“It is also true that popular music offers a vehicle for musicians who want to express and share their political opinions. Popular music, at times, does put across a sense of injustice, a need for action, or a call for better societies that appeals to different audiences with varying intensity. For it to be political in the sense that we use in this book, it also needs to be listened to by political actors in the field, voluntarily or as the result of lobbying, pressure, or force.” (Van Zoonen, p. 50)

In the song “Lolli Lolli” by Three 6 Mafia, there is a line “Like Barack Obama said, yeah it’s time for a change” (listen around 1:56 into the song). The fact that it is simply one phrase in a four minute song may make it seem that there is no political basis, but choosing to mention a politician says more than mentioning anybody else. Plus, when it is a mention of only one presidential candidate, this shows a dominance or preference over the other.

This is closely related to the concept of celebrity advocacy. It’s possible that Three 6 Mafia stands behind Obama’s platform and supports his views, but it’s more likely that they identify with Obama being an African American male. The single was released March 11, 2008, leaving plenty of time for the political phrase to make an impact on any fan of the song, which peaked at 18 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. It also went as high as number 7 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Tracks chart. This gives perspective to how many people listened to the song, and if nothing else, were subconsciously made aware of the “support” for Obama.

“One can even recognize a certain degree of ‘issue ownership’ across particular genres. … Rap lyrics may concretely express inner-city protest, but in addition its performers are mainly black…” (Van Zoonen, p.48)

Three 6 Mafia referenced Obama’s “time for a change” motto—for what, I’m not quite sure. But they are black artists, and could be protesting inner-city life. Eminem is a slightly contrasting example of using a political figure in his rap song “We Made You.” He’s a white male and mentions Sarah Palin— a white female up for the possible position of vice presidency. The particular spoken line about her begins around 1:30 into the song, although the woman portraying her appears throughout the entire video. It is very mocking in nature and shows her scantily-clad—not something she would be proud to see. This song was released in April of 2009, so it did not affect Palin’s image while she was a vice-presidential candidate last fall.

Eminem - New Music - More Music Videos

“Country artists express—indeed—a love for the country and a nostalgic view of a simple life through lyrics, their dialect, their dress code, and their choice of instruments.” (Van Zoonen, p. 48)

As with the in-class examples from Alan Jackson and Toby Keith, country songs do seem to have the strongest political ties. These songs do more than just mention a political figure—they touch on events and things that need to change. John Rich’s “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” (released January 28, 2009) is currently meant to make a statement about the big business and financial bailouts. Not only is it an outcry to the public, pushing for change, but more importantly political figures who may be listening, or will be forced to listen due to the message. Yet again, this can also relate back to celebrity advocacy because musicians know they have an avenue to express the feelings of their fans, who are average citizens just like you and I.

Gender and Sexuality in Dance Films

“In English, we have separate pronouns for male and female (his, her) and a whole slew of words such as mailman, milkman, manhole, and mankind that obviously carry a sexist bias” (Benshoff, Griffin, p. 206).

As a student in the communication department, I know that this is true and have made an effort to use words such as mailperson or humankind. Although I found that specifically in regard to dance movies, there is a form of female sexist bias in the noun “ballerina.” Chances of hearing the term “ballerino” in America are almost zero, although it is a term sometimes used in Italy. “Ballerina” sends the message that ballet is a female art, only perpetuating the thought that male ballet dancers are feminine and/or homosexual.

Released in the year 2000, “Center Stage” shows the struggles and successes of six dancers as they enter the American Ballet Academy, and how they learn to balance their professional and personal lives. Jody, Eva, Maureen, Charlie, Sergei, and Erik pursue their dreams of dancing professionally with a ballet company. Begin watching this clip at 5:00 until 6:10, and this will introduce the main male characters who are students at ABA in New York.



As you saw, Erik is homosexual but Sergei and Charlie are heterosexual. On a side note, Erik is also the only African American male—an example of combining two “token” qualities into one character. Now watch the following video between 2:30 and 3:10.



The fact that the girls made a point of asking, “Is he gay or straight?” makes one assume that there is in fact a high percentage of male dancers who are homosexual. When the girls learn that Charlie is straight, they get very excited— confirming that there must be a relatively low percentage of heterosexual male ballet dancers. There never seems to be a question about female dancers being lesbians… why the double-standard?

