Nurse Jackie, not your typical medical television show drama. The show begins by showing a medicine cabinet opening and some light music plays. As the opening music plays the viewer sees a bottle of pills, syringe, name tag and individuals floating seamlessly through the air. Some of the characters in this show are not typecast in stereotypical gender roles. For instance, Nurse Jackie is a female nurse, a stereotypical career for many women. She is also a mother, a wife and a drug addict. Nurse Jackie lies to, and cheats on her husband, with the hospital pharmacist.
Her husband, Kevin, is frequently seen taking care of their two children, as she is generally absent for some reason. Her husband is the perfect epitome of masculinity; he operates a bar, he’s shown playing baseball, he wears jeans and sports jerseys. She is nearly always shown wearing the typical scrubs, therefore her clothing does not scream femininity. In fact, Nurse Jackie is rather tuff and domineering in her manner of speech and approach, typical of masculinity.
There are several male nurses, one is gay, his name is Thor, a name associated with strength, and Thor refers to sex with women as “eww”! The other male nurse is heterosexual, but like nurse Jackie, he too is a drug addict. Obviously, male nurses are rare, and society perceives the nursing field to be a career for women, not males. There is another male who plays the heterosexual doctor Cooper. However, Doctor Cooper whines, and behaves childishly; he likes to remind the staff he is a doctor. He thinks of himself as almost god-like, referring to his doctor status as a way to; “use his powers to do good”. The medical staff reciprocates, by treating him like he is beneath them; the pharmacist called him a, “stupid goat fuck”. This guy shows none of the signs society equates with typical masculinity.
Another character that is present is that of a female doctor. The female doctor is both classy, and feminine. She shows her femininity by wearing high heels, and couture clothing, clothing that she verbally acknowledges as such. The female doctor walks about with an air of authority and confidence, not because she is a doctor, but because she’s more in control than the male doctor. She shows her classiness by having a limo pick her up from work; while the male doctor walks to work. In today’s world it’s generally the man that is seen hopping into the limo. There is some gender role reversal at play in this show. Clearly, the females are shown to be the mentally strong and dominate figures, and the men are seen as more sensitive and submissive. A promo clip of Nurse Jackie can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjC-uSnTEE4
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
"Your Body like a Carryout"
Right off the bat the video exudes sex appeal. This video is about sex, and the female gender. The first thing the viewer sees are yellow and orange flashing neon lights and arrows. Bold and bright neon lights, and red spot lights light up the videos backdrop. Neon lights are naturally associated with strip and night clubs, especially those featuring sexy women. The flashing arrows are strategically pointed, at the butt, of the female dancer, and the word “hot cakes”, appears at the level of her butt as well. The background neon lights illuminate the words; “Drive In” in a bold blue color, and “Hot Cakes” in a bright yellow color, both words are implying sex.
The female dancers are dressed in sexually various forms of provocative clothing; their outfits are tight and revealing, showing plenty of butt and boobs! All of the dancers are wearing stockings attached to garter straps. Of course, both of the male singers are dressed in masculine clothing: jeans, jackets, hats and t-shirts; there is nothing sexually revealing them or the way they’re dressed.
The song begins with the words “Baby, you looking fine”, immediately the focus is on the women’s bodies. The dancers shake their butts and lower their upper torso to expose their cleavage. The next series of lyrics are: “I have you open all night, like an iHop”, “I take you home to keep me company”, “You give me some of you, I give you some of me”. This song is about guys picking up women, taking them home, and having sex. In the next line of lyrics you hear; “You look good, baby must taste heavenly”, as one of the dancers dips her fingers into a drink with whip cream, she then licks her fingers with her tongue. Other lyrics refer to “super size“, and we see guys in a black sport car, cars represent masculinity, but cars are also a direct reflection of the males sexual ego.
As the song plays on the male singers are shown wearing black and white suit coats, two of the female dancers are dressed in black and white skimpy maid outfits. These maids’ outfits illustrate the idea of serving the man. The body movements of the women are feminine, and suggest submissiveness. As stated by Devor, the women are dancing in a feminine and subordinate manner, by positioning their arms and legs closer together (569). Timberlake sings “he’ll take 2 number three’s“, which implies sex with more than one woman.
Various desserts are seen, some topped with maraschino cherries. One female dancer bites seductively into a cherry, and we hear the lyrics “feed your appetite”; the women are being treated like desserts. “Take my order cause your body like a “Carryout”; in other words, the female body, can be ordered up, and taken home like fast food to satisfy a mans sexual appetite! “I can feed you, you can feed me, I want you full of me“, “I’m gonna touch you in all the right areas”, “have it your way”, a reference to Burger King.
