feminist critical thinking notes

Representation

happen at a structural level in terms of institutional, companies and organisations
happens at a textual level, individual images and films
radical and reactionary

Toril Moi’s (1987) – distinction between ‘feminist’ ‘feminine’ and ‘female’

visual pleasure and the signs of visual pleasure
‘the woman is seen as image and the man as the bearer of the look’
the male gaze
a world of imbalanced power and the power is sexual
‘the pleasure in looking is split between the active male and the passive female’
womens appearances are coded for strong visual and erotic impact
‘scopophilia’ – pleasure in looking
‘vouyerism’ – sexual pleasure gained in looking
‘fetishism’ – the quality of cut out, stylised and fragmented

highlighting the parallel between the ‘mirror stage’ of child development and the mirroring process that occurs between audience and screen.

woman sexualised in music videos
first wave of feminism = suffragettes
second wave of feminism = late 60’s/70’s society structured around male experience
third/fourth wave of feminism = more radical e.g. #metoo movement and #freethenipple

performers believe they are powerful owners of their own sexuality – Hendry & Stephenson

Kilbourne is internationally recognized as an expert on addictions, gender issues, and the media.
Jean Kilbourne has transformed the way in which organizations and educational institutions around the world address the prevention of many public health problems including smoking, high-risk drinking, eating disorders, obesity, sexualization of children, and violence against women.
part of second wave femininsm