Although females are the main focus in Center Stage, the two directors of the final productions are both male. This shows male dominance over a largely female cast. Cooper takes advantage of Jody in their personal lives, and this also carries over into their professional lives. The following clip between 1:40 and 4:10 demonstrates this.



Another concept this clip shows is the “sensitive” male, which is sometimes seen as un-masculine. Balancing scenes such as this, is an aspect of competition between Charlie and Cooper—both trying to win over Jody, and both trying to one-up each other in dancing.

“Thus, Hollywood filmmaking, by drawing on certain representational patterns and formulas left over from previous decades, continues to marginalize women and women’s issues while both subtly and forthrightly privileging men and masculinity” (Benshoff, Griffin, p. 289).

Minorities in American Film

"Furthermore, black gay and lesbian characters are almost entirely absent from the Hollywood screen, except for the stereotype effeminate gay male "snap queen." (Benshoff, Griffin, p. 92)

This especially stood out to me, as I had several examples of African American, homosexual movie characters come to mind, disproving the book's statement. The first example is from the 2008 movie The Women. Jada Pinkett-Smith's character is an African American lesbian-- something that is not often seen, but nonetheless it was represented.



Note that all of the characters are white except for Jada Pinkett-Smith and Eva Mendes. A good example of the white culture being dominant. Also, Jada's character is the only representation of the homosexual community.

"Sometimes this practice is refered to as tokenism -- the placing of a non-white character into a film in order to deflate any potential chance of racism." (Benshoff, Griffin, p. 55)

I felt that this video, rather than the film's trailer, showcased more of the token African American character in the movie The Family Stone. Not only was there the race issue, but he's homosexual as well. Finally, his partner is white and deaf.

Nathan Lee Graham has played roles in movies such as Hitch, Sweet Home Alabama, and Zoolander-- all roles are prime examples of the stereotypical "snap queen". Although I would've preferred to find clips from the movies, it's hard when he plays a small, supporting role. The following clip is an interview with him, and it gives a good sense of his personality.

"In their oversimplification, stereotypes inevitably create erroneaous perceptions about individuals. Stereotypes become even more problematic when they are used to favor certain groups over others, which unfortunately occurs quite commonly." (Benshoff, Griffin, p. 7)

While trying to analyze as many movies as possible from memory, I find that black, homosexual characters are much more prevalent than I thought. Also, it led me to wonder if directors and producers try to roll as many minorities as possible into a single character. It seems they think, "Let's cover all our bases at once," and this only encourages the ugly cycle of stereotypes. When will movies branch out and have several different characters of different races, gender, and sexuality?

Women's Magazines: What makes us read them?

Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover?
The covers of magazines are extremely important to their public image and sales. Liz Jones, editor of the UK Marie Claire from 1999-2001, says: “Nowadays, when the average time spent choosing a magazine and lifting it off the shelf is about three seconds, the covers make or break a magazine. You need lots of cover lines [- the phrases like ‘Great sex today!’ promoting articles in the magazine], and they all have to be compelling” (Jones, 2001a).
(Gauntlett, p. 197)

When standing in line to check-out at a grocery store, a Target or Wal-Mart, it is a safe assumption that most women scan the tabloids and magazines. If nothing else, it's entertainment for a few minutes, when there's nothing else to do. But that's just it-- we're in line for no more than a few minutes. What is it that catches our eye? Headlines? Color? Our favorite celeb on the cover?

This video shows women's magazine covers from years ago and the progression they have made to keep up with the changing times and competition. Key themes and headlines are also addressed.

First, Cosmo covers tend to be far more brightly colored than any others. Also, their bold/key words are risqué in comparison to Marie Claire. The basic saying “Sex Sells” seems to ring true.

Jennifer Garner’s cover seems tame—especially when the smallest numbered headline (#6) reads: Test your Sex IQ. Cosmo surely would’ve had this one much larger and bolder. The biggest headline on the cover? #7: Bags & Shoes.

Even with a half-naked Christina Aguilera, Claire only goes so far as to boast “Sexy Winter Skin”. Furthermore, there’s a headline reading: Love Rehab: “I said no to sex…and got sexier.”