This song is selling pure sex, from the masculine prospective. The women in this video are seen as the stereotypical female sex objects, they’re dressed in scanty clothing, clothing which bares a lot of skin. The females wear clothing that is sex related; it’s “gender distinct” (570). The clothing consists of stiletto heels, leather, lace and the seductive colors of black, and red. The women in the video are slim, and attractive, which implies these are the only desirable types of women for sex. The video shows the women performing for the men, they dance, and they take their order, and serve them. As stated in the Devor reading, these women are “moving and acting in ways men find attractive” (569).
The guys sit around and sing; “take my order”, “get it right”, “turn me on”, “what’s your name?”, and “what’s your number?” all stereotypical ways men in society think of women. Although, the men are not dressed in a sexually explicit way, some of their body movements are typical of masculinity. These men show several forms of masculinity and dominance. This is evident in the sternness of their facial expressions, and body postures. The men move their “hands and arms away from their bodies”, and are seen standing erect and stiff in some of the video. (571).
Unlike the women, the men bare no skin, the men wear clothing that is double-layered or buttoned to the top, and secured with a bow-tie. There’s nothing overtly sexy about the men. Timberlake sings; “he does it well”, and “he is well seasoned”, but that’s about as much manly sex appeal as we see coming from these guys. Another stereotypical issue; one guy is extremely heavy, yet, none of the women are heavy. Why didn’t the music company one or more heavier women? Because society has a view of what is sexy, men can get away with being heavy, and a woman is looked down upon if she’s heavy. Both the song and video berate women. Lyrics such as “your body like a carryout”, and “drive thru”, are prime examples, of why women in society are viewed just for their bodies and looks, and not much more. As Devor states, our “cultural constructs”, continue to have a major effect on the way females and males are expected to “act, look, and behave, as witnessed by this video.
The female dancers are dressed in sexually various forms of provocative clothing; their outfits are tight and revealing, showing plenty of butt and boobs! All of the dancers are wearing stockings attached to garter straps. Of course, both of the male singers are dressed in masculine clothing: jeans, jackets, hats and t-shirts; there is nothing sexually revealing them or the way they’re dressed.
The song begins with the words “Baby, you looking fine”, immediately the focus is on the women’s bodies. The dancers shake their butts and lower their upper torso to expose their cleavage. The next series of lyrics are: “I have you open all night, like an iHop”, “I take you home to keep me company”, “You give me some of you, I give you some of me”. This song is about guys picking up women, taking them home, and having sex. In the next line of lyrics you hear; “You look good, baby must taste heavenly”, as one of the dancers dips her fingers into a drink with whip cream, she then licks her fingers with her tongue. Other lyrics refer to “super size“, and we see guys in a black sport car, cars represent masculinity, but cars are also a direct reflection of the males sexual ego.
As the song plays on the male singers are shown wearing black and white suit coats, two of the female dancers are dressed in black and white skimpy maid outfits. These maids’ outfits illustrate the idea of serving the man. The body movements of the women are feminine, and suggest submissiveness. As stated by Devor, the women are dancing in a feminine and subordinate manner, by positioning their arms and legs closer together (569). Timberlake sings “he’ll take 2 number three’s“, which implies sex with more than one woman.
Various desserts are seen, some topped with maraschino cherries. One female dancer bites seductively into a cherry, and we hear the lyrics “feed your appetite”; the women are being treated like desserts. “Take my order cause your body like a “Carryout”; in other words, the female body, can be ordered up, and taken home like fast food to satisfy a mans sexual appetite! “I can feed you, you can feed me, I want you full of me“, “I’m gonna touch you in all the right areas”, “have it your way”, a reference to Burger King.
This song is selling pure sex, from the masculine prospective. The women in this video are seen as the stereotypical female sex objects, they’re dressed in scanty clothing, clothing which bares a lot of skin. The females wear clothing that is sex related; it’s “gender distinct” (570). The clothing consists of stiletto heels, leather, lace and the seductive colors of black, and red. The women in the video are slim, and attractive, which implies these are the only desirable types of women for sex. The video shows the women performing for the men, they dance, and they take their order, and serve them. As stated in the Devor reading, these women are “moving and acting in ways men find attractive” (569).
The guys sit around and sing; “take my order”, “get it right”, “turn me on”, “what’s your name?”, and “what’s your number?” all stereotypical ways men in society think of women. Although, the men are not dressed in a sexually explicit way, some of their body movements are typical of masculinity. These men show several forms of masculinity and dominance. This is evident in the sternness of their facial expressions, and body postures. The men move their “hands and arms away from their bodies”, and are seen standing erect and stiff in some of the video. (571).
