Saturday 29 December 2007
you down with opp?
this is one of my historical texts. this is highly relevant to my text because of its ideology being communicated to the audience. a non marrital ideology is being portrayed and this is evident from the first shot of a woman discarding her wedding ring. this represents the abolishment of the idea of female dependency on men. however, the non verbal constructs of the text suggest that it indeed sends a negative ideology of women to the audience. this is through the pleasured facial expressions of the women in the video. therefore, it can be said that the idea of female empowerment and female independence has declined throughout the ages. however, less extreme examples of women as sex objects are present.
Monday 26 November 2007
keywords
Gangster - gangster movies represent the myth of America, where the conflict between good and evil is played out in the slums of big cities. The aspirational dreams of gangsters relate to lives of poor.
Post-Feminism - Part of the postmodern perspective that takes the achievements of feminism for granted and views it as ineffective due to current condition of women and identity choices they face.
Antagonist: The hero and Villian seen together but in a binary opposition.
Racism: Making offensive comments against a religion/race.
Patriarchy- A male dominated society. A patriarchal society is evident within Shrek the hero: dominant, in control etc.
Youth culture- the stereotypes of youth and culture.
Zeitgeist- the “sprit of the age”. This relates towards my wider context and society at the time
Narrative theory- what makes up a narrative which is particular to certain genres. Levi Strauss and Propp are narrative theorists.
Post-Feminism - Part of the postmodern perspective that takes the achievements of feminism for granted and views it as ineffective due to current condition of women and identity choices they face.
Antagonist: The hero and Villian seen together but in a binary opposition.
Racism: Making offensive comments against a religion/race.
Patriarchy- A male dominated society. A patriarchal society is evident within Shrek the hero: dominant, in control etc.
Youth culture- the stereotypes of youth and culture.
Zeitgeist- the “sprit of the age”. This relates towards my wider context and society at the time
Narrative theory- what makes up a narrative which is particular to certain genres. Levi Strauss and Propp are narrative theorists.
10 links
http://www.mediaknowall.com/gender.html- very good sight designed for A level study.
http://www.womenandequalityunit.gov.uk/public_life/parliament.htm- a very good source of the quantitative research we talked of.
http://wcd.nic.in/irwp.htm- this coulod look quite good in my study, as i would be quoting and challenging a law that has been past.
http://www.ukmm.org.uk/issues/row.htm- this is good as it has a reliable looking article with substantial material to talk about.
http://www.wowessays.com/dbase/ac3/ena8.shtml- although this is an essay, it is useful to analyse how they wrote and expressed their ideas on this debate.
http://www.best.uni-mainz.de/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=143- probably one of my best links, this is a kind of replica of what my study aims to tackle.
http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=3050- this is good university conducted research and conclusive analysis.
http://www.roundtablegroup.com/speakersbureau/talk.cfm?talkID=3890- wow, this study actually talks of women in hip hop.
http://uex.sagepub.com/cgi/content/refs/35/5/532- this link is good to display the opression of racial minorities.
http://www.womenandequalityunit.gov.uk/public_life/parliament.htm- a very good source of the quantitative research we talked of.
http://wcd.nic.in/irwp.htm- this coulod look quite good in my study, as i would be quoting and challenging a law that has been past.
http://www.ukmm.org.uk/issues/row.htm- this is good as it has a reliable looking article with substantial material to talk about.
http://www.wowessays.com/dbase/ac3/ena8.shtml- although this is an essay, it is useful to analyse how they wrote and expressed their ideas on this debate.
http://www.best.uni-mainz.de/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=143- probably one of my best links, this is a kind of replica of what my study aims to tackle.
http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=3050- this is good university conducted research and conclusive analysis.
http://www.roundtablegroup.com/speakersbureau/talk.cfm?talkID=3890- wow, this study actually talks of women in hip hop.
http://uex.sagepub.com/cgi/content/refs/35/5/532- this link is good to display the opression of racial minorities.
Thursday 22 November 2007
an article for me and my blog buddy
What We Don’t See: The Underrepresentation of Minority Women Athletes Many of the issues are compounded when we consider the intersections of race, physical/mental functions, and sexuality. In media coverage of women in sport, the absence of minority women supports the traditional belief that sport is solely for white, heterosexual, non-disabled women.
In the U.S. sports media, women of color receive considerably less coverage than their white female counterparts and are often depicted in a racially stereotypical manner. For example, of the 151 CN/WS&F magazine covers published between 1975 and 1989, only 12 pictured women of color, all Black women, and only 8% of the featured articles were written about Black women with nearly 70% of these articles focused on track athletes or basketball players (Leath and Lumpkin, 1992). In reviewing 13 editions of CN/WS&F published between 1997 and 1999, I found no women of color on the cover and only 21% shown in the photographs accompanying sport articles.