Gauntlett's text Media, Gender and Identity lists the following key themes found in women's magazines:
Men as sex objects
Sex and sexuality
Relationships
Transformation and empowerment

Three out of the four themes can be considered interrelated-- sex and relationships go hand-in-hand.

I feel that the video about magazine covers more accurately pinpoints the themes. The following “Coverline” themes were listed:
Men & Relationships
Makeup & Makeovers
Fashion
Diets, Exercise & Body Image
De-Stress & Quick Cures
Celebrity Tell-All
Sex

"Fashion" or "Style" seems to be one of the key themes of Marie Claire, and these do not necessarily fall under "transformation and empowerment". Cosmo appears to have headlines falling under all four of Gauntlett's key themes, while Marie Claire does not. Both magazines are popular and high-sellers.




This video can be to watch, at times, but they bring up some good points. First of all, I could relate to only buying a magazine while I'm traveling. Next, men's magazines can be better for "learning"-- "topical stuff" such as politics or articles such as "How to get a good night's rest" or "How to choose a good wine." Also, the girls discuss how women's articles always seem to be the same information, just constantly re-vamped. Finally, it seems women should constantly be aware that what they are reading MAY NOT BE TRUE!


As much as we'd like to find a definite answer to the question, "What makes us read women's magazines?", there will never be a set answer. Even though I do not see a large shift, or any shift for that matter, in either set of key themes listed. Due to the vast differences in womens' personalities, changing times, and media's influence, the answer will always be changing. Some want sex tips, some want fashion trends, others want cooking help...and many want whatever information is trendy.

"Scrubs": More than just stupid humor

“Men and women are seen working side by side, as equals, in the hospitals, schools and police stations of television-land.” (Gauntlett, p. 62)

While some things in popular culture have changed, others have stayed the same. Or possibly regressed. Three examples can be easily found in the established comedic sitcom, "Scrubs." I found that issues of emotions, status, and race can all be found under the umbrella of gender.

The series originally aired on NBC and can now be seen on ABC in its eighth season. Set in Sacred Heart hospital, character Bob Kelso was the Chief of Medicine during the first seven seasons. Now he has retired and we have been introduced to Dr. Taylor Maddox.



As you can see, Taylor is a female doctor, played by Courtney Cox. She is in an important leadership role, formerly held by an older male. But right away that seems to be underplayed as she is portrayed as a sexy woman- an object of lust- with the ability to make everyone smile. The audience is given no information about her past accomplishments, her qualifications, or how she was hired at the hospital.

Another example includes Carla being a nurse, which is a stereotypical role for a female. Several episodes have shown her struggling to be appreciated, while generally being just as smart as the doctors she works underneath.

Finally, Jordan is a very complex character. She does not have a main part, but when she does appear, her role can only be best described as “the bitch.”



In her case, why is it so wrong to be blunt with matters of truth? There still seems to be an idea that women are supposed to be caring, gentle, and kind in nature, and having Jordan challenge this mold is a good move. I feel that the only problem that remaining is the audience disliking her rather than relating.

Characters Turk and Carla, currently married, have the ability to portray a number of problems. First, there will always be differences between male and female thoughts and emotions. Second, Turk is African American while Carla is Dominican. Third, Carla is a nurse while Turk is a surgeon.



The first half of the clip shows Turk portraying stereotypical male emotions towards Carla’s situation. Then this stereotype is challenged and reversed when JD comes to apologize—the males seem to have a deeper, more mutual, understanding of each other.



Another example of male friendship that seems to be becoming more and more mainstream. There’s also another reference to race—an” Irish brotha’” or an “Irish brother”? It seems to me that these racial points are made to shine more light upon multi-ethnic people, therefore raising awareness and reducing possible feelings of embarrassment, shame, or curiousity.

Dr. Cox and Turk have a slightly different male relationship, in that Turk has a lower status within the workplace. There is still a black/white race difference, and it is found to go deeper than just skin color. It also has an effect on personality, and I find that this clip is refreshingly honest with its audience:



Please feel free to watch Scrubs, Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on ABC, search youtube, or rent the DVDs to explore many, many more examples of the previously discussed issues.