How the media failed women in 2013

[Epic Beard Man]

Unfortunately I'm at work so my job has YouTube blocked. But just going off the energy of the comments I have to say that the media is biased in general. As one member here has said, "it is not the media's job to give a fair representation--" although the media ought to give a fair representation, it doesn't have to. All news outlets, media, come from a perspective. I personally feel that if the negative perspective of the media is contradicted by the reality of the world I think it is the consumer's job to decipher between the biases, and the real.

For instance one can look at the portrayal of minorities in this country. Many consumers of news have bought the idea that certain members of an ethnic group are this or that. Which brings me to my next point. Are stereotypical portrayals in the media true?

(Controvery Alert)

I tend to say yes and no. When I look at rap videos and strip clubs I cannot help but think that women are in control of their own destiny and their own image. If I see a prostitute go from john to john I'm not going to say "she is expressing her sexuality via prosmiscuity." No. I'm going to say she is a promiscuous woman who is having wreckless unsafe sex. Or if I see a rap video vixen shaking her booty in a rap video titled "B*tches ain't ******" and I see women dancing I cannot say "they're expressing their love for the art of hip-hop and their love for the artist." To some extent, I think women in this particular arena create those backlashes on themselves.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Wow, some of that stuff in the video is really atrocious. Those people should be ashamed of themselves, as well as shamed!

The pop culture stuff is to be expected. Models generally have to whore themselves out in order to get anywhere. Look at how Terry Richardson gets away with pornographically (I mean this in the most literal way - no joking - anyone who is familiar with his garbage knows what I'm talking about) exploiting his female models and he is lauded by the haute couture fashion industry and gets to photograph Obama and Oprah (way to stand up for women, Oprah, you sellout), even though he's an untalented creep. The same goes for the vapid pop stars like Miley the fake moron. They do what they're told in order to have the money and the fame. If they rebel, they'll suffer for it. The predator culture aspect of the modeling and entertainment industries is a not-so-hidden secret.

The Dead Island video game casing doesn't bother me because it's a zombie horror game set on a tropical island. It just makes sense. Maybe they should've released a male torso version alongside of it, though.

 

[Skwim]

The video is 3 minutes at best it hardly exceeds in proving anything.

Proof is for liquor, mathematics, and logic.

As if anything that happened in the world last year can truly be summed up in 3 minutes.

Are you seriously under the impression that that's the video's aim?

The problem with the world is that people actually believe that an internet post that took less than 30min to make and wasn't verified is worth debating or worse exceeds mere opinion.

And here I always thought the problem with the world was all the evil god laid on it.

I could write a big thick book and not even complete accurately all the media did and didn't do for women this year. The media is quite large on its own. But a 3 minute video posted on the internet must be super accurate.

Come again!?!?

 

[bobhikes]

Proof is for liquor, mathematics, and logic.

Are you seriously under the impression that that's the video's aim?

And here I always thought the problem with the world was all the evil god laid on it.

Come again!?!?

The video's aim as I see it is to get you to support their personal cause. Providing you only with their view. As I understand from this threads comments at least one event happened before 2013. Wonder why they put that in?

In my view Serious causes are belittle by events like this that are easily dismissed.

 

[bobhikes]

I am truly wondering if they are not trying to discredit their statement.

The statement clearly indicates the negative.
1)The first images are positive and last at least 2 seconds each

2)You are then blitzed with negative images less than 2 seconds each.(It actually annoyed me)

3)One of the negative images was of the women being morphed into something she wasn't, yet this story is a positive one done by the women herself to show a light on what the industry is doing. That image and the Jenifer Laurence photo made me question all the media images I now see.(This for me was a big discredit to the video)

4)They then slow down and use voice clips which can clearly be attached to the single person saying them not the media as a whole.(Very confusing is it the media or just some people.)

5) I learned after watching that at least one of the images is not from 2013. (This is another big discredit to the video)

Upon researching this group they are in media trying to change media. They should be good at there job they have experience. Based on this video, I am not sure of their true intentions.

 

[dust1n]

Do you agree with the argument this video offers? That the media has failed to fairly represent women and women's issues?

TBH, I don't think I've ever seen anything accurately represented in the overwhelming majority of media.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

TBH, I don't think I've ever seen anything accurately represented in the overwhelming majority of media.

This is a good point, D. Which makes me wonder...

Does media offer something to the general public that sees what they want to see? That confirms their own biases or suspicions?

What interested me in the video (which is an advertisement for the organization, though my goal is not to advertise but to present a perspective to gain an audience), is how the negatives and positives were couched in a framework of the title - specifically how it feels the media has failed women.

I also wonder...is this approach effective in increasing the organizations audience and support?

 

[bobhikes]

Wow, they are good.(My opinion)

The question is framed to attract only activists or boarder line activists.

Then the feel good, pretty, see what we can accomplish beginning.

