Identities and Film: blog task

The media we choose to watch says a lot about us as people – it helps to construct our identity. 

Complete the following tasks using Media Factsheet 142: Identity and Film. You'll find it in our Media Factsheet archive on the Media Shared drive: M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets

1) Read Media Factsheet 142: Identity and Film.

2) 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.

Oldest child      Wannable-filmmaker   Impulsive             Wanderer

Student             INFP                         Tall                     Creator

British              Photographer              Activist                Shopaholic

Seventeen         Baker                        Feminist               Artistic

Gamer              Aries                         YouTube Addict+    Indecisive 

I prefer creative things, identify with my wants intrests and likes more than anything else.

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

Example responses to Kuhn and McPartland’s TST.
▪ Social groups and classifications (“I am a student”, “I am
female”)
▪ Ideological beliefs (“I am a Christian”, “I am a Labour
voter”)
▪ Interests (“I am a Queens of the Stone-Age Fan fan”, “I
am a cricketer”)
▪ Ambitions (“I am going to be a doctor”, “I am going to visit
China”)

▪ Self-evaluations. (“I am pretty”, “I am bad at Maths”)

4) 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?

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

Most characters are different, they don't fit into labels or groups. They do what they want even if they seem 'mad' like the Hatter. Alice explores and learns regardless of other peoples perceptions and wants for her. Tim Burton's work is also consistently one of my favourites, not only because of the characters but stylistically. The biggest successes are ones that find the balance between modern and Gothic styles.

5) 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 (1997, dir. Brian Gilbert)
O Mysterious
O Deceptive
O Talented
O Natural
Audiences may be encouraged to view members of the LGBTQ+ community as equal, they're normal, but also deceptive potentially due to societal constructs particularly in the past.

Philadelphia (1993, dir. Jonathan Demme)
O Negative
O 'diseased'
O Outcast
O Deviant
O Smart
O Has potential
O victim of social prejudice and panics

Although there is a particularly negative representation of a gay man, having Aid's, and being outcast for it, there is potential in the sense that sexuality is attempted to be ignored and there are people out there willing to help him whilst he is a victim of social prejudice.

The Wedding Banquet (1993, dir. Ang Lee)
O Performance
O Something to be hidden.
O Comedic

The LGBTQ+ community is presented as a comedic Performance which could be seen as both positive or negative depending on whether the audience is laughing with or at them.

The Kids are Alright (2010, dir. Lisa Cholodenko)
O Normal
O Confusing
O Comedic
The couple are presented as a normal family with a similar dysfunctionality, the comedic approach also makes them more appealing and definitely shows that the audience is more inclined to laugh with them.

 Pride (2014, dir. Matthew Warchus)
LGBT identities are constructed as a communal effort where everyone has to come together to show themselves in a positive light and to try and subvert social stereotypes, most of which have been created by a strict Catholic community.

29/02/17 - Yahoo issues new warning of potentially malicious activity on accounts

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/feb/15/yahoo-hack-warning-user-data-2015-2016


The company Yahoo have been faced with another cybersecurity issue between 2015 and 2016. The largest was in 2013 where a suspected 1bn users were compromised. One of the main reasons for this issue was through cookies where, when infected, people were retyping passwords giving the viruses e.t.c access to their account completely. The security threats have reduced the worth of the company in recent talks about being bout by Verizon.

O data from 1bn users was compromised in 2013 (the largest breach in history)
O The news comes as reports suggest that Verizon is close to a renegotiated deal for Yahoo’s internet properties that would reduce the price of $4.8bn agreement by about $250m, following revelations about the company’s security breaches.

I think that the Issues Yahoo has faced recently goes to show the extent internet brands/companies, particularly those responsible for user information and banking, have to go to ensure their content and site are and remain safe. We are incredibly reliant on the internet now especially for sensitive deals. But there is not 100% guarantee that it is safe because hackers are relatively unknown, especially in terms of their skillsets. The fact that Yahoo has been successfully targeted several times (that we know of) potentially goes to show that online brands are not taking security as seriously as they should and are not protecting their stuff correctly. And when issues arise, not enough is being done to upgrade what they have to ensure that they are now safe. I don't think our information is completely safe which is why we need to chose carefully about what we do online and what we should try to do to make sure some things remain in person.

