As part of our first unit in English Language and Literature unit, we are looking at the core concept of Representation, and how it affects meaning. One of our first tasks was to look at three preliminary texts, linked below and analyse them in relation to culture and representation. Each text dealt with different issues, but each was connected with the concept of Representation in the context of women and sexism. Here are my thoughts on each:
All three texts are primarily focused on the perceptions, stereotypes and representations of women in different mediums. They argue that these mindsets are very much influenced by culture. The underlying message in all of them is the need to recognise the damaging representations of women and a need for better representations, as well as a shift in culture to see women as equal.
What do the texts say about culture?
The first text is an article regarding Nicki Minaj’s comments about sex workers. She remarks about feeling remorse for participating (and to a certain extent, creating) a “culture” where it is more normal for women to sell sex and sex appeal. Many criticised her for her comments, saying that she was judging and degrading sex workers, especially while simultaneously profiting off the same culture and ideals as them. This story highlights the complexity of movements for social change, including feminism. There has especially been a conflict between the idea that women should not be sexualised, and the idea that women should be free to express their sexuality and make their own choices without judgement.
The second text is a parody of a comic book cover with She-Hulk on it. The artist (Shreya Arora) has drawn the same cover with Spiderman in the same pose. This piece is part of a series of similar pieces by the artist, in order to highlight the double standard and representation of women in comic books. It is accompanied by an article, which talks about the context behind these depictions and the reactions to them. This text highlights the damaging representation and sexualisation of women in comic books. Arora argues that these representations still exist because comic books are still made for men. It also touches on the negative reactions and controversies with feminism. Some argued with Arora’s pieces, pointing out that men were also given unrealistic body standards in superhero comics. However, Arora stuck to her point, explaining that these depictions of men were used to make them look strong, and as someone to aspire to, while the representations of women were made for the male gaze.
The third text is an article on the lack of girls and female characters in children’s books. Even now, many of the best selling children’s books still feature more male characters, especially in speaking roles. This article also touches on the idea of race, and how even fewer girls and characters, in general, are BAME. It highlights how the problem of lack of representation extends even to our kids. This may be bad, since it means that many girls, and many minorities, will grow up without the same kinds of role models and representation that majority social groups have. This article also addresses how a lack of BAME writers has led to a lack of BAME characters. This also highlights the need for more recognition of minority writers and artists, since that will lead to better representation and more representation.
What underlying values/attitudes are revealed?
In all these texts, there are underlying values of prejudice and skewed perceptions of different people and groups. There is also a sense of conflict of values and attitudes, where some want social change, and others oppose it.
In the first text, there is a sense of conflict between different attitudes to feminism and the equality of women, particularly the conflict between the sexuality vs sexualisation of women. It also touches on the underlying perception of women, and what is seen as “good” and “bad”- Nicki argues that it is better to be seen as a “bitch”, or as “bossy”, instead of a “slut”, without recognising that women shouldn’t be labelled as either.
The second text reveals the double standards and damaging perception of women in comic books (and in other mediums). Although, in a literal sense, it tackles the sexualisation of women, on a deeper level it tackles the way in which women are treated as secondary to men, seen as being there “for” men, rather as their own individuals.
The last text reveals how these values and attitudes may be taught to us from a young age and raises the question of how the underlying prejudices and perceptions of minorities, as well as a lack of their representation, can affect children. It also touches on the idea that diversity and better representation might be seen as “too hard” or “not necessary”, when that may not be the case.
How do you think the text might affect its audience?
I believe all of these texts implore readers to think more deeply about sexism and underlying prejudices in our cultures and societies. I think the first two especially explore how movements for social and cultural can be complicated and confusing to navigate. The third one also implores the audience to consider the effect of a lack of representation on children. Overall, all of these texts are likely to be interpreted and viewed differently by different people and are likely to invite debate and discussion.