Representing Reality
Media as an ‘imaginary world’ that appeals to the ‘social fantasies’ of men
Male Gaze
Men making meaning according to what they see... The power of men over women through the language of images:
- Derogatory remarks: babae kasi; whistling; chicks; shota (short time)
- Role: homemaker; seducer; weak; baby maker
- Body image: sexy; ‘boobs’, dumb blond
Presupposition
The assumption of meaning for an object, event or even persons (in our case, gender), that leads to representing, generalizing then internalizing.
From a male gaze, the 'gazer' will assume or create bias interpretations or meaning..
Example: Women who wear skimpy clothes are cheap and would like to be seduced, touched, have sex..
Representation
- All media texts are re-presentations.
- They are composed, framed, branded, targeted, etc.
- They are artificial versions.
- They can therefore be manipulated—intentionally or unintentionally.
- It is almost impossible for non-bias or objective representation to exist.
Generalization
The "reality" of a dominant culture; group or voice can be generalized as THE culture; THE group or THE voice = REALITY
It becomes the NORM…
The non-dominant or ‘subordinate’ culture; group or voice is negated = UNREAL!
They INTERNALIZE the NORM…
Internalization
- The process by which a meaning is passed on as a NORM
Example: "Woman is weak."
- This legitimizes all other cultural, political, religious and economic NORMS
Example:
Woman is weak & should stay home... not work.
Woman is weak & should be taken cared of by strong man.
Woman will teach women to look for man to take care of them.. because they are weak.
