From: Maddie
to be portrayed in children’s media. In the picture we see the main focus being our “heroine”, holding a foam sword and clutching a copy of a Disney movie. While Disney especially has made many steps in showing more female heroes and seeing the girls save themselves, there’s still an expectation about their femininity that comes along with these messages. Yes, girls are allowed to save themselves, but like we see in the picture, she must be pretty and “done up” so to speak. She has to maintain the part of her that’s still appealing to the boys in the movie. For example, in many movies we see the female heroine saving herself with many of her female-specific attributes. In Aladdin, we see Princess Jasmine attempting to seduce Jafar in an effort to help save the day. In the photo we also see our heroine wearing the color white, which usually signifies purity and innocence, two important traits many girls are taught to be coveted, especially by children’s media. We also see that our perspective looks down on the heroine, once again showing that while she can save the day, she’s still less-than. The makeup also adds to make the heroine look soft, and it adds a subtle beauty to the heroine, which is a common theme in media focused on girls. The message that a girl has to wear makeup to be pretty is a common one that can be seen in movies, television, and toys all targeted at children. The hands reaching
out menacingly at the heroine are notably the hands of a man, which is a common situation many female characters are placed into, them against a man.
1 comment:
From: Jenna
The placement of the hands, as you previously discussed is significant not only because of the positioning of them, but also them in relation to the female in the image. The male hands symbolize the sense of male dominance that many childhoods movies display. Not only this, but the female in the image, whilst still holding a weapon, looks submissive. She is looking up to the man/audience, smiling, relaxed posture, etc. these are not things that we traditionally don't associate with power. I also know that you discussed how the outfit symbolized innocence, but in comparison to the rest of the background, it stands out even more. Not only this, but the male figure is where dark clothing which further goes to show the notion that females and males are opposite with the dark to light contrast. I think you did a wonderful job and I enjoy reading your short-essay.
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