Another group that is practically ignored by sport media is women athletes with disabilities. When media do feature these athletes, the focus is usually on the drama surrounding the athlete’s disability than on their athletic abilities and the competition. CBS’s four-hour coverage of the 1996 Paralympic Games was the first and longest U.S. broadcast of disability sport. However, while some of the Paralympic telecast could be considered empowering and positive, other aspects reinforced negative and demeaning stereotypes about people/athletes with disabilities (women athletes as asexual, pitiful, and less than elite) (Schell and Duncan, 1999).
Many people question whether a woman can compete in sport and retain her femininity—a term often equated with heterosexuality. So, when a female athlete is called “dyke” or “lesbian” in a derogatory manner, she may alter her actions and dress to be “more feminine,” downplay her athletic talents, or avoid sport all together. The growing media and commercial interest in women’s sport have helped to reinforce stereotypic perceptions of women athletes as lesbian, while reiterating fundamental misperceptions of lesbians or female athletes as negative identities.
Because sexuality (specifically heterosexuality) sells in America, sport media and advertisers are likely to distance themselves from women athletes who are believed to be, or who do self-identify as lesbian. Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Missy Giove, and Muffin Spencer-Devlin are among the professional athletes who have risked their public reputations and sponsorships by revealing their sexual identities. Unfortunately, media rarely explore the experiences of lesbians in sport, and women’s sport allies often remain silent or deny that homophobia is an issue that deserves public attentio
In the U.S. sports media, women of color receive considerably less coverage than their white female counterparts and are often depicted in a racially stereotypical manner. For example, of the 151 CN/WS&F magazine covers published between 1975 and 1989, only 12 pictured women of color, all Black women, and only 8% of the featured articles were written about Black women with nearly 70% of these articles focused on track athletes or basketball players (Leath and Lumpkin, 1992). In reviewing 13 editions of CN/WS&F published between 1997 and 1999, I found no women of color on the cover and only 21% shown in the photographs accompanying sport articles.
Another group that is practically ignored by sport media is women athletes with disabilities. When media do feature these athletes, the focus is usually on the drama surrounding the athlete’s disability than on their athletic abilities and the competition. CBS’s four-hour coverage of the 1996 Paralympic Games was the first and longest U.S. broadcast of disability sport. However, while some of the Paralympic telecast could be considered empowering and positive, other aspects reinforced negative and demeaning stereotypes about people/athletes with disabilities (women athletes as asexual, pitiful, and less than elite) (Schell and Duncan, 1999).
Many people question whether a woman can compete in sport and retain her femininity—a term often equated with heterosexuality. So, when a female athlete is called “dyke” or “lesbian” in a derogatory manner, she may alter her actions and dress to be “more feminine,” downplay her athletic talents, or avoid sport all together. The growing media and commercial interest in women’s sport have helped to reinforce stereotypic perceptions of women athletes as lesbian, while reiterating fundamental misperceptions of lesbians or female athletes as negative identities.
Because sexuality (specifically heterosexuality) sells in America, sport media and advertisers are likely to distance themselves from women athletes who are believed to be, or who do self-identify as lesbian. Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Missy Giove, and Muffin Spencer-Devlin are among the professional athletes who have risked their public reputations and sponsorships by revealing their sexual identities. Unfortunately, media rarely explore the experiences of lesbians in sport, and women’s sport allies often remain silent or deny that homophobia is an issue that deserves public attentio
swapping books with jagjeet
Representing race- Robert Ferguson.jagjeet gave me this book to conduct some of my own research on. it was useful in putting my argument of racism in context to my study and gave me good reference to racial studies carried out in previous years.
blog buddy meeting
the meeting with jagjeet went very well. although much of it was spent laughing, it was very productive for us to identify all the common grounds in which our studies stand on. some of these areas were, the idea of black youths being misrepresented by poor role models. rappers tend to be youthful and appeal very strongly to the black youth of today and therefore the people that jagi is studying are my topics target audience.
Thursday 15 November 2007
Wednesday 14 November 2007
book bibliography
1. Feminist Theorists (1983) by by Dale Spender - The book focuses on theory and thoerists around the 80's and even back to the late 1600's E.g. Mary Astell. This will aid my study as this book focuses on the historical side of SHEP.
2.Race and Gender (1985) by Madeleine Arno - The book outlines the representations of women as well as racial issues, additionally it contains theories. this book is a comprehensive source for theorists. race and gender aere both in looking at my study as it deals with black women and this book contains valuable info on black feminists.
3. Bryson, Valerie (1999): Feminist Debates. Hong Kong: Macmillan Press LTD.This book is based on feminist debates and theories in this day and age. It mentions issues such as women in western societies, the changing structure of the family, male violence against women, the political representation of women, the way society challenges gender inequalities, the start of feminism etc.
4.Tooley James (2002): The Miseducation of Women. York Road, London: Continium.this book focuses on the socialisation of women and men through the education system.
