Getting Started

What is your artifact: Pop star music videos, Pitbull music videos.

What do you want to say about it: Many music videos today sexualize and dehumanize women. It is degrading and creates a toxic environment for women growing up.

How would you describe the artifact: In the music videos you see women in little to no clothing, often bathing suits. They have a full face of makeup and their hair is perfectly curled, etc. The camera focuses in on a certain body part that makes these women look more desirable based on societal norms (breasts, butt, etc.). A lot of women act as mens counterparts, they surround men or fancy objects such as cars and boats. Also women are shown with alcoholic beverages.

Who is helping you say what you want to say: In her lecture about advertisements and social media today, Kilbourne emphasizes that "Just as it's difficult to be healthy in a toxic physical environment... So it’s difficult to be healthy in what I call a ‘toxic cultural environment,’ an environment that surrounds us with unhealthy images and constantly sacrifices our health and our sense of well being for the sake of profit"(Kilbourne). She exemplifies the idea that in todays society we are surrounded with images of false reality. This means models and images in advertisements are not real and not whom we should compare ourselves to. These advertisement influence our views and try to promote stereotypes and emphasize societal "norms", which in turn creates a toxic environment.

In her lecture about culture criticism to the audience, Kilbourne acknowledges “...The body language of girls is usually passive, vulnerable, and very different from the body language of boys and men.  Women are often shown in very silly poses, whereas men are generally afforded dignity and strength, even as children”(Kilbourne). She explains that women are presented in ways that influence other people actions. Sometimes when they are shown as passive men then are violent and overpowering because they believe that it is their role. As people today we need to think critically and understand that these objectified women do not represent women as a whole. Thinking critically is an important skill to master in todays society with all the false news and fake propaganda.

Jean Kilbourne. "Killing Us Softly 4 Advertising's Image of Women" Youtube, February 7th, 2018,      -                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnAY6S4_m5I October 19th, 2018.

How do I get this thing started: The presence of a flamboyant yacht overwhelms the computer screen as a young girl begins to watch the music video to her favorite song. A predominant, assumed to be wealthy man dressed in a white clean cut suit stands on the deck adjusting his designer watch. It is difficult to focus your eyes on this man as he stands acting like his position of wealth is a typical day for him, because he is surrounded by beautiful women. All the women have on sexy bathing suits and they all show off their perfect bodies. These women are standing and laying down to show off their smooth legs and large breasts. Also, they are all drinking pretty alcoholic beverages that look tasty. The young girl watches the music video Fun by Pitbull featuring Chris Brown, and takes it all in and whether she critically analyzes this video or not, she is influenced and is pulled into the toxic environment we live in today.

ICE Method

Introduce:
In her lecture about culture criticism to the audience, hook acknowledges "Thinking critically is at the heart of anybody transforming their life... (hooks)

Cite:
(hooks) Google how to cite a youtube video.

Explain:
She explains that children in this world are exposed to all forms of media early in their life. What these children view influences them when they do not think critically. Thinking critically is an important skill to master in todays society with all the false news and fake propaganda. When we think critically, we are able to see through the toxic environment presented by media today.

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Introduce:
In her lecture about advertisements and social media today, Kilbourne emphasizes that "Just as it's difficult to be healthy in a toxic physical environment... So it’s difficult to be healthy in what I call a ‘toxic cultural environment,’ an environment that surrounds us with unhealthy images and constantly sacrifices our health and our sense of well being for the sake of profit."

Cite:
(Kilbourne)

Explain:
She exemplifies the idea that in todays society we are surrounded with images of false reality. This means models and images in advertisements are not real and not whom we should compare ourselves to. These advertisement influence our views and try to promote stereotypes and emphasize societal "norms", which in turn creates a toxic environment.

Practice Citation

Gaunte Kyle. "10 Responses to the Phrase Man Up." A Love Song, A Death Rattle, Battle Cry.

