tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302245627574027504.post3746359744404941251..comments2019-05-15T23:59:20.159-07:00Comments on Feminist Legal Theory: Women in film and television: empowered or objectified?Lisa R. Pruitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16469550950363542801noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302245627574027504.post-90586464086674578132012-09-26T15:04:34.796-07:002012-09-26T15:04:34.796-07:00This post really reminded me of the poignant and p...This post really reminded me of the poignant and pressing issues brought up by the film "Miss Representation."<br /><br />I think Sam is right that "the problem with media is that it fails to accurately portray the full gamut of what does – and what can – make women happy." But the ultimate root of that problem is the fact that women own less than 10% of major media outlets in America, including print and online resources. When the people deciding what is entertainment for a target demographic do not belong to that demographic, problems naturally arise. <br /><br />The solution? More women with the education, empowerment, and financial wherewithal to manage and control media corporations - and the courage to remain authentic to real women's issues rather than issues that men perceive to be women's issues (how oh how will i find a husband by age 30, how can I be a more efficient coupon-clipper, etc).Attisaurushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15541632637679618867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302245627574027504.post-77406540774791462132012-09-23T09:59:55.587-07:002012-09-23T09:59:55.587-07:00“Who can forget that Miranda reconciled with her c...“Who can forget that Miranda reconciled with her cheating husband, or that Charlotte gave up a lucrative career for kids? Didn't both Samantha and Carrie leave New York and abandon their lives to follow their boyfriends?”<br /><br />None have these acts is inherently anti-feminist. They become anti-feminist if they are done because a woman feels obligated or motivated to do them because of societal expectations for her gender. If Charlotte gave up her career because she feels women are expected to be caretakers, and the message of the show is that this expectation is justified, then her actions becomes anti-feminist.<br /><br />However, if Charlotte gave up her career because that is what sincerely makes her happy, then her actions are perfectly consistent with feminism. Feminism is not an end in itself. It is simply a means for women to achieve a greater level of well-being.<br /><br />The problem with media is that it fails to accurately portray the full gamut of what does – and what can – make women happy.Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02846170473126452754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302245627574027504.post-65067853899432679132012-09-19T14:22:34.587-07:002012-09-19T14:22:34.587-07:00I would agree with CET, and I think she makes a ve...I would agree with CET, and I think she makes a very strong point about reality television and the reinforcement of negative stereotypes. The entire line of “Real Housewives of [American City]” shows is really hard to stomach. The title alone is awful, and the premise leaves something to be desired. What’s really offensive, though, I think, is that these are all categorized as “reality TV.” Obviously, there is nothing real about anything on reality television, but the glorification and categorization of the behavior as “reality” has to be damaging on a fundamental level. That is, by giving these shows a viewing audience, we run the risk, as CET says, of conceptualizing the actors as the “modern wom[en] next door.” And that is simply unacceptable.Mohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18388948187362912185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302245627574027504.post-31235996152808066142012-09-18T18:50:51.050-07:002012-09-18T18:50:51.050-07:00I vote that women on TV today are more objectified...I vote that women on TV today are more objectified than empowered. I think this is due to the increase in reality TV shows that center around women who are "famous" for being "real housewives" or "celebutantes." These women it seems are very focused on their appearance and are constantly getting into catfights with other women. Unfortunately, I think some people watch these shows and see these reality TV stars as representing the modern woman next door.<br /><br />While there are other TV shows that feature strong female leads who are intelligent and articulate (Bones on FOX is one of my personal favorites), in 2010, 15 of the top 20 TV shows were unscripted reality shows. What are viewers learning from these shows? Lots of drama gets you attention and fame. It seems the women with the most character and sass get the most camera time.<br /><br />I will caveat all of this by saying that I don't watch any reality TV shows except The Bachelor (which is among the worst as far as its depiction of women). From what I have seen, however, few reality TV shows aim to show women as strong, independent individuals who I would be proud to call a friend or role model.CEThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02633830407602623200noreply@blogger.com