5.Gauntlet David 2002:Media, Gender and Identity, An Introduction USA. this a source of theorists on feminism. this book explores past history and present day trends that represent woman.
6.Hip Hop Hearings: Women On Misogyny
Author: Davey D. this book is highly controversial as it not only talks about why and how the negative representation of black women is created, by who creates this and who benefits from this steroetype. an interesting read indeed. ........[...It is easy for me to understand why Black folk would be in an uproar over a White man referring to young Black women as “nappy headed hoes”....]
7.Ain't I A Woman: Black Women and Feminism (Paperback)by Bell Hooks (Author). "In a retrospective examination of the black female slave experience, sexism looms as large as racism as an oppressive force in the lives of black females..." this quote sums up the nature of the text as it talks of a group that i have searched after locating it in my media dictionary, the black feminists.
8.African American Feminisms 1828-1923 (History of Feminism) by Teresa Zackodnik. this text draws on the different aspects of african feminism movement over the history of african american feminism. this text highlights strongly on the opressive forces of the past and how they overcome this opression. this is interesting, as it will act as a contrast for the self degrading representation of women.
9.Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology by Barbara Smith. An anthology of writings by black and lesbian activists. First published in 1983, this edition benefits from an updated list of contributor biographies, and a new preface that provides an assessment of how black women's lives have changed - or not - since the book was first published.
10.Misogyny: The World's Oldest Prejudice by Jack Holland.
The World's Oldest Prejudice is an important and timely book. While some may find its central tenets to be controversial, it was written out of a sincere desire to address the immense suffering of women worldwide, throughout time.
2.Race and Gender (1985) by Madeleine Arno - The book outlines the representations of women as well as racial issues, additionally it contains theories. this book is a comprehensive source for theorists. race and gender aere both in looking at my study as it deals with black women and this book contains valuable info on black feminists.
3. Bryson, Valerie (1999): Feminist Debates. Hong Kong: Macmillan Press LTD.This book is based on feminist debates and theories in this day and age. It mentions issues such as women in western societies, the changing structure of the family, male violence against women, the political representation of women, the way society challenges gender inequalities, the start of feminism etc.
4.Tooley James (2002): The Miseducation of Women. York Road, London: Continium.this book focuses on the socialisation of women and men through the education system.
5.Gauntlet David 2002:Media, Gender and Identity, An Introduction USA. this a source of theorists on feminism. this book explores past history and present day trends that represent woman.
6.Hip Hop Hearings: Women On Misogyny
Author: Davey D. this book is highly controversial as it not only talks about why and how the negative representation of black women is created, by who creates this and who benefits from this steroetype. an interesting read indeed. ........[...It is easy for me to understand why Black folk would be in an uproar over a White man referring to young Black women as “nappy headed hoes”....]
7.Ain't I A Woman: Black Women and Feminism (Paperback)by Bell Hooks (Author). "In a retrospective examination of the black female slave experience, sexism looms as large as racism as an oppressive force in the lives of black females..." this quote sums up the nature of the text as it talks of a group that i have searched after locating it in my media dictionary, the black feminists.
8.African American Feminisms 1828-1923 (History of Feminism) by Teresa Zackodnik. this text draws on the different aspects of african feminism movement over the history of african american feminism. this text highlights strongly on the opressive forces of the past and how they overcome this opression. this is interesting, as it will act as a contrast for the self degrading representation of women.
9.Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology by Barbara Smith. An anthology of writings by black and lesbian activists. First published in 1983, this edition benefits from an updated list of contributor biographies, and a new preface that provides an assessment of how black women's lives have changed - or not - since the book was first published.
10.Misogyny: The World's Oldest Prejudice by Jack Holland.
The World's Oldest Prejudice is an important and timely book. While some may find its central tenets to be controversial, it was written out of a sincere desire to address the immense suffering of women worldwide, throughout time.
Wednesday 7 November 2007
Blog Buddy..Jagi and karandeep
Jagi's study explores the representation of black youths in the media. as well all know, the hip hop industry is vastly occupied and dominated by young black rap artists and therefore they are being represented in the hip hop industry. furthermore, the women i am exploring in my study are prodominantly black and therefore links between racism and degredation can be made. this is why jagi's study is useful.
from the other class, i have chosen karandeep to be my blog buddy. this is because his study is in direct relation to mine. karandeep is exploring a more sociological topic to do with the changing roles of women in the media. this is important to my study as i am exploring how women in hip hop seemed to be moving in the opposing direction, against the general attitude of female equality.
from the other class, i have chosen karandeep to be my blog buddy. this is because his study is in direct relation to mine. karandeep is exploring a more sociological topic to do with the changing roles of women in the media. this is important to my study as i am exploring how women in hip hop seemed to be moving in the opposing direction, against the general attitude of female equality.
evaluations
Self-evaluation
Attainment- 1- I believe the standard of my contribution and work produced is still very good.
Effort- 3- I believe that 3 are generous on some levels, as I have let myself down with slacking this half term.