29/02/17 - White House bans certain news media from briefing

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-39085235

Several major broadcasters and newspapers have been banned from a press briefing hours after President Trump attacked the media stating that "Fake news" was the "enemy of the people". He has most commonly targeted CNN and the New York Times especially regarding the reports regarding his associated with Russian intelligent officials. ABC, Fox News, Breitbart News, Reuters and the Washington Times were allowed into the informal briefing. Mr Spicer warned that the White House is going to "aggressively push back false narratives" "New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet said it was the first time such an exclusion had happened in the newspaper's history."

O Mr Zuckerberg said more than 99 per cent of news shared on Facebook was verifiable, but acknowledged more could be done to flag fake stories which had been debunked.

O 75% of US adults believed fake news headlines they were shown during a Buzzfeed Investigation.

I think that the "false narrative" take on the reasons behind restricting the people who can come to the briefing is a cover story that ironically is speaking the truth on a level. Trumps cut don't on fake news seems to make him come across as someone who will not tolerate false facts however he himself has been known to share made up stories including the brave statement on under-reported terror attacks, where in most of the cases they were top stories for the appropriate amount of time. Some of the companies whom were not aloud to go to the briefing were ones who have actively written negatively of Trump and his associations with Russia, it isn't to far to suggest that he is beginning to refuse access to journalists who disagree and challenge him.

Feminist theory: Factsheet research

Media Factsheet #125: Gender for A2 - Focus on Judith Butler
This Factsheet offers much more depth on Judith Butler and her work inGender Trouble (1990) - the argument that gender is a process or performance and not biologically set. It explores how Butler fits into wider media theoretical perspectives (e.g. Structuralism and Post-Structuralism) and also criticisms of her approach. One key criticism is the difficulty in applying Butler's ideas to feminist campaigns in the real world - relevant to our recent work on the possibility of a fourth wave of feminism.


Media Factsheet #125: Gender: Beyond Butler
This Factsheet explores a wider interpretation of the representation of women in media and society. It offers a historical perspective, looking particularly at the 1970s and British television. It also builds on Factsheet #89 and Jean Kilbourne's work on advertising and the representation of women. Finally, the Factsheet addresses masculinity and the changing representations of men in the media over the last 30 years.

Key Strands of Critical Thought
Phenomenology
This is the study of the way in which things appear to us (consciousness); used since the 18th century, it is associated with Kant, Hegel, Husserl and Sartre. Phenomenology considers how the mind perceives the world around it (anything external to the mind)
Structuralism
Structuralism focuses on the presumption that texts have a defined meaning, and that this meaning is created through the use of visual signs that carry meaning (signifers). Thinkers include Roland Barthes (enigma and action codes), Lévi-Strauss (binary oppositions), Todorov/ Propp (narrative theory/ roles). Structuralists are focused on the structure of a text, and the text itself.
Post-Structuralism
Here thinkers such as Michel Foucault move beyond structuralism to challenge the ‘defined meaning’ of the text. Post-structuralists consider not the structure of the text, but the audience who is decoding the text. Thus, post-structuralism considers texts to have various meanings depending on the audience. The author is no longer taken as the source for the meaning for a text – something Roland Barthes defined as ‘the death of the author’. 

O Butler’s ideas focus on the construction of gender identity
O gender is not given, but constructed; 
O Butler states that there are ways of ‘doing’ (constructing, exploring, developing, being) identity which challenge the existing binary oppositions of male/ female, masculine/ feminine, gay/ straight. This would cause problems for those in society that benefit from the existing binary oppositions that relate to gender and sexuality; 

he French writer and intellectual Simone de Beauvoir considered identity during the early 20th century:

“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman. 
 de Beauvoir is claiming that individuals become women through a process.

