In both of their respective texts, Marjorie Garber and Roger Baker discuss the ever-increasing prevalence of “transvestism” (or what is modernly known as “drag”) in popular American culture. Although the American public typically disapproves of individuals blurring the boundaries of gender, the use of cross-dressing as entertainment has generally been embraced and met with great acclaim. In Vested Interests: Cross-Dressing and Cultural Anxiety, Garber argues that films like Tootsie (1982) is significant in that it portrays a heterosexual man living as a woman. While many enjoyed the movie believing that Tootsie was commentary on the relationship between men and women, Garber claims that the film is actually about transvestism. To ignore this…
The intent of this essay is to explore the research question “How did cultural events from 1914-1945 affect women’s fashion and their means of self-expression?” Within this essay, various cultural events were investigated such as World War I, Women’s Rights Movements, The Jazz Age, The Great Depression, and World War II. Each of these events is explored in order to obtain knowledge of how they affected and shaped women’s fashion. Women were introduced into the workforce during both World Wars which influenced women in a way that made them desire more rights and privileges. Women’s fashion underwent various reforms as women began to gain more freedoms. With the birth of the Jazz era, fashion took a turn. Flapper dresses were produced and took…
Further making women see themselves as sexual objects instead of beings. This also gets women stuck between a fine area of desirability for men, the fine line of “emphasized femininity” (Garcia, 2012) that sets a limit on their sexual agency. Women risk being too sexy as Garcia puts it either their not sexy at all or too sexy in which they get ridiculed for. The agency of sexy is also barred by what class the woman is in, lower class consisting of the poor and working class are “assumed to embody an inappropriate femininity” (Garcia,…
As they frivolously pursue riches, they are only filled with emptiness: a hole that the American people still search to fill. As we enter the 90’s and even to the present day we are trying to find fulfilment in something; however, we have been conditioned to value money to the extent that it inhibits us from pursuing grander goals. As the time changed from the Civil Rights social justice movements of the 60’s and early 70’s to the escapism and focus on self and wealth in the late 70’s to 80’s, we witness significant changes reflected in what we value, how we think, and what we wear. James Laver said, “When seen in retrospect, fashions seem to express their era”, and this is clearly true from the analysis we have seen. Really, our fashion throughout history tells us a story; however, it is just an excerpt of an ongoing story continuing to today. History is not as easily partitioned as it appears to be here. Fashion and fads constantly evolving to reflect their eras. The story is fluid and the lines are inscrutable. Ultimately, Fashion reflects the society that it once represented. When taken apart carefully, within the proper context, it reveals the story of people: who they were, who they became, what they valued, and in a very simple manner, what they…
Although femininity is defined by popular culture, fashion is marketed in makeover films as a method through which women can achieve success interpersonally, romantically, and professionally (Ferriss, 2008, p. 42). Upon impressing Miranda with her new look Andy gets invited to Paris fashion week by Miranda which symbolizes Andy’s acceptance into the fashion industry upon conforming to societal constructs of femininity. This professional opportunity extended to Andy correlates with the notion that to advance professionally women must conform society’s definition of femininity framed by popular film. Characters like Andy Sachs give millennial age women the idea that hard work and self-motivation when coupled with an appropriate display femininity for a given professional environment will bring about professional success. Makeover films essentially assert that being to be considered intelligent and competent a woman must conform to society’s definition of feminine beauty to be taken seriously in the workplace. This cultural obsession with feminine appearance feeds the “makeover movie” narrative and has contributed to its rise as a sub-genre of chick…
Vogue has not only contributed to the acceptance of trends in the fashion and beauty industry, but in addition has become a reward in the changed in cultural thinking, actions and dress of women. Vogue is the world’s most influential fashion magazine, first founded by Kelly Trepkowski, writing on art, culture and politics. Vogue is regularly criticized, along with the fashion industry it writes about, for valuing wealth, social connections, and low body weight over more noble achievements from its inception in the late nineteenth century to the present.…
These facts introduce and support the idea that young teens are influenced by what they see. The authors point out what young teens wish to be: “He makes a distinction between being in fashion and being in the vanguard of fashion. He argues that women wish to be in fashion; that is, they wish to be wearing what is seen as the norm.” by using this quote is helps the reader better understand the point of logos the authors are using. By providing this quote it shows readers proof of how the authors feel towards the idea of clothing the female…
“Flirty flappers dressed in helmet shaped cloche hats and low- waisted dresses breaking into the Charleston” is the most popular image thought of when thinking of young women in the 1920’s. But the very short silhouette only belongs to the second half of the twenties, where it was made famous by well-known women of the decade. Just as with fashion trends set in the present day- movie stars, socialites and “its” girls were greatly responsible for creating this “image” of the modern woman, causing it to spread like wild fire amongst the younger generations of women. They may not have achieved world peace, but these famous personalities influenced one of the greatest fashion…
The theme of Gender Socialisation is present within most aspects of our lives; from the name we are given to the identity form we fill out as an adult; this is no different within fashion.…
Introduction: This essay I will be writing a concise book review on Beverley Skeggs on The formations of class and gender. Skeggs carried out an ethnographic research sample on 83 women with feminist subjectivity. During the process of reading the book I have endeavoured an understanding of class and gender, the social and political context which can influence experience of being working class and gender both shape identities.…
Although this book depicts women in a sexist way, by establishing the limits and imprisonment of wealthy women in society, Wharton acts as an advocate for women’s rights and ultimately an advocate for change.…
Did you know Susan B. Anthony made a huge difference on women's rights but did not live to see the change that she had made? Many women get jobs that men have and usually work just as hard, or harder to achieve their dreams. America´s gift to my generation is women's rights and empowerment. Women get a lot of opportunities in the working field but are still cut short of equal pay in certain jobs.…
Complying with stereotypes, I, a teenage girl, went shoe shopping the other day. One of my favorite stores had advertised enormous price-cuts, and so I decided to take a peek. As I browsed through the flip-flops and multicolored rain boots, a lady in a business suit nearby held up a pair of heels.…
This year Chanel’s spring/summer 2015 fashion in Paris was demonstrated differently. Instead of models just stuting down the runway, they yelled things like “What do we want?!” out megaphones and held up picket signs that said “Women’s Rights are More than Alright” and “History is Her Story.” Fashion and feminism are incompatible. Throughout history fashion had always been a way to express women freely. Fashion has also helped women. Fashion is a business where women can take control in and be successful. Fashion has been a way to spread feminism among all women.…
People all around the world are being influenced by what’s become popular culture. From shirts to shoes, all the way to music to what’s being talked about most; all of it revolves around most popular icons today. While some choose not to pay attention to what’s “hot,” others seem to be changing their whole lifestyle to fit in with what’s going on in the world. Social media websites, magazines, music, people, and trends are coming into play during this huge cultural shift. Looking mainly at women, gender begins to play a role as to who cares more about their personal image inside and out. They’ve began to put aside their homely ethical values and have fallen to the ideals of common modern trends as they begin to shape their image to what’s considered today’s “in,” and how these iconic people affect their image.…