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Introduce:

Cite:

Explain:

They Say, I Say

1. The introduction title is "Entering the Conversation" this reveals that as a research/argumentative writer, we need to be involved in the conversation and be able and willing to give our own input. Our role is we need to add information into the conversation, involve ourselves so we can gain all the info necessary for our research. Also as argumentative writers, us as writers need to be understanding and willing to listen to all sides of every story, not just be one-sided and believe our own personal views are the only views.
2. The "They Say, I Say" formula is important in your research writing because not only do you want to include your opinion but you also need to include what others have to say. To argue it is helpful to include both sides or positions on the topic, so the audience has enough background knowledge to agree or disagree with the presented information. All good academic writing will provide the audience with both sides of an issue not just a one-sided paper.
3. After looking at the templates in "Ways of Responding" the purpose of these templates are to set up a way to disagree or agree on the topic, at a sentence level. It shows me that it is important to include your position and these templates allow you to do so in an easy smooth way. We should consider using them because they help enhance writing, without your stance on a topic, your writing will be flat.
4. The Dr, X story illustrates that a writer or speaker needs to clearly indicate their thesis, but also they need to clearly state their opinion on the thesis and how they are responding to it. If they disagree or not.
5. -Common sense seems to dictate that_________    -My whole life I have heard it said that_________     -At the same time I believe________, I also believe_________
6. The most common response when responding is a in between response, meaning the person does not want to totally agree or disagree for many different reasons. Sometimes they don't want to have to explain themselves so they do this, other times they want to see what others say. Our responses to everyday texts influence reactions and answers to other topics. 
7. It is a good tactic to not directly jump into a mass of detail, but state clearly whether you agree or not with heh subject.
8. I think I am going to write critically about: a music video, and examine issues of gender, and societal norms within this media. When I pull back the curtain some of the messages I see are how they objectify and sexualize women and how these videos set a societal norm on appearance and actions. What I want others to understand through my analysis is these videos form a toxic environment for children growing up surrounded by and watching them. They should promote positive messages in attempt to boost confidence levels not drag them down. They need to stop promoting the wrong ideas.

Music Videos Representation of Women

Watching many music videos today, you see women constantly wearing little to no clothing. They are surrounding a fancy or wealthy scene, sitting on cars or expensive boats. The are presented as objects and are there to help advertise and essentially sell the image or scene presented. It is worth noting that they sometimes are seen with alcoholic beverages and I think this is not by accident.  Sometimes the women are doing things or are framed to look unintelligent and uneducated. They are positioned in a way when seated or standing to show off a part of their body. These women tend to where small or tight bathing suits or inappropriate clothing. Not to mention, they are covered in makeup to help enhance their beauty because these videos love to follow the societal beauty norm. These images are often unrealistic as well, you will see a women in a bathing suit but yet she will have her hair perfectly curled and a full face of professional makeup done. When you analyze and dig deeper into the actual scenes presented in these music videos it really shows the intent of the video. These videos are trying to sell certain ideas and promote certain images, these images are not what children growing up today should believe to be the "norm".  These things are shown in many music videos today and it is devastating and unfortunate to witness. I am thinking about writing about music videos.

Critique #4: Video games or Music

Choice 2: Music

Many music videos today, this one included sexualizes women and makes them look like objects. The  women have no lyrics or actions, they honestly are just placed in the video to help enhance the male leaders "reputation". There are many things wrong with these music videos. First of all most women in these videos are wearing little to no clothing and are again portraying society's ideal image of beauty. This can be related to the quote “...The image isn’t real; it’s artificial, it’s constructed.” This quote is true even in music videos, these women are altered and edited. They do not always look so flawless, they have loads of makeup to help them fit into societal beauty "norm". Second, these videos constantly promote the same images. They show a successful male figure in a wealthy car or boat, wearing designer clothing, with women who are beautiful and half naked. These women act like their counter parts, they are not presented as people. This relates to the quote “...turning  a human being into a thing is almost always the first step toward justifying violence against that person.” This quote clearly exemplifies how women are constantly treated like objects and counter parts, which does nothing but hurt their confidence and allow men to believe this idea is okay, which it is not! We need to think critically watching these videos because many people view these music videos growing up, and then they constantly compare themselves to these women and get this image of them acting like objects in their head, this is a toxic environment created. Not only do the videos create this sad image but the lyrics also present many degrading and dehumanizing ideas about women.