Butler considers de Beauvoir’s statement and argues that 
“it follows that woman itself is a term in process, becoming, a constructing that cannot rightfully be said to originate or end.”

There is no single defined subject of ‘woman’ or ‘women’ as it is a term (and therefore subject) which is evolving/ constructing/ developing constantly.( ongoing discursive practice... open to intervention and resignification.”)

Counter Arguments

Benhabib is suggested that Butler is not acknowledging the struggle of women within society, and that many women’s sense of identity is too fragile to be able to take control and ‘do’ the gender for themselves. 

Martha Nussbaum 

“it is also obvious that Butler’s work is not directed at a non-academic audience eager to grapple with actual injustices”
“Butler’s self-involved feminism is extremely American”

“Judith Butler’s hip quietism is a comprehensible response to the difficulty of realizing justice in America. But it is a bad response. It collaborates with evil. Feminism demands more and women deserve better” 

The main criticism which comes from feminist activists concerns Butler’s theoretical, language-based approach that appears impractical for solving real-world inequalities. 

Feminism in the media: examples

If you're looking for recent examples of feminism in the media then you'll find plenty. Prime Minister Theresa May is personally overseeing work on domestic violence legislation and there have been many other stories over the last few years that we can link to feminism. Here are just a few you may want to read up on:

Caroline Criado-Perez: female presence on banknotes 

Emma Watson: HeForShe gender equality campaign 

Ched Evans: petition to prevent footballer accused of rape playing 

Controversial FCKH8 campaign: ‘Potty Mouth Princess’

Identities: applying feminism

Find and read Media Factsheet #86 Applying Feminism. 

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

Radical Feminism 
This type of feminism believes the cause of women’s oppression is men. It assumes that men deliberately exploit women for their own gain and are seen as 'man haters' (Misandry) . One of the main aims of this is to address violence against women, especially in sexual relationships.

Liberal Feminism 
This type of feminism is mainly concerned with gender socialisation. And to show that gender roles are not biologically determined. The main aim of is to change the ways children are socialised into stereotypical gender roles and to attempt to change social improve the position of women within the family.

Marxist-Feminism 
This feminist approach looks at women’s oppression in relation to capitalism and the class system. One of the aims of this type of feminism is to look at the role of domestic labour within capitalism, namely that women work in the home for ‘free’, and the role women play in producing the next generation of the labour force.

Black Feminism
This feminism is mainly concerned with black and Asian women’s experiences of oppression and exploitation. It combines the  ideas about capitalism, patriarchy and anti-racism.

Postmodern Feminism
This type is associated with third wave feminists. It acknowledges  diversity amongst women and encourages women to find feminist ideas that link with their own experiences of life to create a branch of feminism suitable for them.

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

Judith Butler would fit into Liberal Feminism as Butler believes that 'traditional feminists are wrong to divide society into ‘men’ and ‘women’ and says gender is not biologically fixed.' and Liberal Feminism focuses on 'change[ing] the ways children are socialised into stereotypical gender roles change the ways children are socialised into stereotypical gender roles'.

Angela McRobbie would fit into the Postmodern Feminism as she 'highlights the empowering nature of magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Glamour, taking a different perspective to traditional feminists.' So like Everyday Sexism, there is the acknowledgement of diversity amongst women (more recently in terms of body image) and allow people to create their own branch of feminism that suits their beliefs and experiences/

Laura Bates and Everyday Sexism would fit into Postmodern Feminism as the sharing of experiences not only allows them to view feminism with regards to their own experiences but encouraged others to view feminist ideas as they are being shown the reality of sexism e.t.c.

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

Liberal Feminists - Suffragists

The National Union of Womens - Suffrage Society was formed in 1897 to bring together the groups of women who wanted the vote and to expand the rights for all women. They tried to do this peacefully and lawfully.

Radical Feminists - Suffragettes 
They believed that the NUWSS were not making progress quick enough so created a group called the Women's Social and Political Union. They were violent and confrontational and usually broke the law. ' They wanted the same
rights as men and their chosen way to reach this goal was through ‘deeds not words’, most famously chaining themselves to the railings outside Downing Street and the houses of Parliament.'

