Hetero Barbie Article Summary

The article, "Hetero Barbie" begins by focusing on how young girls center their attention on their image and bodies. Especially when a female enters into her teenage years, a heterosexual girl focuses her attention on a boy and eventually dating. Once a female reaches this stage in her life, the article describes how she will obsess over styling her hair and putting on make up. Barbie is the center and prime example for young girls to do this. Beauty stems from Barbie's image- her hair, makeup, and body is society's view of perfection. While Barbie is the center of beauty, she also goes against society's norms.

The article states that she "escapes" society's expectations of a woman in a relationship. Barbie is rather independent and occupies herself with travel and a diverse amount of careers. The article puts a different perspective on Barbie's image, stating that she may be a "drag queen." Her wardrobe, according to the article, is said to attract a gay audience. Lesbian and Bisexual sexualities are also part of the diverse audiences that can be associated with Barbie's image.

This article goes even further with the speculation of Barbie being asexual. Michael Osborne, a Barbie doll collector, has nearly 300 barbies. This is significant because its demonstrates how Barbie's image is so easily addicting and is desired to be obtained. Her image is attractive and idolized; Osborne even dressed as Barbie for Halloween. The way Mattel has designed Barbie enables her image to be interpreted in different ways with a diverse amount of sexualities. It is up to one's own interpretation of Barbie and the way they see her image.

Gendered Slang/Language

Language is a huge aspect of any culture. I believe our language is gendered to some extent; However, I have never personally heard of the words previewed on urban dictionary. I do not believe these words are common today. Instead, I believe our language is surrounded by certain characteristics for both males and females. 

Men and women need to follow certain guidelines in our culture in order to fit into society's expectations. Take cursing, for instance. In our culture, if a male curses, it is considered normal. On the other hand, if a female curses, it is considered obscene. This is one example of how language is gendered. Women must follow certain guidelines and watch what they say in order to be respected. Males do not need to follow these same guidelines- instead, they are expected to do this while the women are ridiculed. 

The comfort levels of gendered language is also evident in our culture. Take sexual terms for example. Males identify with sexual language and find amusement in it as well as normality. Women are judged if they were to take part in this language. 

In contrast, gossip is something females find normal while men do not associate with this language. Females are able to express feelings through gossiping while males express their feelings much differently. Language puts gender in a whole new perspective. While cultures may not know it, they have set guidelines in what both males and females can and cannot say.  

Image-Based Culture: Advertising and Popular Culture Summary

The article, "Image-Based Culture: Advertising and Popular Culture" discusses the effects advertising has on society's values and assumptions. We live in a culture where society's expectations are high and center around an appearance's aesthetic. Through advertising, our culture has adapted to the marketplace; we believe we can achieve happiness because this is what advertisers feed to their buyers. Advertisements tell us what we want to hear and target not how people are acting, but how they are dreaming.

The article states, "happiness and contemporary contentment appear illusory in contemporary society." This statements depicts how the image system is merely an illusion. The text, colors images, and commercial communication creates the illusion. In order for buyers to decode these complex messages, advertisements must "educate as well as sell." Advertisements have a lot of thought put into their images to capture the buyer's eye. These advertisements develop into what the article calls an,"image saturated society."

This article also discusses how goods are the center of perceived happiness. Advertising only promotes images that buyers will interpret as "the good life." These buyers must obtain certain products to feel a satisfaction in having the product. However, the images promoted by advertisers are not only about satisfaction. The article also discusses how advertisements influences and effects center around gender identity, gender strike, and sexuality.

The article also keeps the child audience in mind; the market place illuminates the continuous divide between boys and girls. Toy advertisers limit the young minds of both males and females by targeting toys for a specific gender. Because of this, imaginative play is becoming more scarce. 

Images within society are rapidly filling our culture. These visual images dominate the lives of children as well as adults. This article focuses on the importance of how we perceive these images in today's society. Our image-based society has enabled people to give up their control in the real world. We have immersed ourselves in appearances, and commercial happiness that will never come close to the happiness that comes with values in the real world.

All in The Family

A nuclear family, which consists of a father, a mother, and their kids, has evolved and changed into what society calls, the modern family. Today, modern families consists of single parents as well as same-sex parents. Modern families have switched the gender roles, which is discussed in Sarah Eckel's article, "Dad-Mom Role Reversals." I can relate to the working mother and stay at home father which is the main topic discussed in the article because I was raised by a single father. Although both my mother and father worked, my Dad raised my sister and I after my parents divorced. He invested  lot in me while also working his career. My father played both the mother and father role, which can be quite difficult for a father to do.

Today in modern families, the contrast contrast of gender roles is becoming more evident. The article states how the father of his 7-year-old daughter had gone out to, run errands in [her] ballerina pajamas she’d slept in." He mentioned how he thought it was an outfit, and was unable to differentiate her pajamas with the clothes she wears on a regular basis. This illuminates how the parenting role for the father contrasts with the mother's. It is not unusual for a father to make this mistake, however, if a mother were to do this, she would be considered a horrible mother.