Quotes and Connections

"Movies are a 'lead propaganda machine' working against equal rights movements for women and minorities. Movies, and popular media, have the potential to reverse the progress made toward eradicating intolerance and bigotry in society today"

I agree with my quote. It explains how movies are leading propaganda and really promoting racial and gender stereotypes that are offensive. This quote relates to my previous critiques because it shows how directors are purposefully placing certain actors of a certain race or appearance or gender into a movie because they think this is what will make the movie more appealing for viewers, meanwhile it is just working against equal rights movements for minorities and women. Many movies today still sexualize women and make them helpless characters who are society idea of "beautiful" but can't speak or fight back for themselves. Movies also may place someone of color as the criminal in a scene, because they are playing off of stereotypes and feels that makes the most sense, it doesn't. This is extremely degrading and is making society take steps backwards, rather than progress forward, when fighting for equal rights for women and minorities. I agree with this quote and believe we all need to come together in order to put a stop toward this, because the world needs to be moving forward and taking strides toward equality, not get kicked backwards due to popular culture events (such as movies, advertisements, ect.)

My peers had similar ideas, they connected the ideas presented in the quote to motivated representations shown in Hooks analysis of movies and directors. I really liked what others said about how when kids are young they are not capable of telling what is wrong versus right and what they should watch versus what they shouldn't. This is important because it all starts when you are young. It all starts when you can't consciously choose what shows you watch are good or bad so you just end up watching cartoons which then in turn can correlate with stereotypes. Young brains are then introduced to societal standards or what is considered "normal". Kids think that they should look or act a certain way based on stereotypes presented to them in movies and media today. Also, we can choose to ignore lots of media or movies but we are all surrounded by it and one way or another are influenced by it.

Critique #3: Bell Hooks

In Hook's interview she says "Part of the power of Cultural Criticism is to say that there really is a conscious manipulation of representations. Media is not about magical thinking, it's not about pure imagination or creativity, it's about people consciously knowing what kinds of images will create a certain impact [on viewers]." This quote is interesting because it is true and prevalent today in movies and advertisements we are surrounded by. The quotes presented explain that people especially directors of movies are consciously knowing what images produce a certain impact. People continue to promote stereotypes because they feel this is what people in our world today will respond to. A more recent movie that plays on stereotypes would be the movie Kissing Booth. This movie presents the young girl as an object, she is constantly being fought over by guys and seems to be passed off like it's not a big deal.

Critique #2: Kid Stuff

The ideas encountered in the above texts explain that shows children of young ages are exposed to, are stereotypical and frankly bad influences on the children. Many Disney movies tend to frame generic characters and present them in stereotypical ways. These movies only show heterosexual relationships, where the male is extremely masculine, and follows all these unspoken rules about his appearance. Usually, the men are the hero and the woman is the one swept off her feet, who is thin and pretty. Not to mention almost, if not all are white characters. I agree in believing that these are bad for children to watch and then believe they need to look or behave certain ways. Writers critique Disney by showing their use of stereotypes, they also do say that sometimes Disney is emphasizing the women's power, such as Mulan. She plays a significant female role in a Disney film.The broader messages are children should not grow up thinking these things are the norm, because it makes them become judgmental of others and themselves. TV shows such as Doc Mcstuffins, need to be present and available for all children so they grow up learning and understanding that everyone is different and they should love themselves. Also, these education shows teach young kids important principles
about life and being safe. When I was younger I loved Mulan. Today I see that the movie really hypes up the stereotypical ideals of a mans appearance. In the following clip, the movie sums up what a man should look like and be able to do strength wise.