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

Mulvey believes that Classic Hollywood cinematography objectifies women: the camera is representative of a male character/audience member look at a women as if she is a sexual object. I do agree to an extent even in more modern films, just lest subtly, There are usually shots that occasionally seem out of place and unnecessary filming the women in a suggested provocative manner.

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:

Models - Airbrushing to perfection

Oprah Winfreys head put on Anne Margarets body for a TV guide cover in 1989

Lucky Magazine - 4 Images for 1 Image 'pieced together a new girl'

Billboards

Beyoncé having her skinned whitened for the l'oreal advert,

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

The most important thing is looks more specifically the 'ideal female beauty' where women feel ashamed when they fail. Failure is inevitable because you cannot achieve a photoshopped look in reality, you cannot chop other people's body parts that you like and ad it to yourself

7) What is Naomi Wolf's argument in The Beauty Myth?

Naomi Wolf argues that 'beauty' is patriarchal and is a socially constructed notion. Men, regardless of the culture are the ones 'in charge' of the idea of beauty.

8) Why is the representation of women in music videos a controversial topic for feminists?
Representations of women in music videos is a controversial topic for feminists as there are two valid sides. Some believing that women are in control and empowering, while others believe it is a failed attempt because it is simply encouraging the male gaze.

9) What is your view of female artists such as Nicki Minaj or Beyonce - do they empower women or reinforce sexist, patriarchal views?
I think that artists such as Nicki Minaj and Beyonce reinforce sexist and patriarchal views because their lyrics don't empower them, they often contrast with what they are trying to do visually. For example in  Beyonce's video for 'Why don't you love me?' she may be subverting stereotypical gender roles, but the ultimate idea is her lacking in a males approval, she wants their love. Which reinforces patriarchal ideals.

10) 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 think that NDM has given the opportunity to challenge sexist views whilst giving people to share sexist views at the same time. The only difference is that people are commonly 'called out' for sexist remarks and they are challenged more often that not. There has been a platform created where the general consensus is that sexism, racism e.t.c is not accepted.

22/02/17 - Fake news is 'killing people's minds', says Apple boss Tim Cook

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/feb/11/fake-news-is-killing-peoples-minds-says-apple-boss-tim-cook

The technology boss said firms such as his own needed to create tools that would help stem the spread of falsehoods, without impinging on freedom of speech.Cook also called for governments to lead information campaigns to crack down on fake news in an interview with a British national newspaper. This has come about after political parties on all sides have been using false information for their own gain.

I think that all the big companies are just talking about what needs to be done and not doing anything. There has only just been acknowledgement of false news, when in fact it is not a new issue. Rather than just commenting on what needs to be done the people in charge need to start doing something especially now where fake news was a main factor in the EU referendum and the US presidential election.

22/02/17 - Journalists to get greater reporting protections on AFP cases

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/feb/16/journalists-to-get-greater-reporting-protections-on-afp-cases

Australian journalists will gain additional protection for reporting on Australian federal police operations that could previously have seen them jailed for up to two years.The protection would permit the reporting of “controlled operations” in certain circumstances where the report would not endanger an officer or prejudice an ongoing operation.In 2014 the government created a new offence that potentially criminalised any disclosure by journalists and whistleblowers about “special intelligence operations.” The law was part of a broader package of national security reforms, and was seen as a direct response to the global revelations about electronic surveillance by the whistleblower Edward Snowden.

O 1 in 5 corporate fraud cases in large US companies from 1996-2004 was detected by employees and brought forward by a whistleblower.
O Whistleblowing is the single most common method of fraud detection.
O The percentage of employees who have observed wrongdoing and decide to report it: 65%.
O 22% of those who reported wrongdoing said they experienced retaliation because of their actions.
O More than $11 billion has come from lawsuits that were filed by whistleblowers under the False Claims Act.
O In 2011, 31% of whistleblowers experienced physical attacks on their property.
O 83%. That’s the amount that retaliation has increased since 2009, yet whistleblowing incidents have only increased by 12% in the same period of time.
O The monetary benefits the EEOC recovered for individuals claiming retaliation went past the $100 million mark for the first time in 2011.
O The total number of whistleblower complaints that were registered with OSHA in 2012: 2,787.

