from the anecdotes in which Bates referred to, shows that feminism is still required even to this day. The fact that men believe it is okay to abuse women verbally and physically is something that needs to be aware of and taught to the next generation. Feminism can help the behaviour of both men and women when it comes to sexual assault.

3) How can you apply Judith Butler's theory of gender as a 'performance' to the creation of the Everyday Sexism project?

The anecdotes that Bates used further intensifies that women are being seen and treated as performers for male pleasure. Anecdotes where men discuss a females breast size, is proof that there is a form of performance of women amongst men in society. However, the idea of having a website that acknowledges such crimes can be seen as challenging Butler's theory as women from all over the world are challenging these norms by fighting back at abuse. 

4) How does Angela McRobbie's work on female empowerment link to the Everyday Sexism project?

The fact that people are not embarrassed to share their stories with the world is a figure of empowerment in itself. Women are not longer ashamed that such behaviour is happening and demand to do something about it, by raising awareness of it to all women around the world.


Media Magazine: The fourth wave?

1) Summarise the questions in the first two sub-headings: What is networked feminism? Why is it a problem?

Networked feminism is ant where a feminist can report as sexist, abuse, misogynist or racist, which are aimed towards minority groups. Networked feminism is simply a manifestation of a feminists ability to use the internet to such an extent that they make use of the ability to share the views of the voices that are rarely heard.  

2) What are the four waves of feminism? Do you agree that we are in a fourth wave ‘networked feminism’? 

Wave 1: early 20th century with rise of the Suffragettes for the right to vote
Wave 2: women claiming the right to an abortion (pills), and equal pay
Wave 3: 1990's to the present, empowerment, raclaiming of femininity (high heels, sexuality) etc
Wave 4: use of new technology

3) Focus on the examples in the article. Write a 100-word summary of EACH of the following: Everyday Sexism, HeForShe, FCKH8 campaign, This Girl Can.

Every Day Sexism- this campaign began as a way for women to share their personal relations to the most common form of abuse- sexual harassment or even sexual ideologies. Bates began the site by posting her own involvements with sexual abuse, in hope that other women will view her site and either respond or even, share their personal scenario's. The aid of the internet and its platforms such as social media all played a massive part in 'booming' her website views as her site was viewed by almost 50,000 women.

HeForShe- Emma Watson (also known for her role as an actress on the big screen) began this campaign. Her main intention was to promote gender equality which focuses feminist as a force of 'solidarity'. Again, much like Bates, Watson used social media to get her thoughts across as well as answer a few of the questions that people were asking her about (on Twitter).

FCKH8- Unlike the other campaigns, this campaign was done entirely digitally (via internet etc), and focuses on the current representations of all females with their issues regarding equal gender rights. There was a video of a young girl which was used as promotional material, and had received many views, essentially going viral on the internet. Merchandise was being sold, and this had tarnished the brand image of the feminist movement, as it seemed to be more of selling products rather than stating a point. 

4) What is your opinion with regards to feminism and new/digital media? Do you agree with the concept of a 'fourth wave' of feminism post-2010 or are recent developments like the Everyday Sexism project merely an extension of the third wave of feminism from the 1990s?

I do agree with the concept of the fourth wave to some degree. The internet has opened doors for many people to express their values and beliefs and be seen by many people. This is more effective than the traditional way ie, setting up a women's club etc. The concept of bloggers and online websites have already been used for this exact purpose. Where feminism is being shoved in to every aspect of the internet, so that it is reminding people of its core beliefs and ideas. However, I don't think its an entire wave on its own. It more likely shares with the third wave, but is a sort of extension from that. The main purpose of feminism on the internet and with the use of new technology is virtually the same concept, just used and delivered in a different way. 

Feminism

‘Why Don’t You Love Me [Music Video]?’

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

This video reinforced Butler's idea of gender roles being a performance to a large extent. This is apparent during the first minute of the video, where we see Beyonce doing a male dominated task (mechanic), this choreography is used to seduce male viewers as she is essentially moving around int he video as a performer for male pleasure. Even the props used such as clothing that Beyonce wears further intensifies the argument that she is seen as a performer as she is wearing clothes that play a part in the sexual attraction that the viewer will view.

