Reflection 2

I found last weeks readings and this weeks having so many similarities that struck me.  Perhaps the biggest was this idea of being a "man or woman" and what they means in relation to the other.  Celluloid Closet said "there was no sin like being a woman" so when a man was dressed up as a woman, it is seen as comical and no taken seriously.  I think this relates directly to the way trans women are viewed.  They are neither seen as truly male or female, regardless of how they live their life or surgeries they've had.  Society finds it entertaining that a man would want to fill a woman's shoes.  It is the entire opposite with trans men.  Of course everyone wants to be like a man.  It's almost as if they are seen as smart because they are choosing to live life as the "better" gender.  This for some reason does not threaten the idea of masculinity.  In a way, it boosts masculinities ego and supports is being dominant. 

Another point is how the concept of being a "real woman" is tied to abilities for reproduction.  I think this is part of why trans women are viewed with such stigma.  Females have always been tied to their ability to reproduce, and many have felt that is a woman's sole responsibility in life.  If a male comes into the picture as claims he is a woman, it contradicts the primary definition of what a woman is. This is how femininity is challenged.

As if we don't have enough to "compete" with - ROBOTS - The NEW IDEAL WOMAN

Just as we are beginning to get a grasp of all the different structures our identities are built on in the shaping of our relationships with men and other women. We now have a new ideal who seems very threatening in our ability to match up. I mean come on, she isn't even HUMAN!!!

TRANS-HUMANISM -  the NEW threat to womanhood?

Her face and body will always be perfect, she will never tire, she will laugh at all your corny jokes, she'll never grow old, she will do what ever you want, and she can protect your car from bird shit.

Us humans are NO MATCH!

Media moment: Amy Schumer

This poster for Amy Schumer definitely caught my attention this week. It made me think of the discussion we had in class about female comedians. For one, its hard to argue that this poster is NOT sexualized. We talked in class about how most female comedians are sexualized if they fit the hegemonic ideals of what beauty is. Im not familiar with Amy Schumer's comedy but from what I can gather she would be considered "unruly." I mean just look at the title of her show its called "Inside Amy Schumer." If thats not suppose to invoke some sexual thought, then I don't know what is. Its also hard to ignore the fact that the focus of the poster is on her breasts. Granted its supposed to be comical because the show is supposed to be about "a series of embarrassing episodes," but I cant help but think this just reinforces the over sexualization of women in comedy.

In all honesty this poster really just shocked me. it was one of those moments where I was like, "how can they get away with this?" I know that they blurred out her actual breasts but to me it still seems extremely inappropriate.

Were you guys offended by this? Do you think that it reinforces the stereotype of women in comedy being over sexualized? Let me know what you guys think.

Media Moment: Danish TV show that critiquing naked women

http://gawker.com/women-stripped-naked-judged-in-controversial-primetime-487553028

I saw a UK gossip site posting about this Danish show a couple of days ago and I didn't really pay attention to it at first because the site wasn't that credible and I thought the show is fake. Apparently the show is very real and it airs on a Danish channel called DR2. The premise of the show is that a judge named Thomas Blachman, a Danish Simon Cowell, and a guest would critique a naked women in front of them.

The show has received outcry from people allover the world. Blachman's defense is that he wants to "stir discussion about the aesthetics of the female body without allowing the conversation to become pornographic or politically correct." I tried watching the clip but obviously I can't understand Danish so I have no idea what him and the guest is saying. Blachman also says that people are being "ungrateful" to him and they should appreciate that this type of show is on.

I don't even know what to say because this is really upsetting. Women are already objectified enough and there isn't a need for this type of show. I don't see a point in critiquing someone else's naked body.

What are your reactions to this?
Does this show serve any actual purpose?
Does anyone speak Danish and can tell what the men are saying?

Media Moment: 1-800- DIVORCE

I’ve seen this ad multiple times on the subway and it made me think of a possible media moment. The ad is obviously for a divorce lawyer but what caught my eye was the use of a female hand reached out. The long tips and painted nails give the idea of someone who pampers themselves. While I may be stretching in trying to get something out of this ad I thought it was used as a way to perpetuate the idea that women are just out for money. The reached out hand looks like it’s waiting to be handed something, money. What do you think the subtext of the ad could be? Am I stretching when reading into the meaning or do you agree it could be used to perpetuate the idea of a gold digger? Would it have the same affect if it was a male hand?

Adam Carolla Thinks Women Aren't Funny

I saw this thought this was exactly what we were talking about a few classes ago.

Media Moment: Comedians

I see this ad on the uptown side of the 6 train in the 86th street station. 

This is such a perfect example of the women in comedy that we were speaking of the other week. Before even looking at the visual aspect of the ad, we can look at the shows title.  "Inside Amy Schumer" is so blatantly sexual, it's ridiculous.  I think there is already an assumed  female audience becasue women will want to see her since there are so few female comics.  Their main goal is to bring males to watch, hence the title.  "Inside" insinuated the believed ideal place a man would want to be, inside a woman.  Now that we look at the image, we see her in what appears to be a dress.  The dress itself shows the advertisers playing up her femininity.  Obviously the only way she'll be given any attention is if she's feminine.  The dress is also comedically lower than it should be.  It is unclear as to whether she is aware of this or not in the context of the ad.      If we read it as she is unaware of it, it helps equates females with ignorance and being dumb and unaware of their surroundings.  If she does know about her neckline, it shows how willing she is to flaunt her sexuality and use it to attract men.  Every part of this ad places females, particularly female comics, in a position below men.