Punctuality- 1- I am always on time to my lessons.
Submission and Quality of Blog- 4- the dates above my posts and standard compared to Chintan’s blog speaks for itself… not the greatest of my achievements.
Ability to work independently- 3- it would be unjustified to say I know I can work on my own.
Quality of writing- 1- I believe that my writing technique has been upheld.
Oral contribution in class- 1- my contribution is arguably one of the most enthusiastic voices.
Standard of blogs- 4- although I am catching up slowly, my blogs have been generally poor.
Course evaluation
The course organisation has been excellent, however, way too much time has been allowed for summer research project presentations.
The content covered is always very relevant to our course work and exam.
The handouts have enriched my media experience thoroughly as I utilise them regularly, especially the media dictionary, very useful resource!!!!
The teachers have been excellent…(not sucking up)…both Mrs Stevens and Mr Bush have been definite in their content and have provided a useful source of information for the development of my work.
The course has met my expectations; the content is interesting and is very different to other subject’s layout, which helps me stay satisfied.
The trips have been very useful. The texts covered may be relevant in the exam as wider reading. They have also been very fun. As well as this, the media awards gave me a great sense of achievement, as my groups hard work was recognised and we were also mentioned in the local newspapers.
The blog is useful as I am able to access it with relative ease
Attainment- 1- I believe the standard of my contribution and work produced is still very good.
Effort- 3- I believe that 3 are generous on some levels, as I have let myself down with slacking this half term.
Punctuality- 1- I am always on time to my lessons.
Submission and Quality of Blog- 4- the dates above my posts and standard compared to Chintan’s blog speaks for itself… not the greatest of my achievements.
Ability to work independently- 3- it would be unjustified to say I know I can work on my own.
Quality of writing- 1- I believe that my writing technique has been upheld.
Oral contribution in class- 1- my contribution is arguably one of the most enthusiastic voices.
Standard of blogs- 4- although I am catching up slowly, my blogs have been generally poor.
Course evaluation
The course organisation has been excellent, however, way too much time has been allowed for summer research project presentations.
The content covered is always very relevant to our course work and exam.
The handouts have enriched my media experience thoroughly as I utilise them regularly, especially the media dictionary, very useful resource!!!!
The teachers have been excellent…(not sucking up)…both Mrs Stevens and Mr Bush have been definite in their content and have provided a useful source of information for the development of my work.
The course has met my expectations; the content is interesting and is very different to other subject’s layout, which helps me stay satisfied.
The trips have been very useful. The texts covered may be relevant in the exam as wider reading. They have also been very fun. As well as this, the media awards gave me a great sense of achievement, as my groups hard work was recognised and we were also mentioned in the local newspapers.
The blog is useful as I am able to access it with relative ease
delicious links
http://www.sensesofcinema.com/contents/02/22/power_chicks.html
this is highly relevant even though it is on cinema, it will be difficult to find many theorist on hip hop directly so i must manipulate th theorist mentioned in order for it to be appropriate.
http://www.genderads.com/
this counts for 5 of my links because it covers objectification, the male gaze.
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Modules/MC30820/represent.html
this has a very useful diagram on semiotics
http://www1.medialiteracy.com/representation.jsp
good reliable looking resource.
this is highly relevant even though it is on cinema, it will be difficult to find many theorist on hip hop directly so i must manipulate th theorist mentioned in order for it to be appropriate.
http://www.genderads.com/
this counts for 5 of my links because it covers objectification, the male gaze.
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Modules/MC30820/represent.html
this has a very useful diagram on semiotics
http://www1.medialiteracy.com/representation.jsp
good reliable looking resource.
Monday 29 October 2007
key words
actuality- filming or reporting of real events...how far from the reality of woemn is hip hop viedos.
american dream- the idea that america is the land of oppurtunity and it is a meritocratic society...is the women a symbol of achievement in hip hop?
archetype- an often repeated charcter type or representation which is instantly recognisable to an audience...are the women an archetype?
audience profile- finding out the characteristics of a demographic...is this what men really want?
black feminism- black females opressed by gender and race...is this the only way thses black females can live?
bricolage- random assembly by culture groups of various cultural signifiers to form new and often unintended meanings.
capitalism- the set up economic structure...women are selling their bodies.
chiaroscuro lighting- extremes of lighting used for extreme portrayal of characteristics...this lighting in these videos usually portray women as purely seductive.
cognition- the process of percieving, collecting and organsisng info...what do the audience do with what they see?
common sense- the consensus attitude of society...is their a lack present within the hip hop demographic, is this being exploited?
construction- the process behind creating a media text...why does this process result in mysoginistic texts?
consumerism- the economic system and variation of capitalism based around the compulsive consumption of goods and services...do we as an audience allow this consumption?
consensus- the middle ground of the views...why has this been created, look into historical factors, male backlash?