Then the rapid multiple negatives enraging the activist.
Then the standard stupid man say's stupid things.

Then the catch help us help you. So we can make more of this.

Yep, they nailed that video for the people they want to see it.

 

[BSM1]

Honestly, that's not the point. Nowhere was a claim made that they were.

So what is the point?

 

[nilsz]

I suggest that it is "What could have been better"

 

[Me Myself]

Really?
I can understand Kilgore's point of view, that it's not the media's job to control negative stereotypes. Indeed to some level I agree. But I think there are more negative Stereotypes of women shown in general terms as opposed to my demographic (ie. almost middle-aged, white, borderline genius, incredibly handsome, athletic males)

You probably need to re read what you quoted.

I did not say negative representations of women are not more numerous than those of other demographics (maybe it is so, maybe it is not) . What I said is that MOST depictions of women to what I ve seen are not any worst than most depictions of other demographics.

Please notice the difference between this two statements.

I do partly agree with Kilgore too. The media will show what people want to read and consume. This applies to everything.

Dove campaign was a success because they TOLD you what ey were doing. If they had just showed you old models for getting young adds without the "pro age" exolanation, they would have experienced a dramatic decline in sells, for example.

Just as workout supplementa wouldnt be smart on using anything but the buffest guys they can find, or at least the more aesthetic looking depending on what their target wants for their bodies.

I say partly agree with him though. I would love to see more involvement of women in movies and scripts and stuff. That will depend a lot on women though, but also on writter doing a CONSCIOUS attempt on this.

 

[Me Myself]

This is a good point, D. Which makes me wonder...

Does media offer something to the general public that sees what they want to see? That confirms their own biases or suspicions?

What interested me in the video (which is an advertisement for the organization, though my goal is not to advertise but to present a perspective to gain an audience), is how the negatives and positives were couched in a framework of the title - specifically how it feels the media has failed women.

I also wonder...is this approach effective in increasing the organizations audience and support?

Very interesting questions.

The objective of the media is indeed to tell people what they want to hear/know/etc.

What people do want to see has a huge influence in media.

The media of course it not above (and in some cases not below) the biases of the specific persons generating them though.

For example, the comic industries have tried for some time to increase the african american superheroes, even against the little support they have had in sales for the buyers.

Eventually, the buyers will win.

The idea is that we DO support our biases towards a more unbiased depiction of all demographies, because the only way to change ( in e long run) the buyers is:

1- that the buyers change by thhemselves

2-that the media changes the buyers.

Of course, both will happen at unison.

For example, DC comics launched their gay superhero Batwoman and gave her oustanding art and writters. The character was a success.

Have she had regular art and writters, I suspect she would have been a failure.

People tend to gravitate towards their comfort zone, and with each future generation, this confort zone is more and more fair to each demographic thanks the gods, but there is still pushing and pulling (means buying) to be done.

 

[Apex]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NswJ4kO9uHc&desktop_uri=/watch?v=NswJ4kO9uHc

Thought I'd share this video here, instead of the Feminist Only forum since I'd like to open up the debate with members who don't identify as feminists as well.

Do you agree with the argument this video offers? That the media has failed to fairly represent women and women's issues?

So is that video saying that any depiction of women in a sexual nature is automatically sexist?

 

[Me Myself]

So is that video saying that any depiction of women in a sexual nature is automatically sexist?

Yes, but some other of their denounces are fair.

 

[Slapstick]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NswJ4kO9uHc&desktop_uri=/watch?v=NswJ4kO9uHc

Thought I'd share this video here, instead of the Feminist Only forum since I'd like to open up the debate with members who don't identify as feminists as well.

Do you agree with the argument this video offers? That the media has failed to fairly represent women and women's issues?

Is the media supposed to report the news or promote one ideology over another and show favoritism to issues they feel are not getting enough attention? I thought the media did a fairly good job of covering the top stories that involved women. I cannot count or keep track of how many hour long specials I have seen on women this year. Some of the snubs people made at women were reported and covered. I also remember a woman recently speaking out about rap culture and how every song is about sex and exploiting women and she was lashed out at by feminist or those who are in favor of it. I don’t really know what else can or could be done if women cannot agree on women’s issues that involve or concern women.

A lot of the things in the video were snippets and isn’t an accurate representation of everything that went on in the media this year. I would say it is a gross misrepresentation and isn’t accurate to say the least. Robin Thick was criticized for his video and so was Miley Cyrus for her stage performances. That isn’t going to stop them from performing. I think Miley Cyrus said she does it just to seek attention and to make headlines. Joan Rivers is going to be Joan Rivers. The snippet with the fox news Doctor talking about woman’s ovaries and health was about how woman require a lot more treatment and research to get healthcare than men. If people don’t like some of the things happening in popular culture I wouldn’t blame the media and say woman’s issues were unfairly covered.