Unlike the women, the men bare no skin, the men wear clothing that is double-layered or buttoned to the top, and secured with a bow-tie. There’s nothing overtly sexy about the men. Timberlake sings; “he does it well”, and “he is well seasoned”, but that’s about as much manly sex appeal as we see coming from these guys. Another stereotypical issue; one guy is extremely heavy, yet, none of the women are heavy. Why didn’t the music company one or more heavier women? Because society has a view of what is sexy, men can get away with being heavy, and a woman is looked down upon if she’s heavy. Both the song and video berate women. Lyrics such as “your body like a carryout”, and “drive thru”, are prime examples, of why women in society are viewed just for their bodies and looks, and not much more. As Devor states, our “cultural constructs”, continue to have a major effect on the way females and males are expected to “act, look, and behave, as witnessed by this video.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Electrolux equals $$$!
A perfect example of gender stereotyping, and social class are evidently apparent in this Electrolux commercial; which features actress Kelly Ripa. The commercial shows a career women leaving her job; she does a quick clothes change before getting on her way. She is an attractive female with blonde shoulder length, straight hair. She is dressed casually; but wears a feminine satiny top. On her way home she has stopped at the grocery store for food. The viewer sees her racing back from the grocery store to her home carrying two full bags stuffed with items.
Once inside the house, we can see class is apparent; by the large open spacious kitchen with its beautiful granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. There is a large kitchen window showing the backdrop of the city scape, this view is shown from an upper floor. Obviously, not many people can afford to live on in an apartment with this type of view. Therefore, one would imagine that only people with substantial wealth could afford this type of apartment. As the female walks around the apartment one can see other sign’s of wealth too. Besides the expensive Electrolux appliances, we see large rooms, nice woodwork, modern decor, and a huge plasma TV.
We see her preparing a roast effortlessly, melting chocolate dip for the kids, and tossing the dog a toy. And, yet, she still has the time to play host, and entertain a large group of friends. Her hectic day is not over yet as she loads up her dishwasher and cleans her stemware. Afterwards, she has one last motherly duty to perform; she has to ensure no monsters have hidden under the childs bed. Consumers see a woman who appears to be claim and happy, even though she must be highly stressed out. This lady appears to run on endless energy; and the viewer is left both exhausted and amazed watching her. Thank goodness for Electrolux appliances!
Now a day, more often than not, this may be how society views a women, but, this is also how women see themselves as well. The busy career mother will want these expensive Electrolux appliances, because you are this type of woman, you fit this mold. This commercial is obviously based on how society views the female gender; the female is the person who takes care of all the household duties. At no time in the ad do you see a male performing any of the “typical” household chores. Why not? Men can work appliances too. Clearly, this ad is appealing directly to the superwomen, she is the person who juggles motherhood with career, and in today’s society, this is how women are expected to perform. This ad can be viewed here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDBMHz1Dthw
Once inside the house, we can see class is apparent; by the large open spacious kitchen with its beautiful granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. There is a large kitchen window showing the backdrop of the city scape, this view is shown from an upper floor. Obviously, not many people can afford to live on in an apartment with this type of view. Therefore, one would imagine that only people with substantial wealth could afford this type of apartment. As the female walks around the apartment one can see other sign’s of wealth too. Besides the expensive Electrolux appliances, we see large rooms, nice woodwork, modern decor, and a huge plasma TV.
We see her preparing a roast effortlessly, melting chocolate dip for the kids, and tossing the dog a toy. And, yet, she still has the time to play host, and entertain a large group of friends. Her hectic day is not over yet as she loads up her dishwasher and cleans her stemware. Afterwards, she has one last motherly duty to perform; she has to ensure no monsters have hidden under the childs bed. Consumers see a woman who appears to be claim and happy, even though she must be highly stressed out. This lady appears to run on endless energy; and the viewer is left both exhausted and amazed watching her. Thank goodness for Electrolux appliances!
Now a day, more often than not, this may be how society views a women, but, this is also how women see themselves as well. The busy career mother will want these expensive Electrolux appliances, because you are this type of woman, you fit this mold. This commercial is obviously based on how society views the female gender; the female is the person who takes care of all the household duties. At no time in the ad do you see a male performing any of the “typical” household chores. Why not? Men can work appliances too. Clearly, this ad is appealing directly to the superwomen, she is the person who juggles motherhood with career, and in today’s society, this is how women are expected to perform. This ad can be viewed here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDBMHz1Dthw
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Skyy Ad
Right off the bat you're lured into the ambiance of the Skyy ad by; class, sex, and wealth. These three elements also draw you into the lone glass of vodka, complete with olive, sitting on the small table The ad uses sexual identity, and femininity by using a beautifully attractive thin woman. She is dressed seductively in a revealing black cocktail dress and high heels. The woman is standing with one leg slightly bent, her arm outstretched, her fingers gently touch the top of the chair, she holds a drink in her opposite hand. Her head is tilted slightly downward, her eyes are innocently, yet, teasingly fixed on the person sitting in the ultra sleek egg chair. The person seated in the chair appears to be a male. The viewer is only able to see part of his arm, and manly looking hand, which is holding a glass of vodka. He too is dressed in black. The viewer of the ad is left with the feeling that these two individuals are likely going to be having a good time together later on!