connotation- essentail to look into what connotations follow women.
counterculture- a subculture or group which goes against the mainstream norms...feminists and balck feminists and anti racists, what affect do they have?..how powerful is their voice?
critical autonomy- coming to educated and informed opinions...something through research i will acquire.
cultivation theory- a theroy which states that audiences views of the world are affected by what they see... is this the case with male views of black females?
cultural imperialism- the dominance of western in particular us ideology acroos the world...as most of these texts are american, is it more credible and bainwashing?
american dream- the idea that america is the land of oppurtunity and it is a meritocratic society...is the women a symbol of achievement in hip hop?
archetype- an often repeated charcter type or representation which is instantly recognisable to an audience...are the women an archetype?
audience profile- finding out the characteristics of a demographic...is this what men really want?
black feminism- black females opressed by gender and race...is this the only way thses black females can live?
bricolage- random assembly by culture groups of various cultural signifiers to form new and often unintended meanings.
capitalism- the set up economic structure...women are selling their bodies.
chiaroscuro lighting- extremes of lighting used for extreme portrayal of characteristics...this lighting in these videos usually portray women as purely seductive.
cognition- the process of percieving, collecting and organsisng info...what do the audience do with what they see?
common sense- the consensus attitude of society...is their a lack present within the hip hop demographic, is this being exploited?
construction- the process behind creating a media text...why does this process result in mysoginistic texts?
consumerism- the economic system and variation of capitalism based around the compulsive consumption of goods and services...do we as an audience allow this consumption?
consensus- the middle ground of the views...why has this been created, look into historical factors, male backlash?
connotation- essentail to look into what connotations follow women.
counterculture- a subculture or group which goes against the mainstream norms...feminists and balck feminists and anti racists, what affect do they have?..how powerful is their voice?
critical autonomy- coming to educated and informed opinions...something through research i will acquire.
cultivation theory- a theroy which states that audiences views of the world are affected by what they see... is this the case with male views of black females?
cultural imperialism- the dominance of western in particular us ideology acroos the world...as most of these texts are american, is it more credible and bainwashing?
key words...30 of them
active audince theory- the idea that the audience is plays an active role in decoding and creating the meaning of the text...this is useful to my study as it will act as a counter argument to the passive audience which i speak of.
american dream- a cultural myth based on the belief that the usa is a land of oppurtunity and promise where hard work enables a good lifestyle...this is relevant to my study as the women in hip hop videos have an integral part in creating the american dream.
archetype- an often repeated character type or representation which is instantly recognisable to an audience...maybe degrading archetypes for women in hip hop.
audience profile- personal charcteristics of the target audience and finding out what appeals to this audience... the usage of women to appeal to its audience.
black feminism- a female perspective that says that as well as being restricted by their gender, black women are also opressed by their race...most women present in the music videos are black.
bricolage- random assembly by culture groups of various cultural signifiers to form new and often unintended meanings...black ladies in hip hop maybe setting a bad representation across of black females.
censorship- the practice, excersized by elite groups of authority, of monitoring and controlling media content by removing, supressing or classifying content...should the authorites be doing more?
chiaroscuro lighting- extremeties of dark and light are used to create effective communication of the charter to the audience...how they use it in music videos to portray women.
cognition- the mental process involved in percieving, collecting and organising information about the world into a consistent and comprehensive framework of knowledge that reflects cultural environkment...the attitude of society.
common sense- the concensus in public opinion...is there a lack of it present when decoding hip hop texts?
connotation- we all know what this means...its important in all of our studies.
consensus- the middle ground opinion and attitude of society...why is it acceptable for this to continue?
construction- the process behind the creation of a media text...why does this process result in mainly mysoginistic texts?
consumerism- the econominc system and variation of capitalism based around the compulsive consumption of goods and services within the framework of lifestyle marketing and advertising... this is key when looking at audience.
counterculture- a subculture that opposes the mainstream views and material...some groups and movements such as the feminists.
critical autonomy- the ability to research a topic, to assess and evaluate evidence and come to an informed personal judgement.
culture- a social practice with its own set of rules and stereotypes...hip hop culture, are half naked women a part of this?
demographics- information corcerning the social status, class, gender and age of the population...this is a key aspect as i can look into which demographic is most appealed by hip hop and decide whether the videos are a result of the demographic.
dominant ideology- the belief that serves the interests of the dominant ruling elite within a society...is this all a result of this.
dominant or hegemonic reading- a response to a text in which the reader shares the value system of the text and accepts the preferred reading without question.
encode- the process of constructing a media message in a form suitable for transmission to a reciever
american dream- a cultural myth based on the belief that the usa is a land of oppurtunity and promise where hard work enables a good lifestyle...this is relevant to my study as the women in hip hop videos have an integral part in creating the american dream.
archetype- an often repeated character type or representation which is instantly recognisable to an audience...maybe degrading archetypes for women in hip hop.
