In Douglas’s article “Fantasies of Power”, she discusses how in society today women are made to believe that we live in a post-feminism society where we are equal to men and don’t need any more support or empowerment. The point this author is making is that women are not actually on the same level as men yet, no matter what media may make us think. When women have this false idea of empowerment when they’re actually systematically oppressed, this can distract them from the real issues that exist.
Some people are not aware of the structural inequalities that exist in society, so it is sometimes a trend that celebrities reject the label of “feminist”. One of the most recent examples is that of Shailene Woodley, who has adamantly and consistently rejected the label. You can read her perspective here. http://time.com/3752855/shailene-woodley-insurgent-feminist/
Many people don’t understand the label and think they don’t need it. It all comes down to the issue of misunderstanding, and believing that empowering women means hating men. Meanwhile, other celebrities embrace it and promote it to empower women everywhere. The most public example is Beyonce, who has promoted the idea of feminism and made it more of a commonplace term.
The example of Beyonce is one that has sparked many conversations about feminism. She is such a strong female figure in our society that many people look up to her as a beacon of empowerment. She is such a famous figure that many people know who she is and respect her opinions. Comedian Aziz Ansari summed up the concept of “feminism” quite comically when he gives Beyonce and JayZ’s relationship as an example. The clip is here:
When you see it from that basic, foundational understanding of what feminism is and what the belief entails, when it is so easy to get behind it. This is an important clip because of how high-profile it is. Aziz Ansari is a recognizable comedian that is well-liked, and he is on a famous late night television show talking about this idea that many people constantly reject.
The article also talks about the reclaiming of sexuality, and the sexual empowerment of women. People have differing opinions about whether a sexual portrayal is empowering or objectifying. This article explains that the difference lies in the power structure. One can tell between objectification and empowerment if they see who has the power in the situation. That can be the guide when women are trying to figure out if “reclaiming their sexuality” is actually just displaying their bodies for the consumption of men. The answer is not simple because it goes on a case-by-case basis.
The issue of equality, feminism, labels, and objectification are all very complicated, and when intersected with the media it makes it even more complex. The way women are portrayed and represented in the media is as important of women’s voices being heard in the media.
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