Applying This to the Workplace

Throughout this semester, we have looked at the various uses of stereotypes and misrepresentation of  different minority groups, and how to avoid using these.  These lessons are applicable to virtually every career, but are especially important for anyone looking to work in public relations or advertising, because it is imperative that you represent not only yourself but your company in a way that is not offensive to anybody, and inclusive of everybody and not just the majority.  Learning how to use language that is not stereotypical will benefit all of us greatly in our future career, whatever it may end up being.  We also learned how to look at different types of media with a more critical eye, which is something that everyone should learn how to do.  Often times in our media, women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and people of different sexual orientations are portrayed in ways that rely heavily on stereotypes and generalizations.  Being able to recognize that these stereotypes are often untrue is the first step towards our society becoming more equal and accepting of others.

Music Video Research Project

For my final project, I conducted a study that examined the difference between the way men and women were portrayed in music videos across four different genres, and if the genre of music had an impact on how women were depicted in the video.  The results of this study showed that the genre of music did indeed play a role in how women were portrayed.  In rap/hip-hop and pop music videos, women were significantly more often dressed in clothing that was considered suggestive or partially clad than men were.  The difference between genders was much smaller in country and alternative music videos, with alternative videos having the highest percentage of men and women dressed demurely, as well as the most equality between genders.  Similar patterns emerged when I looked at sexual dancing and behaviors as opposed to nonsexual dancing and other movements.

Above are screenshots from Nicki Minaj's music video for her song Anaconda and P. Reign's music video for his song DnF.  There is a clear difference between the way men and women dress in their music videos.  There is pressure from society for women in the entertainment industry to be not only talented at singing and dancing, but to also dress in a way that flaunts their bodies.  This pattern was most apparent in the rap/hip-hop genre, which is where both of the above songs fall.  

The music videos in the above screenshots were both from the alternative genre.  The women in these videos were dressed demurely for the majority of time, and the focus was almost always on their music and the story they were trying to tell, and not their body.  Even though this pattern was not universal, and there are still many music videos that objectify women and treat them as sexual objects, we can see that in some genres women are gaining the respect that is commonly given to men without having to show off their body in revealing clothes.

Listicle: American Apparel Adverstisements

The above advertisements for American Apparel women's clothing all employ one main marketing tool: sex.  The first two ads are both for shirts, yet what stands out most is the models' lack of pants and sultry gaze at the camera.  The third ad is for sweaters and socks, neither of which are known for being very sexy.  Yet the model is noticeably missing pants, which results in another extremely sexual ad.

These two American Apparel advertisements for men's clothing are significantly less sexual.  The man in the first ad is completely clothed.  The second ad, which is selling underwear, is less sexual than any of the women's ads, which were all selling shirts or sweaters.  One would expect some nudity in an advertisement for underwear, but the male model is pretty well covered, and is seated in a neutral pose, as opposed to the women who were often scantily clad and lounging in a bed or posed in an otherwise sexual position.

The billboards feature the same pattern.  The woman is clothed in very revealing clothing and appears to be lying across a bed.  The man is fully covered and this advertisement would in no way be considered sexual.  There is an obvious pattern of inequality in the portrayal of men and women in advertisements for American Apparel Clothing.

Waiting For Superman

amazon.com

I am currently enrolled in Introductory Sociology, and we often look at gender, race, and poverty as social institutions.  We watched a documentary, Waiting for Superman, which made the point that failing schools are often blamed on failing neighborhoods, when in reality, the failing neighborhoods may be a result of failing schools.  People living in poverty are often characterized as lazy and unwilling to work, which is why people who attended school in a poor neighborhood often receive a below average education.  This documentary pointed out that children who attend these schools do receive a below average education, and do not have access to many resources, which only serves to exacerbate the problem.  These children, who often have big dreams early on in life, are trapped in an endless cycle of poverty that they cannot escape because of the educational inequalities in our society.  These children want to become doctors, nurses, lawyers, and teachers, but are often times forced to drop out in order to finically support their families.  This film reminded me that it is important to understand people's stories before rushing to a judgement about them, because there are many uncontrollable circumstances that have huge effects on people's lives