With that being said, progress, achievements and accomplishments made by woman have gotten plenty of attention. I don't think women will ever be celebrated for anything though, just recognized for their achievements like everything else. Google has had a few notable women of history on their page this year. I guess it just depends on where you decide to get your news or information. I can't think of any media outlets that is anti-women and if there are any I don't watch or get any of my news from there. I think sarcaism isn't always the best approach to women's issues either. Usually when people make sarcastic remarks it seems to belittle any accomplishments or milestones made by women. While I recognize there is a problem I don't think the media is responsible for it.

 

[Me Myself]

Is the media supposed to report the news or promote one ideology over another and show favoritism to issues they feel are not getting enough attention? I thought the media did a fairly good job of covering the top stories that involved women. I cannot count or keep track of how many hour long specials I have seen on women this year. Some of the snubs people made at women were reported and covered. I also remember a woman recently speaking out about rap culture and how every song is about sex and exploiting women and she was lashed out at by feminist or those who are in favor of it. I don’t really know what else can or could be done if women cannot agree on women’s issues that involve or concern women.

A lot of the things in the video were snippets and isn’t an accurate representation of everything that went on in the media this year. I would say it is a gross misrepresentation and isn’t accurate to say the least. Robin Thick was criticized for his video and so was Miley Cyrus for her stage performances. That isn’t going to stop them from performing. I think Miley Cyrus said she does it just to seek attention and to make headlines. Joan Rivers is going to be Joan Rivers. The snippet with the fox news Doctor talking about woman’s ovaries and health was about how woman require a lot more treatment and research to get healthcare than men. If people don’t like some of the things happening in popular culture I wouldn’t blame the media and say woman’s issues were unfairly covered.

With that being said, progress, achievements and accomplishments made by woman have gotten plenty of attention. I don't think women will ever be celebrated for anything though, just recognized for their achievements like everything else. Google has had a few notable women of history on their page this year. I guess it just depends on where you decide to get your news or information. I can't think of any media outlets that is anti-women and if there are any I don't watch or get any of my news from there. I think sarcaism isn't always the best approach to women's issues either. Usually when people make sarcastic remarks it seems to belittle any accomplishments or milestones made by women. While I recognize there is a problem I don't think the media is responsible for it.

Good points in general.

Of course the media is generated by and for society. Which would make it impossible got e media to be sexist without very active support and involvement of the society.

As a society, we areoving forward

 

[Slapstick]

Well, one of the biggest things that happen in my country of America this year that I found to be very disturbing other than Claire Davis getting shot and being an innocent victim in the Colorado school shooting was a teen named Rebecca Ann Sedwick that was bullied by other girls (classmates) and she committed suicide due to cyber bulling.

I study and go to college for IT and know about a lot of things that are being done to help prevent things like this from happening in the future, but it is sad to see people bullied who think their only escape is suicide or violence. It is also terrible that we live in a society where people think it is acceptable to act barbaric and have no dignity or respect for their follow peers. Even if they do not have the later, they could at least show some civility and common decency. It is something that happens with every generation of people, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, body composition, etc.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

So is that video saying that any depiction of women in a sexual nature is automatically sexist?

That isn't how I interpreted it. But young, thin, and of European-descent females are utilized to sell a product by appropriating them to be the ideal visual of sexuality. When was the last time a large, middle-aged woman of sub-saharan African descent with her naturally kinky hair portrayed as an ideal of beauty?

The message that is being sent, IMO, is that what a woman should look like in order to be "marketable" or considered desirable for women to take measures to alter their appearance and for men and women who are attracted to women to desire.

It isn't so much that women are presented as sexual beings, but that the image is extremely narrow in scope. Light skin, little to no wrinkles, very specific waist-to-hip ratio, specific hair texture and body, are pervasive throughout marketing techniques.

It's to the point that women in images are consistently photoshopped and altered to inhuman measurements in order to maintain these visual expectations of what "beauty" is supposed to look like.

 

[Me Myself]

That isn't how I interpreted it. But young, thin, and of European-descent females are utilized to sell a product by appropriating them to be the ideal visual of sexuality. When was the last time a large, middle-aged woman of sub-saharan African descent with her naturally kinky hair portrayed as an ideal of beauty?

The message that is being sent, IMO, is that what a woman should look like in order to be "marketable" or considered desirable for women to take measures to alter their appearance and for men and women who are attracted to women to desire.

It isn't so much that women are presented as sexual beings, but that the image is extremely narrow in scope. Light skin, little to no wrinkles, very specific waist-to-hip ratio, specific hair texture and body, are pervasive throughout marketing techniques.

It's to the point that women in images are consistently photoshopped and altered to inhuman measurements in order to maintain these visual expectations of what "beauty" is supposed to look like.

The media only uses the body type that sells.

Its pretty much what it does with everything.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

The media only uses the body type that sells.

Its pretty much what it does with everything.

Well, then the question IMO that ought to be asked is why? And how is the media complicit in pervading stereotypes in its messages?