O 1 in 4 whistleblower complaints is typically withdrawn by the person who makes the complaint in the first place.

O There were 592 whistleblower complaints that were settled outside of the formal investigation process with no determination of right or wrong made.
O There were more retaliation complaints made to the EEOC commission in 2012 than racial discrimination or gender discrimination complaints.

O 38.1% of all charges made against employers in 2012 were retaliation related.

I think that protection for journalists should have happened a long time ago or at least after Watergate. Journalists shouldn't be punished for reporting incredibly important injustices. when they are they are just widening the divide particularly between the rich and the poor, the ones who can afford to 'get away with murder' are going to continue to have the power and money. They can control what they want when they want regardless whether it is outside the law or not.

Identities: Feminism and new/digital media

There is a current debate regarding whether the use of new and digital media to further feminist campaigns constitutes a fourth wave of feminism.

Key notes

Waves of feminism
First wave: early 20th century, suffragette movement (right to vote).
Second wave: 1960s – 1990s, reproductive rights (pill), abortion, equal pay.
Third wave: 1990s – present, empowerment, reclaiming of femininity (high heels, sexuality etc. See Angela McRobbie's work on women's magazines).
Fourth wave? 2010 – ongoing, use of new technology and digital media (e.g. Twitter) for activism.

Fourth wave?
Many commentators argue that the internet itself has enabled a shift from ‘third-wave’ to ‘fourth-wave’ feminism. What is certain is that the internet has created a ‘call-out’ culture, in which sexism or misogyny can be ‘called out’ and challenged.

This culture is indicative of the continuing influence of the third wave, with its focus on challenging sexism and misogyny in advertising, film, television and the media.

Key quote: “power users of social media”

The internet has facilitated the creation of a global community of feminists who use the internet both for discussion and activism.

According to #FemFuture: Online Feminism, a report recently published by Columbia University’s Barnard Center for Research on Women, females aged between 18 and 29 are the ‘power users of social networking’.

(Source: Political Studies Association. Read more about this: http://www.psa.ac.uk/insight-plus/feminism-fourth-wave)

Critics of online feminism
Critics of online feminist movements suggest that petitions and pressure from Twitter campaigns is simply a witchhunt orchestrated by privileged middle-class white women.

They ask: are ‘trolls’ the danger they are portrayed to be?
Case study: Everyday Sexism

Watch this TEDx talk by Everyday Sexism founder Laura Bates:



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

Laura Bates started the everyday sexism project because 'you can't solve a problem people don't want to believe in.' People are ignoring and diminishing sexism.

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

The Everyday Sexism project shows that we are not in a post-feminism society. Feminism is still required there are too many examples of women of all ages, beliefs e.t.c who are victims of sexual harassment and assault, in the street, workplace e.t.c and don't come forward because it is seen as 'office antics' and nothing else.

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

The idea that male and female behaviour is socially constructed can be applied here because harassment and assault is socially injected particularly in young men. The idea that there is nothing wrong and also having no reason to harass anyone shows how socially accepted it is.

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

The idea of female empowerment can be shown in a negative light when linked to the Everyday Sexism Project as media can be partially responsible for the obsession with breasts and butts. They are typically focal points of magazines and music videos. they are there for peoples 'viewing pleasure' which is unfortunately easily translated into real life where it is become the 'norm' to demand certain thing from complete strangers.

Media Magazine: The fourth wave?

Read the article: The Fourth Wave? Feminism in the Digital Age in MM55 (p64)

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

What is networked feminism?

The new fourth wave of feminism is also known as ‘networked feminism’. And aims to tackle socialising equality issues on and by using technology. UGC websites have flourished, twitter being the main player with their hashtags and campaigns.


Why is it a problem?