Lecture on Microfinance in Haiti

http://fonkoze.org

http://fonkoze.org

On November 3, I had the opportunity to listen to a lecture given by Steven Werlin and Bethony Jean Francois on their work with the microfinance institution in Haiti called Fonkoze.  This was interesting for me, because besides my limited knowledge about Haiti, I also knew nothing about microfinance before attending.  Even though everyone else in the room was a business major and completely understood the concepts he was talking about, I still very much enjoyed this lecture.  Fonkoze essentially gives small loans to women in the lowest level of poverty, and then teaches them basic business principles so that they can grow their assets, and eventually apply for larger loans as they continue to grow.  I think this lecture was extremely important for students to attend, especially those in the business school, as it illustrated that there are many different ways to apply what they are learning.  Many people assume once you get a business degree you have to go work in an office, catering to people who can afford whatever service they provide.   These men showed us that people all over the world, even the poorest women in a developing nation, deserve some attention, because the success of their microfinance and education program is a proof that when provided the resources, even minority groups that many would not think would be able to start a business to support themselves, are able to earn a living.

Marjane Satrapi Lecture

On November 4, 2014, Marjane Satrapi came to Texas Christian University to speak about her life and graphic novel, Persepolis, which incoming TCU first-year students read over the summer.  Persepolis was written and illustrated by Satrapi and tells the story of her growing up in Iran during the 1979 Revolution.

Before the interview began, Satrapi apologized in advance for her English, which she claimed was not very good, as English is neither her first or second language.  This was completely unnecessary, as she spoke nearly flawlessly in her third language.  For an hour, Satrapi eloquently answered questions about her work, as well as her opinion on many current issues, including prejudices against Muslim, stereotypes of Iranians in the media, and even the ban on smoking in many cities.  She shared her personal struggles with these issues, as well as her struggles with depression and feeling like an outsider in her home country.  Overall, Satrapi was not only extremely well-informed about current issues, but was able to boldly express her opinion while also remaining humorous and relatable.  What really stood out throughout the whole interview was her courage and devotion to what she loved.  Her passion for everything she does was evident, especially when she explained that even if being an artist meant she would have to live in poverty, she would still chose to do her art because she would rather be happy than have a well paying job that she didn't love.  Her appreciation for living a full and happy life was inspiring, because often people are focused on doing something they don't like just so that they are able to afford material goods.  As someone who has lived in multiple, very different countries, her view of the life and the world in general was quite interesting to hear.

The Life and Work of Marjane Satrapi

www.smith.edu

Marjane Satrapi, author of the graphic novel Persepolis, was born in Rasht, Iran in 1969.  She wrote this memoir about her life before, during, and after the 1979 revolution.  Growing up as a rebellious teenage girl during the totalitarian regime that was put in place was dangerous, but with the support from her progressive parents, Satrapi was able to leave for Vienna at the age of 14.  Escaping the patriarchal culture of Iran in which she grew up in, she now lives in France and is able to pursue her career as an author, illustrator, and director.  Constantly faced with labels, as a young adult she didn't feel that she belonged anywhere.  In Iran she was viewed as a westerner, but in western Europe, she was viewed as an outsider as well.

www.pitacocultural.com

She is very much an artist, and has the same rebellious attitude she possessed as a young girl.  What some people may find surprising about her is the fact that although she grew up in a society in which women were routinely oppressed, she does not identify as a feminist.  That being said, she believes that all human beings are equal and should be judged on their beliefs and actions instead of their gender, race, or other labels.  Similarly, she is not against any religion; she opposes fundamentalism.  "It is the use of an ideology to kill people that I am against."  With all of the adversity Satrapi has faced, she has been able to see that generalizations are not helpful, and there are forces of good and bad in everyone.