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

I believe that there is both sides when it comes to seeing Beyonce as 'empowering'. This is because in the video, it is essentially about a male's dominance who refuses to be with her, and she is doing everything in her power to try and attract him. This will be seen as reinforcing the idea of Bulter rather than McRobbie's view of 'empowering'. However, there are some aspects in the video where it can be seen that Beyonce is empowering women. Scene's where she is seen being a mechanic, is seen as a sense of masculinity and showing a woman doing a male job can be seen as reinforcing McRobbie's view. 

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

I do think that Beyonce is more of a performer in this video rather than empowering women. This is because the entire video and lyrics is about a woman who is seen helpless without a man. It gives connotations of women being lifeless if they have no men in their life. Furthermore, the large emphasis on the clothes she is wearing is not just a prop, but to play more of an attraction for male viewers, which links in with the male gaze. The fact that the video emphasises on Beyonce being sexual in the video through the clothes and movement she does, it reinforces Mulvey's male gaze theory. 

Identities and the Media: Feminism

Media Magazine reading


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

• Pan Am
• Beyonce

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

• There is a shot of women's legs walking. This is one of the key ways that seduces the reader to continue to watch the video. By watching the legs movie, the viewer is satisfied and gains pleasure from watching the female's body. 
• The 'house wife' shot is also key. These connotations in terms of the props used and clothing suggests that its main aim is to seduce the person (predominately the male) in to seeking sexual desires for what they are watching. She is seen doing house chores wearing revealing clothes which heighten the objectivity of the woman. 

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

Absolutely not. If anything, such content either through print or through moving texts, there is some form of female exploitation, be it as a sex object, or following common female stereotypes. The fact that this continues to this day is shocking, and shows that there is a great need for feminism to aid societies perception of women, to discontinue such horrid acts of exploitation. 

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

• Patriarchy – An ideology that places men in a dominant position over women.

Post-feminism – An ideology in culture an society that society is somehow past needing feminism and that the attitudes and arguments of feminism are no longer needed.

Third wave feminism – Was a movement that redefined and encouraged women to be dominant and sexually assertive.

No More Page 3

1) Research the No More Page 3 campaign. Who started it and why?

The campaign had started through a petition online, which reached over 200,000 signatures to call out the editor to remove the images of the topless women. 

2) What reasons did the campaign give for why Page 3 had to go?

The slogan 'boobs are not news' is pretty much the message of what they are trying to accomplish. The fact that The Sun is a news paper institution, its prime focus is the news and not presenting female breasts as equal importance to that.

3) The main campaign website has now been replaced by a site called Sexist News, designed to highlight sexism in the media. Give an example of a recent story the website has highlighted. Do you agree with the view of the website?

Little Mix's clothing choice for the BGT show has made it as a headline on the website. I do agree with the overall concept, however it also depends on the type of person as well. It may just be that Little Mix chose to wear those clothes as it is considered 'fashionable' or 'keeping with the time'. However, I do agree strongly that it is the institution who should also have control over the clothing choices depending on their audiences. Clearly BGT is viewed by families and this also means that children are viewing this. To allow women to go out on stage wearing 'too' revealing clothes will set off a rather 'acceptable' message to the young girls that they too should dress the same, and more young boys to actually see a woman with less clothes on as a pleasure of some sort. ITV should notice this audience and also present them in a way that makes them comfortable and acceptable. 

4) How can the No More Page 3 campaign and Sexist News website be linked to the idea of post-feminism?

The idea that feminism is still required to this day, and that the world is still at an age where women are treated as 'objects' in the media rather than human beings. There are some instances where countries are civilised and treat men and women equally, however the idea concept of women being entirely treated fairly is something that hasn't been resolved. Therefore, we are not living in an age where feminism doesn't need to be required because it absolutely needs to be required to bring forth equality and show that women are as equal as men.

5) What are your OWN views on these campaigns? Do you agree with their aims? Is there still a need for these campaigns in the media?


I do believe that these aims are necessary. If such content and objectivity of women continues to make its way through any media content that is easily (and frequently) accessed, then the reader will have a certain view of women. The chances of a male reader picking up The Sun, and going to page 3 would likely occur, and if such content continued to be published, it will continue to sexual exploitation of women. People will see it as 'acceptable' assuming all women are objects as the media (in page 3) presents them to be. By shutting down campaigns and raising awareness of them, will teach the next generation to be more civilised and become more equal towards genders, rather than viewing women as 'sex objects' as it currently stands, seen during the American Women's March. 

6) Finally, do you agree that we are in a post-feminist state or is there still a need for feminism?

