Stereotyping In Popular Culture

Words: 1980
Pages: 8
Open Document
STUART HALL: “THE SPECTACLE OF THE ‘OTHER’”
According to Stuart Hall (1997), stereotyping is used as a method of representing various forms of difference (p. 225). In his text, “The Spectacle of the ‘Other,’” Hall (1997) states that race is a socially constructed concept (p. 225). As such, the racial identity of an individual can vary across place and time. Due to the indefinite nature of racial identification, Hall (1997) suggests that stereotypes are used primarily to maintain the boundaries between different groups (p. 258). Hall identifies three cultural strategies which may be employed in order to combat stereotyping.
The first strategy is to reverse the stereotype by altering the way in which the stereotype is perceived (Hall, 1997, …show more content…
There appears to be an utter lack of ambivalence; representations of women in popular culture predominately reflect the perspective of the ‘male gaze.’ Some individuals may argue that females in the media today are proudly choosing to show their body as a feministic stance of empowerment. However, I believe that there has simply been a shift in power. In this regard, women are not objectified by a third party, rather, they choose to objectify themselves. This self-objectification is positioned as liberating but it is really no different than previous forms of objectification.
To further illustrate this power shift, consider L’Oreal’s advertisement campaign for cosmetic products. The slogan repeated at the end of every commercial and written in nearly every print advertisement is: “Because you’re worth it.” L’Oreal capitalizes off of positioning their products to be used as a “pampering treat” for women rather than tools to beautify and glamorize oneself for male admiration and attention. This advertising technique is difficult to criticize because it appears as if companies are empowering women. In reality, women continue to be objectified and extorted for the ‘male
Show More

Related Documents: Stereotyping In Popular Culture

Generalizations: Race and Social Media Essay

In Kevin Nguyen’s Language, Gender, and Culture Speech, he claims that Asian stereotypes are not accurate. He advances his argument by using his personal observations and examples. Nguyen’s purpose is to debunk the myths of Asian culture. Nguyen intends to target the younger generation who often believes these stereotypes. The significance of his work is to educate others about the misconceptions of Asian people. an everything said these days be believed? Today’s social media is highly affected by…

Words 618 - Pages 3

Aids: Stereotype and Weak Ties Essay

norms. He then discusses his own experiences as an Asian American living in American society. Yang argues that although Asian Americans are considered the most successful group in the country, they are also deliberated as “the products of a timid culture, easily pushed around by more assertive people,” (Yang, 534). However, this problem can be solved by using the ideas expressed in Malcolm Gladwell’s article, “Small Change,” where he states that “weak ties,” which are usually made from online relationships…

Words 1656 - Pages 7

Stereotypes In Mass Media

From the very beginning of visual media entertainment stereotypes have been projected to the masses, it is why television broadcasts are called programming. The intent is to create brief periods of broadcasting data that influences the mind to enjoy itself, accept the premises presented in short bytes of information, and we should become immersed in the entertainment enough to stay for the entire television show. Stereotypes in media have been used to cause controversy, gain acceptance, and most…

Words 1018 - Pages 5

The Southern Stereotype Essay examples

Long Live Southern Stereotypes Ever since Scarlett O’Hara struggled to find love and Andy Taylor was elected Mayberry’s Sheriff, filmmakers and television producers have yet to lose any fondness for stereotyping the southern culture. There are many who despise any form of labeling or stereotyping within the media, fearing false characterizations or inaccurate portrayals of southern customs, traditions, and people. Exposure to southern stereotypes through media is an appealing element in the American…

Words 1351 - Pages 6

Alcohol: British Empire and Popular Culture Essay example

The Empire and Popular Culture During the Edwardian period, the British Empire was reflected as a world power with a superior way of life within popular culture through the use of exhibitions, show business, music, and memorials. Imperialism Benefited Britain Colonial and Indian Exhibition of 1886 Londoners could see “the stoutly earned results of widespread domination” Silk, artwork, economic goods This exhibition drew five million people over a span of 6 months Greater Britain Exhibition…

Words 361 - Pages 2

Pillar Of Today Research Paper

important trait in today’s society because many live in an environment where they are scared to be people of good character due to the fact that it infringes upon the laws of the area they live in or the popular belief in…

Words 730 - Pages 3

Diversity In America

diverse, because I was raised amongst different races. It is the experiences that I have had throughout my life that garnered my interest at the beginning of this course. This course has shed light on the state of race relations, how our country’s culture and diversity will change over time, the challenges that our country is faced with, and much more. I plan to discuss these issues throughout this essay. At the beginning of this course I considered myself to be culturally diverse, but after…

Words 1662 - Pages 7

The Littlest Refugee Character Analysis

ASIAN STEREOTYPES: THE PUSH FOR DIVSE IDENTITIES The constant stereotyping of Asian migrants needs to stop, by Chelsea Brooks. Isn’t about time Australian popular culture stops stereotypical representations of Asian migrants to show them as smart,’ all hardworking but not always fitting in with our sense of humour? We are known as a cheeky country. We judge Asians because they always studying to get smarter and we just sit on our backside making fun of them. They work really hard for what they…

Words 454 - Pages 2

Stereotyping In Sociology

black kitten’s fault entirely.” Though seemingly innocuous, this chapter reflects a significant issue and a sentiment paralleled by many people in today’s society. Stereotyping is an inescapable aspect seen in the lives of many ethnic and racial minorities and this has only increased with the dissemination of information of popular visual medias including television and newspapers. An interview with Lila Abu-Lughod, author of “Remaking Women: Feminism and Modernity in the Middle East,” explains…

Words 1441 - Pages 6

Film Critique Essay

performed dances during football, basketball and volleyball games to entertain fans and help build school spirit. Chief Illiniwek was the center of controversy for over 20 years because many thought that the Chief misappropriated Native American culture and brought about harmful racial and ethnic stereotypes. In the film, graduate student Charlene Teters explains the impact that the Chief had on her and her children. After facing ridicule and much criticism, Charlene Teters is able to successfully…

Words 1450 - Pages 6