Many mothers invest more in their children than they do in a career. One mother in the article, however, had the opportunity to further develop her professional life; it mentioned how she appreciated the opportunity to do this. However, the contrast to this is the father's loss of ego in the relationship. Many mothers find fulfillment in taking care of their kids, while fathers find the same fulfillment in their career. It is important that both roles are seen as equally important, because each role is essential in its own way. 

An interesting aspect of this article was how one mother, Kelly, mentioned how she, "made sure to recognize her husband’s contribution." It is important for both the mother and the father to recognize the work they do, no matter what is is. Whether a father works in a career or is taking care of the children, he is still contributing to the family. Compared to a nuclear family, modern families can be just as effective if both roles are appreciated. It does not matter the role of the parent; all that matters is that they are investing themselves in the family and engage in different aspect of what will benefit and help the family thrive. 

"There are Bitches and Hoes" Article Summary

Tricia Rose's article, "There are Bitches and Hoes,"talks about some of the most popular pimp icons, which include Snoop Dogg, Ice T, Pimp, Dr. Dre, and many more. This article comes across how rappers have evolved their music which wreaks of  degrading lyrics towards women. The popularity of these male rappers stem from their control over women. The male rappers receive praise from fans all over because of this power they possess. Some of the songs even use physical violence. Rose mentions how this ultimately degrades women emotionally and physiologically.

The lyrics and music video's focus is to name women as "bitches and hoes." Many women are rewarded when they live up to this term. They use their bodies and sexuality to receive recognition and to attain fans and money. The women who follow through with the hyper sexual pop culture are the ones who become successful and are idolized.

Tricia Rose also describes how hard it is for a female to become a rapper. Women are not praised for their talents; they are praised for their bodies. In the article, it is mentioned how a female rapper broke down crying because the rap industry tried to conform her and force her to be seen as a "whore" rather than a rapper. The signifies how sexist this industry is.

The article also explains how hip hop serves as an attack. Black popular culture affects many black women. The ones who try to take a stand against sexism are degraded even more. This is why many go along with the sexist ideas because it is culturally and socially acceptable. Rose states, "Being anti-sexism doesn't come naturally in a system that rewards us for participating." Therefore, not only is it acceptable, but those who are sexist are rewarded for it.

On page 388, Rose states, "the gangsta rapper image needs bitches and hoes." A rapper cannot be the successful image he desires to be unless he is controlling women and depicting these females as "bitches and hoes." It is sad that this industry has fans only because the hyper sexual images of these women are the center of it. Without "bitches and hoes," the industry is very likely to make no money, have no fans, and have little to no success.

Modern Love

"I love you." It is common for our culture to hear this statement thousands of times throughout our lifetime. It exists in all different aspects of relationships: family relationships, romantic relationships, friendships, etc. Many times, people confuse lust with love in a romantic relationship. This is because the media and pop culture identify sex and lust with love rather than putting someone’s needs before them because they care about that person. To me, love comes before a person’s appearance as well as any physical attachment in the relationship.

I believe love is a gift. Often times, people have the opportunity to love but do not get the chance because they are concerned with other priorities. In our culture, work is valued over spending time with the people we love. Online dating solves this issue in the romantic arena. Many people who are supposed to start to date or find their soul mate at a specific age are too occupied with their career track. They seek bigger and better things in the career world rather than seeking a love that will prosper naturally. 

The article, “Love at First Click: Is Online Dating For You?” gives an insight to how much dating has changed over the past decade. It illustrates how the value of love is replaced with the value of attractiveness. Pop culture has enabled both males and females to have certain expectations in the dating world. Prior to online dating, people would meet face to face. This face to face interaction has more benefits than screen to screen. A natural spark ignites and love and dating are represented in a more genuine and beautiful way. Love should not cost money or be based on attractiveness. These two aspects are the main focuses of online dating. It is important to be attracted to your partner; however, the looks of two people in the relationship should not be the center of their love. 

The article states, it is "suggested that by 2040 70% of couples will meet online." This sky rocketing percentage is overwhelming because it signifies how the majority of our culture will be too occupied to go out into the real world and date. People do not have the courage or time to go out and seek love which, in my opinion, is pathetic. It does not take a lot to go out one night and spontaneously meet someone. Yes, online dating is useful and exciting, but there is nothing like the rush that comes with meeting someone for the first time face to face. It also personalizes the relationship when you meet someone off screen.

The article also mentions, “paid sites will increasingly focus on those that are looking for serious commitment, while free sites will target the more casual user." This statement demonstrates how these dating websites do not focus on the dating applicants’ best interests unless they are willing to pay money for it. Why waste money when you can waste time to go out and meet someone? These dating websites are in reality a loophole that enables people to become fixated on the excitement that comes with viewing profiles and narrowing it down to the most attractive one. What if they swiped past their soul mate on Tinder? These questions will forever remain unanswered because the media and pop culture has put certain looks, standards, and styles for people who access online dating. 