I do believe that in some parts of the world feminism is still required. Some Eastern countries have negative opinions of women, where they cannot drive etc shows how there is less of a feminist view in society. It is seen to be the norm to treat women is such a way. Furthermore, countries (generally those who are developed) are those who don't need the support of feminism as it has been applied to their society and no need to reiterate it

Post-colonialism - bonus reading and tasks

Social Media and Black Identity

1) List three theorists discussed in the article and what they believe regarding black identity.

• Henry Jenkins- believes that social media is an arena where participatory cultures can be seen.
• Aisha Harris- believes that social media is the creation of presenting black community negatively.
• Giddens- believes the opposite for what Harris is arguing; whereby black people can be presented positively with the use of social media. 

2) In your opinion, is social media a positive or negative force when it comes to issues of black identity? 

I believe that there is an even split down both parts of the spectrum. On one hand, we have automated algorithms that simply portray black people negatively for example, typing criminals in to Google, and images of black people appear. It is the use of non-human systems that does stupid things which can harm a communities portrayal. On the other hand, social media allows people to take control in the ways in which they want to present themselves, and don't need the negative stereotypes to invade their lives. It allows the control and power to be in the users hands, and therefore, showing a much mire positive and accurate portrayal rather than the outside world, with all its stereotypes. 

3) How could you apply the post-colonial theories we have learned in class to the issue of social media and black identity?

Alverado: the factor of 'dangerous' is what really stands out out of the other factors of Alverado. This is because social media can be responsible for presenting black people as 'criminals', as discussed with a case study above. As well as, the power stereotypes will always try and intrude people's privacy and social life, even on social media. 

Fanon- the belief of 'putting on the white mask' is something that is blatantly happening all over social media. If you can't look white in person, you can do it on social media. This is because the user can change the way other viewer see themselves, and by presenting them as a white person, people may accept them more than what they were before. People having to change their real world in to a virtual world shows how powerful such representations are.  

A Hustle for Life: Refugees in the Media

1) What examples of different representations of refugees in the media are offered in the article?

• Refugees have been given the title, "migrants" which in turn gives connotations that these people are travelling by their own choice, making it more of an issue in the readers eyes. Essentially, the news institution has taken advantage of the growing fear of migrants and such titles will instigate the matter further.
• The many use of the word 'many', but used in different synonyms such as 'horde', or 'swarm' shows how its giving off a sense of invasion across the world; like an outbreak.

2) In your opinion, is the documentary genre more or less biased than the news media? What examples can you provide from the article to support your view?

The documentary is less biased in my opinion than compared to news media. This is because, a range of facts and research is presented before the viewer when viewing documentaries, keeping them informed always. The idea of having moving text, makes the information much more realistic as opposed to a text. There is more viewer interaction as communication. Moreover, documentaries often (or, always do) have interviews from people from that region and is pure information as opposed to a text interview, as it can be worded in a certain way to trigger a certain way of thinking. 

3) How could you apply the post-colonial theories we have learned in class to the representation of refugees in the media?

Alverado- the factor of 'pitied' is very much linked to the refugees as we, the helpers, are there to feel sympathy for those who aren't in the same place as us, and to do something about it.

Fanon- the factor of 'essentialize' is something that really taps in to this idea of the outside world (predominately the west) of having the view of the east being 'the same' and always in need. They can't tell the difference between those in need and those that are not. Places such as Dubai, and Afghanistan may seem to be the same in the eyes of the western world. 

NDM: Denzel Washington schools journalists everywhere with response to red carpet 'fake news' question

NDM: Snapchat rising: is the youthful app headed for Facebook-sized success?

Snapchat rising: is the youthful app headed for Facebook-sized success?

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/feb/02/snapchat-evan-spiegel-growth-facebook-ipo-analysis

Summary:

Snap Inc ave out together paperwork that holds and interest in public offering. This in turn will value the company between 20bn-25bn (billion), making it one of the biggest technological offerings in recent years. In the early years of the apps creation, it was being used as a platform for users to send nude pictures. They believed that the ability to have a non-trackable online record when posting, allowed users to be more honest about themselves. 

Statistics:

• valued between 20 billion- 25 billion
• A famous user on Snapchat gets paid $10,000-$30,000 from advertisers

Own view: 

I do believe that Snapchat is worth a lot, but didn't seem to expect it to be worth so much- $20 billion. This shows how the unniqueness and gap in the market of an app has revolutionised the social media market place. Something that was used for selfies and blown up and reached tens of thousands of users, creating a platform for a new experience.