audience profile- personal charcteristics of the target audience and finding out what appeals to this audience... the usage of women to appeal to its audience.
black feminism- a female perspective that says that as well as being restricted by their gender, black women are also opressed by their race...most women present in the music videos are black.
bricolage- random assembly by culture groups of various cultural signifiers to form new and often unintended meanings...black ladies in hip hop maybe setting a bad representation across of black females.
censorship- the practice, excersized by elite groups of authority, of monitoring and controlling media content by removing, supressing or classifying content...should the authorites be doing more?
chiaroscuro lighting- extremeties of dark and light are used to create effective communication of the charter to the audience...how they use it in music videos to portray women.
cognition- the mental process involved in percieving, collecting and organising information about the world into a consistent and comprehensive framework of knowledge that reflects cultural environkment...the attitude of society.
common sense- the concensus in public opinion...is there a lack of it present when decoding hip hop texts?
connotation- we all know what this means...its important in all of our studies.
consensus- the middle ground opinion and attitude of society...why is it acceptable for this to continue?
construction- the process behind the creation of a media text...why does this process result in mainly mysoginistic texts?
consumerism- the econominc system and variation of capitalism based around the compulsive consumption of goods and services within the framework of lifestyle marketing and advertising... this is key when looking at audience.
counterculture- a subculture that opposes the mainstream views and material...some groups and movements such as the feminists.
critical autonomy- the ability to research a topic, to assess and evaluate evidence and come to an informed personal judgement.
culture- a social practice with its own set of rules and stereotypes...hip hop culture, are half naked women a part of this?
demographics- information corcerning the social status, class, gender and age of the population...this is a key aspect as i can look into which demographic is most appealed by hip hop and decide whether the videos are a result of the demographic.
dominant ideology- the belief that serves the interests of the dominant ruling elite within a society...is this all a result of this.
dominant or hegemonic reading- a response to a text in which the reader shares the value system of the text and accepts the preferred reading without question.
encode- the process of constructing a media message in a form suitable for transmission to a reciever
Sunday 14 October 2007
Bartender- T-pain
this video is once again a prime example of how footage is mediated to portray a degrading female stereotype which seems to be present in the greater side of hip hop.
from the very initial shot of this music video, a materialistic value is portrayed. a slow motion close up of a car with expensive rims is shown. in this shot the audience also becomes aware of a pair of female legs, however the audience cannot see the womens face, therefore by placing the womens legs synonomously with the expensive possessions, women are already objectified and are shown to be objects used to satisfy the male audience sex drive. in contrast to many shots which portray women sexually, there are numerous shots of the protagonist (artist) of this video, all of his shots coincidentally focus on his face and on him performing his song, thus creating the contrast between the talented man and the passive and insignificant women.
another shot which carries much weight is when the artist is shown at the bar and is approached by a woman behind him and the woman is simply dismissed without thought. this shows the male position and stature and his ability to be in control of his sexuality. the positioning of the woman being behind his back is also in some ways a metaphor of how society has been and still is on some level. with the female always being subordinate and second to men in developing as powerful roles.
a personal interpretation of mine in this video in particular came through me analysing the editing. the editing is very typical of a hip hop video as it is fast paced, often suiting the tempo of the song. however, through analysing how women in particular are being represented, i noticed that quick glimpses of facial expression are exposed to the audience, these facial expressions being mainly seductive, and these shots tend to be directly followed by a slow motion shot of their sexual body parts. it is almost as if the text is saying to the audience, that a womans mind is less significant than her body. this text through editing has proven to be quite mysoginistic.
as well as this, the bartender in this music video is a female. although it may seem humorous to some, it has a deeper meaning. i believe that the fact that the bartender "serves" a man is quite impactful. there are numerous shots where the bartender is shown pouring a drink for the man and therefore the man is in control of what the woman does. links being serving a drink and sexually serving someone can be suggested.
lighting is a very important aspect of this video. the main male protagonist is shown in a very high key light and his surroundings and the woman all fall under the low key lighting. the low key lighting firstly creates a more sexual and seductive atmosphere which is synonomus with the song..however, the female in the low key lighting makes her seem as if she is vampish and sexual and therefore the sexual characteristaion present is created even further. as well as this, the fact that the man is shown in good visible light against the female is low key lighting shows that the man is more important and that he should be focused on over the woman. the fact that the light doesnt attempt to separate the female from the background is also a metaphor the women seem to take the non leading role in society.