Feminists still struggle with misconceptions and prejudice such as a woman 'asking to be raped' if they're wearing a short skirt. The difference in today’s society is that in the fast-paced world of technological development, feminism can be left behind. Media, ‘feminists’ are still frequently

associated with campaigners such as the Suffragettes, who fought for the vote, threw themselves under horses and chained themselves to railings.

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

First wave: early 20th century, suffragette movement (right to vote).
Second wave: 1960s – 1990s, reproductive rights (pill), abortion, equal pay.
Third wave: 1990s – present, empowerment, reclaiming of femininity (high heels, sexuality etc. See Angela McRobbie's work on women's magazines).
Fourth wave? 2010 – ongoing, use of new technology and digital media (e.g. Twitter) for activism.

I do agree that we are in a fourth wave 'networked feminism' There have been plenty of organizations, campaigns and movements are being created and are thriving online. People are also continually identify as a feminist online.

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.

Everyday Sexism

Everyday Sexism is a campaign started by Laura Bates in 2012. It was a site people posted examplse of sexism faced by users. This was mainly to argue against those who believe feminism isn't needed, sexism doesn't exist and that women are in fact equal now. Thanks to the internet interaction it has become a lot more  instant and personal.

HeForShe

HeForShe is a campaign led by Emma Watson and was mainly focused on the male support for gender equality and solidarity. It has a large online presence and has shown people that feminism doesn't equal misandry.

FCKH8 Campaign

FCKH8 is a popular digital campaign and focuses on modern representations of girls and the social inequalities. It is a for profit organization and exploited feminism.

This Girl Can

This Girl Can is described as the first fitness campaign for women that doesn't shame or exclude women. It also doesn't have the sexual exploitation or body shaming seen in traditional womens fitness adverts. They have also called for a petition to stop taxing periods, where tampons are classed as luxury items when men's razors and crocodile steaks are not.

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 agree with both, this is a new concept of feminism but only to an extent and is a partial extension of third wave feminism. The internet has pushed the movement further ahead and it was only inevitable that it was going to be different from third wave as it is more internet based. However, it isn't so different that it is a completely different wave,

15/02/17 - White House's 'under-reported' terror list includes many well-known attacks

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/07/white-house-list-donald-trumps-undereported-terror-list-paris-attacks-berlin-truck-killings

The White House has distributed a list of 78 terrorist attacks to support Donald Trump’s claim that the media is failing to properly report them. But the list included many attacks that were constantly reported by western media in particular.

O Trump has been consistently false accusing  'fake news'

Like with a lot of his comments, Trump raises occasionally important issues, but ruins them with his 'alternative facts' The under reported 78 terrorist attacks were actually reported a lot throughout their time. In reality it shows how many western terror attacks are reported compared to the eastern terror attcks. There is a divide in the 'importance' it has on the news schedule. This also highlights the big issue of fake news. Trump can say something not knowing whether it was the truth and certain news outlets such as CNN, rarely check the facts behind it spreading false news to their audience..

15/02/17 - The clock is ticking for Spotify

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-38930699

'It's amazing to think that just 10 years ago, flat-rate digital music streaming services were a mere gleam in the eye of industry executives.''It was as recently as September 2007 that Rick Rubin, then co-head of Columbia Records, put forward the idea as a way of combating online music piracy and file-sharing.' '"In this new world, there will be a virtual library that will be accessible from your car, from your cell phone, from your computer, from your television."'But Spotify has not made a profit.

O But Spotify is seen as the leader, with more than 100 million users, 40 million of them paid-up subscribers to its Premium tier.
O major player in 60 countries
O streaming accounted for 51% of music consumption last year.
O It's thought that Spotify currently pays 55% of its revenue to record labels in royalties, with additional money going to music publishers.

I think that it is no surprise that Spotify isn't making a profit given the discounts and the amount it spends on royalties. Another issue that reduces profit is the 'free' version of Spotify  Users aren't entitled to pay as long as they endure ads, which i don't think will make as much profit as a payed subscription would.