The color black is one of the colors at play in this ad. Black is a timeless, mysterious, powerful and sensuous color, all the notions this ad is trying to portray. The apartment is noticeably elegant, and sophisticated with it's shiny black floors and tall glass windows. The black floors are illuminated by the backdrop of city lights, and nearly match the bottle of Skyy vodka in color. There is no doubt that the viewer can see that social class is at play here as well. From this apartment the city view is amazing, the kind of view that only a person with a fair amount of wealth could afford. However, the color white is used to highlight the little round white table. This white table draws attention to both the lone bottle of Skyy and glass of vodka. The The consumer is also drawn to the ultra modern white egg chair, here the mysterious man in black sits, who is he? One thing is certain, he's the lucky guy with the attractive lady in his apartment. Obviously the ad is implying that if you purchase this vodka you too can have all that goes with it. What goes with it are; the attractive women, the sex, and an apartment overlooking a city. Skyy vodka is for people that want a certain type of lifestyle, a classy, elegant, and refined lifestyle, which is what their vodka is all about.
The color black is one of the colors at play in this ad. Black is a timeless, mysterious, powerful and sensuous color, all the notions this ad is trying to portray. The apartment is noticeably elegant, and sophisticated with it's shiny black floors and tall glass windows. The black floors are illuminated by the backdrop of city lights, and nearly match the bottle of Skyy vodka in color. There is no doubt that the viewer can see that social class is at play here as well. From this apartment the city view is amazing, the kind of view that only a person with a fair amount of wealth could afford. However, the color white is used to highlight the little round white table. This white table draws attention to both the lone bottle of Skyy and glass of vodka. The The consumer is also drawn to the ultra modern white egg chair, here the mysterious man in black sits, who is he? One thing is certain, he's the lucky guy with the attractive lady in his apartment. Obviously the ad is implying that if you purchase this vodka you too can have all that goes with it. What goes with it are; the attractive women, the sex, and an apartment overlooking a city. Skyy vodka is for people that want a certain type of lifestyle, a classy, elegant, and refined lifestyle, which is what their vodka is all about.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Subaru Forester Ad
The details of this Subaru Forester ad begin by showing an attractive family hurriedly leaving their house. Their ultra modern large house has a winding driveway swirling with fall leaves. It's apparent the size of the house makes a statement about this family's class; they're well-to-do. The gender of the family, consists of the socially accepted norm, a family of four: female mother, male father, son and daughter. The ad's slogan is "All 4 The Driver". All of the family members are dressed causally. The father appears masculine in blue jeans, polo shirt and sneakers. The mother is dressed feminine, her clothes are light colored and flowing, like her blondish colored long hair. The children are dressed neatly as well, the boy wears capri-style pants and sandals, the girl wears shorts and pink colored top. Clearly the family looks to be anticipating a fun drive in their Subaru Forester; they hop eagerly into their neutral colored silver car. The ad mentions DNA, this not only implies to the attractiveness represented by the family, but to the car's performance too.
The ad further mentions the words "best", "beautiful drive", and "explore your world" as the car enters a national park. To show ride comfort, the ad uses two white parakeets flying freely and gracefully toward the entrance to the park. To appeal to a mans need for speed, the driver panel with speedometer is shown. Safety is mentioned by the 5-star rating, symmetrical all-wheel-drive, and performance by the mentioning of the dependable "boxer" engine. To reinforce the ruggedness a man desires from a car, the car is shown traveling through dust and dirt. The dirt is washed away by the rain drops, making the car shiny again, and uncovering the word "Forester". Yet, the car is also shown traveling along the highway coastline and through the lush green countryside, this obviously appeals to a woman. Upon arriving at their destination the family is greeted by waving friends, the car is parked near an in-ground swimming pool, and overlooking a beautiful landscape.