Sunday 23 September 2007
Make it rain analysis boyyeeeeeeeeeeeee
Representation
In “Make it rain” there are various different people being represented. Although I will be focusing on the representation of women, I will be looking into how men are represented in counter and how this affects the way women are seen. Women are being represented as sex objects and in a very derogatory manor. The male characters in this music video are shown to be very powerful. This contrast between the statuses of each sex has the affect on the audience that the men are further heightened in status and the women are further degrading. In retrospect it is unfair to suggest that women are all subject to the male gaze and that they are purely sex objects. Times have changed and women have progressively become more equal, especially in recent years. I believe that women are represented in this way to appeal to the male audience. As the hip hop industry is predominantly male, it is in a certain way a marketing tactic to increase the popularity of the record, therefore discarding the female controversy. However, there is some evidence of a male being degraded. In a shot of Fat Joe rapping, he has a member of his entourage holding an umbrella over his head. This job is associated with a low position, such as being a butler and therefore can be seen as quite degrading.
Media language
As you can imagine this video showcases a lot of fast paced editing. Therefore a range of shots are on display. Many high angle slow motion shots are used to look down on the women. There are many women who are dressed very scarcely and these women are generally shown under a high angle shot. Thus looking down on them, making them look inferior to the predominantly male audience. Low angle shots are used for the rappers themselves who are male to make them seem powerful. As well as this many close ups are used on both genders. However, in the case of the females, it is usually close ups of sexual body parts and for the males; it is usually of expensive possessions and there faces. The texts connotations run parallel to the message of the song, the chorus goes as follows “make it rain on these hoes”…through the use of the degrading address of women the audience can now understand on a literal sense why there are shots of half dressed women with money raining down on them, an idea usually associated with strippers and whores. Another point of discussion is the non verbal structures of meaning, many of the women seem to have a sexually aroused expression on their face, as well as this some seem to have seductive looks on their faces, as well as this their dancing is seems as a form of flaunting as much skin as they possibly can and finally the money raining down on them. All these factors combine to create a strong communication to the audience about how females are represented. These factors combine to make women seem inferior and as objects rather than people.
Narrative
In this video there doesn’t seem to be much as far as narrative is concerned. It just seems as if this video was an opportunity to represent the rappers in a flashy way and women as their lower counterparts. The audience through the use of camera angles have a feeling that they are part of the music video and they are in the position to be looking down on the women. However, even as there is a lack of narrative involved, it doesn’t interfere with the communication of messages that women are lower than men.
Genre
This text has in a way over a certain number of years become its own genre. It is indeed a music video but nonetheless due to the fact that it belongs to the hip hop industry it can be said that it has created its own sub genre. In recent years you can argue that videos of this nature are highly conventional. The changing roles of women in society and how women are represented in hip hop music videos seem to be moving in opposite directions. Typically speaking, the new hip hop music genre entails loads of indecently dressed women and a lot of showcasing of possessions of high expense. Women in these videos are as a rule portrayed to be passive sex objects who give in to the male demand. In this sense this music is highly stereotypical. The main rapper, Fat Joe, has some what a notorious status for producing controversial videos, with much sex and luxurious lifestyle on display.
In “Make it rain” there are various different people being represented. Although I will be focusing on the representation of women, I will be looking into how men are represented in counter and how this affects the way women are seen. Women are being represented as sex objects and in a very derogatory manor. The male characters in this music video are shown to be very powerful. This contrast between the statuses of each sex has the affect on the audience that the men are further heightened in status and the women are further degrading. In retrospect it is unfair to suggest that women are all subject to the male gaze and that they are purely sex objects. Times have changed and women have progressively become more equal, especially in recent years. I believe that women are represented in this way to appeal to the male audience. As the hip hop industry is predominantly male, it is in a certain way a marketing tactic to increase the popularity of the record, therefore discarding the female controversy. However, there is some evidence of a male being degraded. In a shot of Fat Joe rapping, he has a member of his entourage holding an umbrella over his head. This job is associated with a low position, such as being a butler and therefore can be seen as quite degrading.
Media language
As you can imagine this video showcases a lot of fast paced editing. Therefore a range of shots are on display. Many high angle slow motion shots are used to look down on the women. There are many women who are dressed very scarcely and these women are generally shown under a high angle shot. Thus looking down on them, making them look inferior to the predominantly male audience. Low angle shots are used for the rappers themselves who are male to make them seem powerful. As well as this many close ups are used on both genders. However, in the case of the females, it is usually close ups of sexual body parts and for the males; it is usually of expensive possessions and there faces. The texts connotations run parallel to the message of the song, the chorus goes as follows “make it rain on these hoes”…through the use of the degrading address of women the audience can now understand on a literal sense why there are shots of half dressed women with money raining down on them, an idea usually associated with strippers and whores. Another point of discussion is the non verbal structures of meaning, many of the women seem to have a sexually aroused expression on their face, as well as this some seem to have seductive looks on their faces, as well as this their dancing is seems as a form of flaunting as much skin as they possibly can and finally the money raining down on them. All these factors combine to create a strong communication to the audience about how females are represented. These factors combine to make women seem inferior and as objects rather than people.
Narrative
In this video there doesn’t seem to be much as far as narrative is concerned. It just seems as if this video was an opportunity to represent the rappers in a flashy way and women as their lower counterparts. The audience through the use of camera angles have a feeling that they are part of the music video and they are in the position to be looking down on the women. However, even as there is a lack of narrative involved, it doesn’t interfere with the communication of messages that women are lower than men.