Counter Culture

Today, after listening to Guante's poem, it truly opens up the idea to everyone that ads today and stereotypes that are heavily listened to are degrading and wrong. No man or women should ever have to be judged or judge themselves based on their appearance and who they are. Unfortunately the world today shaped our views and has effected every single person in this world, whether the believe it or not. We are surrounded with images, phrases, stereotypes that constantly make us rethink who we are and make many of us follow unspoken rules to be "normal". What is normal, cisgender, is a word that essentially means you grew up to be a boy when you were born male, or you grew up to be  girl when you were born a female. This word is attempting to make you think,  this word attempts to denormalize the idea of being normal. In my opinion it accomplishes this, and makes the audience think about titles and if they really matter.  Yes I am a female who grew up to be a confident girl, I am cisgender. This word can easily come off as weird to others because it seems different because maybe it sounds like transgender, because it is not normal, but it is nothing to be ashamed of. It shows that anyone should be able to associate themselves with what they want. No one, no ads, no images, no society should tell them who they have to be.

Pop Culture Critique #1: Kilbourne

Popular Culture-7 minute Writing

When I think about what I watch online and on television today, I think of Shameless and Atypical. These are two of the Netflix shows I am watching. Both do a decent job of showing a diverse cast, but when I think about shows I sed to watch when I was younger, it is easy now to realize the shows were entirely white, no other race was in the cast. Today, this still needs improvement. I love to watch Ellen today as well, she is an amazing influential person that many people look up to. She has an incredible day time talk show where she expresses her opinions on topics that are controversial and she talks about the issues in todays society but she does so in a light nicer way. Therefore no one gets too angry, she uses humor to help express her opinions. Ellen brings in people of different backgrounds, races, genders, social statuses and recognizes many people for the good they do in the world. My favorite artist today is Bryce Vine. These artists and shows define who we are as a society because it shows how even today, we don't give many people enough credit. I mean many people of different races. Racism is still very present in our society and we need to address these things. Many of our favorite artists or actors, are not white, and people love them when they are famous, but others who are not famous assumptions are made.

Critique #1

Kilbourne’s message throughout the incredibly impressive lecture, was clear to the audience. She explains using many example ads and statistics that advertising today and in the past, objectifies women in a horrible way. Ads today try to sell concepts of love, sexuality, success, and tells women today, tells us who we should be. Ads try to normalize the idea of female beauty, and they create a public health problem. They create a toxic environment for women growing up today.

A few examples that really sparked my interest was specifically the part where she explains that many ads are computer generated. I understand people use editing to get rid of blemishes and lighten hair color, etc. But what I did not realize is sometimes the women in ads are not even real. More often than not, one image of a women is actually 4-5 women put together in order to make her look like their idea of “perfect”. This is not only horrifying that they can do this but also disgusts me knowing that they have to edit beautiful women just to gain this “societal idea of beauty”. People especially men tend to have a fixed idea of beauty due to these ads that are not real, and it makes society judgmental and it results to young girls judging themselves.  A second idea that I found interesting and unfortunately not hard to believe, is a study showing that from these ads younger girls are now more at risk of depression, eating disorders, and low self-esteem. No wonder there is a correlation. When girls are introduced to this ideal image of beauty at a young age (which is typically shown as young, thin, blond, and blue eyed) they want to look like that. So therefore, they attempt to look like this by using unhealthy methods and it lowers their confidence which is extremely devastating. 

A third example from the lecture that rattled thought, was the fact that 1/3 of all women in our country are killed by their male partner. This fact is extremely sad, but it also relates to advertising because in many ads it is not uncommon to see violence towards women. Many ads show a woman in a vulnerable, passive position. Where the men are then showing dominance and confidence over her. Ads promote women to appear as nothing more than objects and men’s counterparts, which is not only degrading and extremely offensive, but also correlates to men reacting violently with their spouse. Ads have also shown or hinted at men kidnapping, or even killing women. These ads allow men to grasp the idea and unfortunately act certain ways resembling the idea. Finally, one last thing that sparked my attention and made me sad, was the idea that many ads today are made to show older sexualized women child-like. They are promoted to have child-like features or dress/act in a childish manner. This juvenile approach promotes child pornography and is frankly terrifying that men approve and enjoy ads like this. Ads like this make sexual assault and domestic violence worse. Ads like this are disgraceful and heart breaking.