Identities: Feminist theory and blog task

Identities: Feminist theory and blog task

A current debate in feminism is whether we are in a post-feminist state: is feminism still needed?

It's important to have your own opinion on this debate and, crucially, be able to support it with reference to feminist theory and current examples. 

Feminist theory: key notes

Judith Butler: gender roles

Butler believes traditional feminists are wrong to divide society into ‘men’ and ‘women’ and says gender is not biologically fixed.

By dividing men and women, feminists accidently reinforced the idea of differences between the two genders

Butler believes gender roles are ‘a performance’ and that male and female behaviour is socially constructed rather than the result of biology.

Butler and the media

If gender is a ‘performance’ rather than biological, we then need to think about what is influencing that ‘performance’.

And that’s where the media comes in. How might the media influence our behaviour in terms of gender roles?



Angela McRobbie: empowering women

McRobbie is a British cultural theorist known for her work analysing magazines aimed at women and teenage girls in the 80s and 90s.

McRobbie highlights the empowering nature of magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Glamour, taking a different perspective to traditional feminists.


This idea of ‘popular feminism’ fits into the idea of post-feminism and challenges the radical feminism of the 1970s.

Feminism: blog task

Watch the Beyonce video for ‘Why Don’t You Love Me?’ 

 

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

There is the reinforcement of the ideas that men and women are divided, also linking to the traditional idea that women belong in the domestic household to cook, clean e.t.c. The idea of the roles being socially constructed rather than biological is emphasised by the obvious failire to do some acts such as cooking.

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

McRobbie may view Beyonce as an empowering role model for women as she is showing an unsuccesfull attempt at conforming to stereotypical roles such as cooking a cleaning. Possibly highlighting to the audience that these attributes don't make or break a woman. Furthermore in terms of objectification, this isn't an example of a man viewing the women as a sexual object, she is sexualising herself with the use of body language, costume and camera angles herself whilst also showing alternative roles typical of a domestic housewife.

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

I think that this video reinforces the traditional male gaze as I think that some shot angles and costumes were unnecessary and had no real connection to the video if it was to subvert stereotypes. Sexiallity is still a prevailing factor used to appeal to a wider audience using the appropriate gaze. Furthermore there is the constant questioning of 'Why don't you love me?' which suggests that women need to be recognised, loved by and approved by men which should definitely not be the case.

Identities and the Media: Feminism

Media Magazine reading

1) Read Playing With The Past: Post-feminism and the Media (MM40, page 64 - our Media Magazine archive is here).

2) What are the two texts the article focuses on?
Pan Am  - ABC TV Show
Why Don't You Love Me - Beyonce music video

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

Beyonce - 'sexy outfits' Costume, objectified and welcoming the male gaze. The lyrics  surround the basis of her offering everything a man 'could want or need' whilst being seductivem, 'submitting herself to sexual objectification and acknowledging the male gaze' She is empowered only because she is 'controlling the gaze'

Pan Am - The first shot of the character of Laura is on a magazine where the purpose was for her to be 'admired and aspired to by women and visually enjoyed by men.'
The Image on the magazine also shows a 'constructed version of femininity'

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

On one hand texts like this could show that there is no longer a need for feminism and that we have a current understanding of it which enables us to look into the past with such criticism. However, women are still being objectified even by themselves, they are still not equal so there is still a very big need for feminism.

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

Feminism - A movement aimed at defining establishing and defending women's rights and equality to men.
Post-Feminism - An ideology in culture and 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.
Patriarchy - An ideology that places men in a dominant and sexually.

No More Page 3

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

The More Page 3 campaign was started by Lucy-Anne Holmes who wrote a letter to the editor of the sun in 2012 suggesting that they reconsider page 3.

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

'It isn’t the sexist 1970s anymore' - other newspapers used to have page three such as The Daily Mail but were dropped in the 1980's when things moved on.
'Women are not sexual objects'
'derogatory treatment of certain sections of society'




3) Read this debate in the Guardian regarding whether the campaign should be dropped. What are Barbara Ellen and Susan Boniface's contrasting opinions in the debate?