Prior Research on SATC Summary

The article, "Feminism without Feminists: Prior Research on SATC," looks into the deeper aspects of the popular show, Sex and the City. This article explains how the show is open to the subjects the media and society do not typically discuss. One of the aspects of this show which differentiates it among other shows is how it encourages, "frank talk about female sexuality"(Kim 8). Because this show is so open to this subject, many different audience members indulge in it because it relatable as well as entertaining.

One of the main topics discussed within this article is how SATC does not follow traditional values; female friendship is at the core of this show. This female dynamic replaces the male figure as the dominant role. The article states,"this elective family structure is one that gay men and lesbians have relied on for generations- a self-selected family that willingly meets its members’ needs" (Kim 8).  The alternative dialogues and scenes which relate to different gender roles are not often seen in the media, which is why SATC appeals to many different audiences rather than just single women. Not only this, but the "widening array of roles for women and the inclusion of gay men" (Kim 10) is what also appeals to the diverse audience of SATC.

Even so, SATC presents "bisexual, lesbian, and gay characters... in ways that marginalize their existence and reify the dominance of heterosexuality" (Kim 12). The female character's race and class position is exemplified through their personalty, style, and voice in this show. Their race and class enables them to be seen as prioritized and privileged. These females are not afraid to express their viewpoints which is why hegemonic feminism is a dominant theme as well.

The article captures how this show is viewed as "radical" for the topics discussed, including abortion. These topics "privilege issues important to women" (Kim 8). The media often attaches female characters in shows to motherhood because of society's expectations and beliefs. In SATC, however, Miranda's pregnancy was viewed completely opposite. Her pregnancy lead to a realistic viewpoint which "impinged on Miranda’s career, time with friends, her body, and her sex life" (Kim 10). In today's society, abortion is unethical; SATC provides different values and a different viewpoint with how a single woman's mind and life is. This show reflects upon women who have other priorities to keep in mind other than reproducing.

This article also discusses how SATC's "luxury and consumerist pleasures"(Kim 13) are highlighted within the series. The single life of these females and their roles draws away attention from the lives of other single women. While this show offers a different angle to reality, the author's purpose in writing this article is an attempt to determine whether viewers "buy into the hegemonic narratives about race, class, gender, and sexuality embedded in SATC, or whether they produce negotiated or oppositional readings"(Kim 13).

YouTube, I Tube, We all tube-

Clip that portrays stereotypical gender roles: https://youtu.be/VhB3l1gCz2E“Always #LikeAGirl – Unstoppable”

Clip that defies the gender roles portrayed in clip #1: https://youtu.be/KAR1sMZvPms “Kate Heckaman – Firefighter|Paramedic”

The first clip, “Always #LikeAGirl – Unstoppable,” advocates how girls are limited. The stereotypes in this video demonstrate how girls cannot be challenged and should not seek challenges. The girls in this video write different stereotypes on boxes which correlate to these young women feeling boxed into society’s limitations on them. Just a few of these stereotypes include how girls are weak, cowardly, unworthy, and slow. In this short video, one young girl mentions, "I can't really like, rescue anybody…it's always like, the boys who rescue the girls in the stories." I find this statement to be interesting because in today’s society, more and more women seem to be taking leadership roles and are rescuing others in society in a plethora of ways. However, the women who are in the position of these leadership roles are the women who have confidence in themselves.  

The role of these girls in the Always clip is to be seen as perfect individuals when in reality they only need to be themselves. Their experiences reveal how their role in society is to be closed minded by not going out for sports or being themselves. In the second clip, Kate Heckaman, a female firefighter and paramedic, defies the stereotypes depicted in the first clip. The contrast between the first clip and the second clip demonstrates how if a female believes in herself, she can be a role model for other females and give guidance as well as strength to other females. Kate Heckaman’s job portrays her as a strong leader by rescuing others. Her daily acts defy the stereotypical view in the first clip of how it is a man’s obligation to rescue others. 

The limitations of young women described in the Always clip correlates to Women Read the Romance. The article states, "Many of the women explained... they would feel refreshed and strengthened by their vicarious participation in a fantasy relationship where the heroine is frequently treated as they themselves (Dines, Humez 69). The women's desire to want to be treated as a hero is a direct parallel to how females ultimately do not view themselves as brave. Heckaman is one of the very few female firefighters and acts as a hero everyday. She is living her fantasy by being who she is- a brave and confident female.

The two clips compare to one another as well. In the first clip, one young girl mentions how she told herself she should stop if she was not good enough, however, this mindset only lasted for a week. She proved others wrong by trying harder to get better and stronger. Heckaman describes how she played hockey when there were not a lot of girl’s hockey teams, however, it is clear that her strength guided her and enabled her to believe in herself to compete. For both clips, the target audience is for females who do not believe in themselves or who do not have enough confidence in themselves. I believe both videos are effective in teaching the audience; Heckaman states, “the more young girls are exposed to strong confident women, the more they are going to believe in themselves.” This statement is true for all the women out there who have the mindset to not let others limit them in anything they desire to do.