All these details is this ad are used to allure both the male and female consumer. The ad attempts to make the statement that the Subaru Forester is the perfect family adventure car. The car has a lot of safety features, and it's fun to drive. The ad further denotes that if you own this car it implies you have money, whether you do or not, by using the large house and in-ground pool. This ad can be viewed here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhWKVKmV1zU
The ad further mentions the words "best", "beautiful drive", and "explore your world" as the car enters a national park. To show ride comfort, the ad uses two white parakeets flying freely and gracefully toward the entrance to the park. To appeal to a mans need for speed, the driver panel with speedometer is shown. Safety is mentioned by the 5-star rating, symmetrical all-wheel-drive, and performance by the mentioning of the dependable "boxer" engine. To reinforce the ruggedness a man desires from a car, the car is shown traveling through dust and dirt. The dirt is washed away by the rain drops, making the car shiny again, and uncovering the word "Forester". Yet, the car is also shown traveling along the highway coastline and through the lush green countryside, this obviously appeals to a woman. Upon arriving at their destination the family is greeted by waving friends, the car is parked near an in-ground swimming pool, and overlooking a beautiful landscape.
All these details is this ad are used to allure both the male and female consumer. The ad attempts to make the statement that the Subaru Forester is the perfect family adventure car. The car has a lot of safety features, and it's fun to drive. The ad further denotes that if you own this car it implies you have money, whether you do or not, by using the large house and in-ground pool. This ad can be viewed here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhWKVKmV1zU
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Bullies in Our Mists
You're forever that forth grader again, every time you see another child being bullied you revert back to the days when you were bullied too. What do you do? Thoughts rush through your mind, should you step-in and confront the bullier, or do you wait, wait for the bullied to make a move. Bullying takes many forms, whether it be name calling, road rage, laughing or putting down others because of their shortcomings such as; the way they dress, wear their hair, talk, or behave. For whatever reason you, the bullied just don't fit in, and you've become a target. Unfortunately, young bullies turn into adult bullies, often due to their own insecurities. Maybe the adult was bullied as a child too, this much is certain, the adult bully is afraid to be at the receiving end of the bullying. Who knows why people behave in this manner, clearly bullying is harassment, mental cruelty, and it's humiliating. It's also gut wrenching for the person who has to put up with this immature nonsense, as well as equally heart stopping for an outsider to witness another person being bullied.
But, let's get back to the question of what should you do when you see another person bullied? As I ponder those god awful days I think about how I acted when I was bullied, to be honest I usually did nothing to defend myself, I just let them have their fun, even though it was painful for me emotionally. However, my emotional pain could've been lessened, if during all those years of bullying an adult or one of my peers stepped up to my defense. This complete lack of concern for another human being has had the most profound affect on me to this day. For this reason, I feel it necessary, if only out of common sense, and of concern for another persons well being, both physically and mentally to do something, even if it's just a stern stare. Nowadays I prefer to cast at least an evil eye on the bullier, I find this to be extremely effective, especially with younger children, thankfully I rarely see much bullying coming from younger children. Ironically, most of the time I see the bullying that occurs coming by way of those of my own age, twenty year old's or even the older adults in my mists. The older person, who should know better, how do you deal with that bully? Do you walk away and not get involved, because it's just easier and safer, besides no one wants to get into a fist fight. Maybe you join in, go with the flow-what are a few harmless insults, harmless insults that may escalate over time, or would you speak up and say something to the bullier? You decide, what's your move? As you ponder your move here are several youtube clips to help you decide. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS8B9e2LJyc&NR=1, and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVWVTc6dGaw&feature=related
But, let's get back to the question of what should you do when you see another person bullied? As I ponder those god awful days I think about how I acted when I was bullied, to be honest I usually did nothing to defend myself, I just let them have their fun, even though it was painful for me emotionally. However, my emotional pain could've been lessened, if during all those years of bullying an adult or one of my peers stepped up to my defense. This complete lack of concern for another human being has had the most profound affect on me to this day. For this reason, I feel it necessary, if only out of common sense, and of concern for another persons well being, both physically and mentally to do something, even if it's just a stern stare. Nowadays I prefer to cast at least an evil eye on the bullier, I find this to be extremely effective, especially with younger children, thankfully I rarely see much bullying coming from younger children. Ironically, most of the time I see the bullying that occurs coming by way of those of my own age, twenty year old's or even the older adults in my mists. The older person, who should know better, how do you deal with that bully? Do you walk away and not get involved, because it's just easier and safer, besides no one wants to get into a fist fight. Maybe you join in, go with the flow-what are a few harmless insults, harmless insults that may escalate over time, or would you speak up and say something to the bullier? You decide, what's your move? As you ponder your move here are several youtube clips to help you decide. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS8B9e2LJyc&NR=1, and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVWVTc6dGaw&feature=related
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