Feminist theory: blog tasks

aying With The Past: Post-feminism and the Media

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

2) Do texts such as these show there is no longer a need for feminism or are they simply sexism in a different form?
They don’t prove feminism isn’t needed; they just show that sexism has changed shape. Instead of just outright objectifying women, media now tries to make it seem like it’s "empowering" when it’s still very much catering to the male gaze.

The Theory Drop: Gender Performativity

1) How does the writer suggest gender performativity is established from a young age?
From the moment kids are born, they’re treated differently based on their gender. Boys get blue clothes and toy cars, girls get pink and dolls. The way parents, teachers, and society in general act around them makes them grow up thinking they need to behave a certain way to be "properly" male or female.

2) What does the phrase 'non-binary' refer to and how does it link to Butler's theory?
Non-binary means someone doesn’t fit into just "male" or "female" categories. It links to Butler because she argues that gender isn’t something you're born with, it's something people perform based on society’s expectations. If gender is performative, that means it’s flexible, not something fixed.

3) How and why does the media help reinforce gender stereotypes?
Media repeats the same ideas over and over again, showing men as strong, aggressive leaders and women as emotional, delicate, and usually in supporting roles. Ads, movies, music videos, and even kids' shows push these ideas, so people grow up thinking that’s just how men and women "should" be.

Music Video Analysis

Beyonce – "Why Don’t You Love Me?"

1) How might this video contribute to Butler’s idea that gender roles are a ‘performance’?
Beyonce is playing this over-the-top, 1950s housewife character—kind of exaggerating what people think a "perfect woman" should be. It’s like she’s showing how ridiculous these gender expectations are by acting them out to the extreme.

2) What might van Zoonen suggest regarding the representation of women in this video?
Van Zoonen would probably say that even though Beyonce is in control, the video still uses typical "sexy" imagery of women to appeal to the male gaze. She’s dressed up, doing housework in heels, crying over a man—things that fit into old-school ideas of what women should be.

3) What are YOUR views on this debate – does Beyonce empower women or reinforce the traditional ‘male gaze’ and oppression of women?
Honestly, it’s a mix. On one hand, she’s playing with these gender roles and making a statement about them. But at the same time, the video still leans into the whole "sexy, sad woman waiting for a man’s approval" thing, which doesn’t completely break away from old-school sexism.

Will Jay – "Gangsta"

1) How does the video suggest representations of masculinity have changed in recent years?
The video makes fun of old-school masculinity—like the idea that guys have to be tough, emotionless, and aggressive to be "real men." Instead, it shows that guys can be soft, expressive, and not fit into the "gangster" stereotype.

2) What does David Gauntlett suggest about representations of men in the media over the last 20 years?
Gauntlett says that media is starting to show more variety in how men are represented. Instead of just the macho, emotionless guy, there are more complex male characters who show vulnerability, creativity, and emotions without being seen as weak.

3) What is YOUR view on the representation of men and masculinity? Are young men still under pressure from the media to act or behave in a certain way?
Yeah, I think there’s still pressure. Even though media is getting better at showing different kinds of masculinity, there’s still this idea that guys have to be strong, not cry, and act dominant. Social media makes it worse too—if you don’t fit a certain image, people will call you out for not being "manly enough."