Genre
This text has in a way over a certain number of years become its own genre. It is indeed a music video but nonetheless due to the fact that it belongs to the hip hop industry it can be said that it has created its own sub genre. In recent years you can argue that videos of this nature are highly conventional. The changing roles of women in society and how women are represented in hip hop music videos seem to be moving in opposite directions. Typically speaking, the new hip hop music genre entails loads of indecently dressed women and a lot of showcasing of possessions of high expense. Women in these videos are as a rule portrayed to be passive sex objects who give in to the male demand. In this sense this music is highly stereotypical. The main rapper, Fat Joe, has some what a notorious status for producing controversial videos, with much sex and luxurious lifestyle on display.
WHAT I PROPOSE TO DO MY STUDY ABOUT...
Summary of my study
My study will focus on the representation of women in the hip hop music industry. My study will particularly examine how females are represented through music videos. I will be analysing all different aspects of these music videos in order to fully understand how a particular representation is created and why this is so. I will be focusing on many different music videos in order to get an idea of the broader picture of this topic, however, I will be looking more closely at R-Kelly’s “I’m a flirt” and Fat Joe’s “Make it rain”. I believe by more closely focusing on certain texts I can create a solid argument.
I believe that my study will show that women are represented as being inferior to men and also that females are heavily objectified. I believe that women will be subject to Laura Maulvey’s theory of the ‘male gaze’.
There are many aspects to a music video one must consider when analysing how a certain representation is created, one of which is media language. I will look closely at the cinematography, costumes, lighting, editing etc. and hopefully conclude on how a certain representation of women is created. I will also look into how this affects the audience and how the audience affects the content of the music video. The audience is a vital aspect of this case study as the soul purpose of a music video is to sell the record and through this study I will be able to accurately examine how this is done. As well as this, some feminist groups may have problems with how females are represented and therefore may have an affect on the content of videos in some cases. It is also interesting to look into different institutions and directors of music videos, such as the record label ‘Rocafella’ and the music video director ‘Hype Williams’ and what messages as very influential figures in the industry portray to their audience.
The Social, Historical, Economical and Political aspects must also be considered in order to understand why the content is appropriate for its time and how the industry has evolved to become like this. When considering the social aspect, it is important in my study to understand what women are seen as in society and whether inferiority still exists. It is also good to consider influential groups such as the feminists who have an effect on what is correct or not. Other media content in different genres may also be looked into when looking at the social aspect. When looking into history, I must definitely consider the feminist movement as this was groundbreaking in the changing representation of women. As well as this I will look into traditional norms and values in which society more so based itself upon in previous decades. The political state will also affect what is portrayed in these texts. The idea that American texts such as the ones that I am studying can be made like this because of the right wing government is one definite possibility.
My study will focus on the representation of women in the hip hop music industry. My study will particularly examine how females are represented through music videos. I will be analysing all different aspects of these music videos in order to fully understand how a particular representation is created and why this is so. I will be focusing on many different music videos in order to get an idea of the broader picture of this topic, however, I will be looking more closely at R-Kelly’s “I’m a flirt” and Fat Joe’s “Make it rain”. I believe by more closely focusing on certain texts I can create a solid argument.
I believe that my study will show that women are represented as being inferior to men and also that females are heavily objectified. I believe that women will be subject to Laura Maulvey’s theory of the ‘male gaze’.
There are many aspects to a music video one must consider when analysing how a certain representation is created, one of which is media language. I will look closely at the cinematography, costumes, lighting, editing etc. and hopefully conclude on how a certain representation of women is created. I will also look into how this affects the audience and how the audience affects the content of the music video. The audience is a vital aspect of this case study as the soul purpose of a music video is to sell the record and through this study I will be able to accurately examine how this is done. As well as this, some feminist groups may have problems with how females are represented and therefore may have an affect on the content of videos in some cases. It is also interesting to look into different institutions and directors of music videos, such as the record label ‘Rocafella’ and the music video director ‘Hype Williams’ and what messages as very influential figures in the industry portray to their audience.
The Social, Historical, Economical and Political aspects must also be considered in order to understand why the content is appropriate for its time and how the industry has evolved to become like this. When considering the social aspect, it is important in my study to understand what women are seen as in society and whether inferiority still exists. It is also good to consider influential groups such as the feminists who have an effect on what is correct or not. Other media content in different genres may also be looked into when looking at the social aspect. When looking into history, I must definitely consider the feminist movement as this was groundbreaking in the changing representation of women. As well as this I will look into traditional norms and values in which society more so based itself upon in previous decades. The political state will also affect what is portrayed in these texts. The idea that American texts such as the ones that I am studying can be made like this because of the right wing government is one definite possibility.
Friday 13 July 2007
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