Ellen - Against
O The sun has been inconsistent in the removal of page three which means the they may be likely to bring it back on several occasions.
O Objectification is stil rife, and should not be stood for.


Boniface - For
O outdated + pointless.
O 2015 Feminist - Sexually empowering and celebrating the female body.


4) 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?

REPORT FROM UGANDA : ABORTION
The article shows a mostly negative side to the issue of Abortion in Uganda, which I agree with. Especially under circumstances of rape and danger to the mother/child. I don't completely agree with the statement of the religions being the two 'most misogynistic religions'. In my opinion I believe that the Misogyny comes from the perception of the religion rather than what the religion often promotes itself. The Misogyny and constant need to tell women what to do with their comes from the people themselves and religion is often used as an excuse.

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

The no more page three campaign and the Sexist News website can be linked to the idea of Post-Feminism as it shows change in perceptions. People are understanding the reasoning behind the campaigns behind the campaigns. Which for some could suggest that we no longer need feminism, or what we currently know feminism to be.

6) 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 agree with these campaigns in terms of their aims, they are directly addressing massive issues within society and there is definitely a need for these campaigns especially today with the rise of Trump in America. We need to makes sure we make a stand to continue the progress of equality and prevent falling backwards.


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

I definitely think that there is still a massive need for feminism. People are forgetting that the main aim for the movement was EQUALITY and we still do not have this. Quite simply we are still paid less just because we have the ability to birth a child. Many women do not want children, many are incapable, many choose to have them later in life and are paid less as a result of something that they are not even going to do. men still have a parental responsibility and some are single parents why are they not paid less even though many have the same responsibilities and expectations of mothers. If we lived in a post-feminist society we wouldn't have this gap, we wouldn't still be used as sexual plot devices rather than independent leading roles.

08/02/17 - Super Bowl ad prompts Trump supporters to #BoycottBudweiser

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/06/super-bowl-ad-prompts-trump-supporters-to-boycott-budweiser

US brewery Anheuser-Busch used its slot to send a pro-immigration message to the nation during the Super Bowl. The advert, Born the Hard Way, portrays a fictionalised version of the journey of Adolphus Busch to the US, where he would go on to help create Budweiser beer with fellow immigrant Eberhard Anheuser. Many Trump supporters took to twitter to boycott the brand whilst also misspelling them during the trend.

O Trump supporters have recently targeted Kelloggs with the #DumpKelloggs hashtag after the cereal company, along with around 800 other firms, pulled advertising from the Breitbart website.


I think that this shows that advertisement is not only a good source of revenue but influence to the people, the response shows that people listen to what is being said and also what is being said. This is also highlighting how people are stuck in their echo chambers, rather then acknowledging the facts behind the story people are automatically assuming some kind of Rebellion against Trump even through there are definitely undertones to this, it doesn't mean this is based on 'alternative facts'.

08/02/17 - In the post-truth era Sweden's far right fake fact checker was inevitable

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/jan/19/in-the-post-truth-era-swedens-far-right-fake-fact-checker-was-inevitable

a Facebook group called Mediakollen, which promised to debunk false information on the web, challenging inaccurate articles and statements using the visual cues and language of fact checking

Sign up to the new-look Media Briefing: bigger, better, brighter

 

Read more

Except Mediekollen is itself a tool of disinformation. It is, in effect, a fake fact checker. They create a different narrative using other pieces of evidence or opinion to support or knock down a statement or story. It is argument, often deliberately misleading, dressed up as verification.

O Nicholas Epley, a professor at University of Chicago  “There’s a reliable bias for people to hold things that they think are true, or would like to be true, to a lower evidentiary standard than things they don’t want to be true or don’t believe are true.”

O

I think that this is a prime example of how big the fat news issue has become. Even people who say that they are taking care of the issue or are trying to make sure they don't believe everything are still being pulled into the circle whether they mean it or not. Rather than relying on smaller/independent people. Larger institutions need to start taking responsibility and taking the regulation seriously.