 This message Kilbourne brings up, absolutely needs to be payed attention to and we need to do something about it. No longer can we stand aside, especially females. We need to act out together as a group to fight. Activism and education are a huge step to fight against these degrading ads. Together we have to change this environment that girls are growing up in.  Today there are still extreme advertisements that follow the same principles, but there are some rare ads that give us hope for the future. This ad for Always, is my favorite ad of all time and fortunately it does the opposite of the scary ads shown in Kilbourne's lecture. It shows the innocence of young girls, not corrupted by ads and these "societal norms". This ad gives women confidence in who they are, and that they should be proud to be themselves. While it is so important to pay attention to these scary ads and fight for women’s rights, ads like this provide us with hope and shows us what we are fighting for!

Journal #6: Alternative Assignment

I watched two episodes of W. Kamau Bell's series of The United Shades Of America. I watched an episode exploring Chicago Gangs and an episode about Immigrants and Refugees. In the Chicago Gangs episode, Bell explained how Chicago is a segregated state, south Chicago (housing many gangs) is extremely different then north Chicago. Bell touches on the common theme that the lack of education in the lower income areas correlates with the violence of kids which results in many of the south Chicago problems. The high gang rate in Chicago is increasing the number of deaths.  Bell talks to members of different gangs, and it seems that people in these lower income areas join gangs because they provide individuals with a sense of community and love, which they wouldn't get otherwise in the real world. Living in these neighborhoods many don't have a strong family bond and are left to fight on their own, they don't get to experience love, so gangs provide them with bonds and friendship that helps them move on. When talking with members of some gangs, many people say that social media makes the gang violence much worse. This is called cyber banging, and it does not help with the violence. Black Lives Matter also is explored and Bell gets many opinions of people living in south Chicago on the topic. They explain that they are not anti-cops, they like cops that do their job correctly. The want to stay safe just like everyone else, but they do not want cops who jump to conclusions and act out in violence towards people just because of their skin color. Next in the Immigrants and Refugee episode, Bell explores the idea of many people traveling to America to work hard and live a better more promising life. He explains that more people are supportive pf immigrants after Trumps election, in 1994, 63% of Americans though immigrants were a burden to society. In 2015,  51% of Americans thought immigrants strengthened America. Bell continues to explain that 50% of start up businesses in America were founded by immigrants. Many popular businesses like Tesla or instagram. In both episodes Bell explores many important topics people should not look past.

Bell engages the viewers into the topics by using humor. His constant use of comic relief helps engage the readers and make them more intrigued. Bell does an extraordinary job of using humor, he is on a very fine line in relation to what jokes he can make. But he knows when to hold them back and what to say in the right time and place. He makes it easier for the audience to continue watching rather then get upset at what people truly think/say over these controversial topics. Also, to keep the audience interested Bell does a good job of incorporating normal everyday people. He constantly gets feedback from people on the streets of all ages, genders, races, and incomes. People that the audience can relate to. The idea to incorporate opinions from all over. He incorporates polar opposite views from all different people and confronts every idea, not by getting angry but by laughing off what is absolutely crazy and horrible and just listening to others, then remaining come and respectfully responding.

Throughout the episodes, racism and inequality are addressed in many different ways.  Bell brings up past events and gives examples of racism such as police brutality. He explains many different recent instances, along with talking to people who currently face constant racism. Bell touches on the idea of unequal education systems in lower income neighborhoods and the effects of this. He also talks to many immigrants that face inequality everyday such as in the workplace. Throughout both episodes Bell is constantly asking his viewers overlying question of what can we do. What can we as viewers, as the audience do about these challenges that face our life. We as audience members need to stop standing back in hopes everything fixes itself. We need to inform others and stop being racist. We can control out own behaviors and attitudes and we need to spread awareness. Today, I absolutely see the racism and can make a connection of all these topics to the real world. I constantly see new stories on the news about police brutality or a tweet from a political figure, that degrades immigrants or people who aren't white. It kills me every news article that is racist but in todays society it is very prevalent and as informed individuals we need to get out there and do what we can to stop racism.