Media Objectification of Women
Media Objectification of Women “Dreamworlds 3”
To be sociologically mindful is to look for patterns in the society, observe all sides of the social life, ask questions, and seek answers. Being sociologically mindful can lead us to looking into matters that are complex and allow us the opportunity to understand the mechanism behind the division of our society. Race and gender seems to be the most obvious divide lines for this society. While race can sometimes be overlooked in society, discrimination based on gender is hardly absent, whether consciously or unconsciously, on the behaviors of society. In such a society that values masculinity, being born a male is like a rain check to so many privileges in life. In return, this social preference degrades females to a lower level in society. This devaluation of females is the reason for and the driving force behind the objectification of women that is discussed in the film “Dreamworlds 3”. Examining the socio-historical context, the ideas and believes, powers, and the consequences in society, we can understand the how and why of sexual objectification of women by the media and society.
Even though there is not much difference between the biological and physical functions and structure of a man and a woman, there is a distinct difference in their socially-constructed structure. The obvious difference however is manifested through physical appearance; that is the bigger and stronger body of a man versus the smaller body of a woman. This bodily strength was interpreted throughout history by ancient and contemporary cultures as a merit for superiority and power. Everything else, including women, that lack this strength are under the control of men and hence exists only to satisfy the liking of those ones with power. In her article “Men and Women: Mind and Body”, Hesse-Biber explains how cultural rules were used to control women’s bodies in ancient China and the Victorian England. The foot binding method was used in China
To be sociologically mindful is to look for patterns in the society, observe all sides of the social life, ask questions, and seek answers. Being sociologically mindful can lead us to looking into matters that are complex and allow us the opportunity to understand the mechanism behind the division of our society. Race and gender seems to be the most obvious divide lines for this society. While race can sometimes be overlooked in society, discrimination based on gender is hardly absent, whether consciously or unconsciously, on the behaviors of society. In such a society that values masculinity, being born a male is like a rain check to so many privileges in life. In return, this social preference degrades females to a lower level in society. This devaluation of females is the reason for and the driving force behind the objectification of women that is discussed in the film “Dreamworlds 3”. Examining the socio-historical context, the ideas and believes, powers, and the consequences in society, we can understand the how and why of sexual objectification of women by the media and society.
Even though there is not much difference between the biological and physical functions and structure of a man and a woman, there is a distinct difference in their socially-constructed structure. The obvious difference however is manifested through physical appearance; that is the bigger and stronger body of a man versus the smaller body of a woman. This bodily strength was interpreted throughout history by ancient and contemporary cultures as a merit for superiority and power. Everything else, including women, that lack this strength are under the control of men and hence exists only to satisfy the liking of those ones with power. In her article “Men and Women: Mind and Body”, Hesse-Biber explains how cultural rules were used to control women’s bodies in ancient China and the Victorian England. The foot binding method was used in China