#MCST101BattistaFall18

[saucysaucerton23-blog]

The American Stigma of Gay Personalities in Media

Review again the “We Are Iron Man” article. Look at the ways in which the author talks about the superhero as being representative of American ideals. Take that framework and choose a contemporary superhero. Analyze the hero’s story and discuss what the superhero represents politically, socially, and in terms of their gender and racial identity. Is the superhero reaffirming ideals of the “American national identity?” Or is the superhero subverting that identity in some ways? Post an image/clip and compose a minimum 100 word analysis of the superhero and what they represent.

Today's media contributes a lot to modern society and often times reflects the norms story writers and people in modern culture deem appropriate. Although the super villain in my article goes against all of these norms, he is important to discuss because although he would be considered the worst American, so to speak, his character development speaks a lot about what Americans did and did not value at the time he was created. The super villain I will be discussing is none other than the number three arch nemesis to the Power Puff girls “Him.”  “Him” is the embodiment of everything Americans feared and disapproved of at the time the show was released in 1998, when masculinity was the norm for men and the LGBTQ community did not receive much acknowledgment. His character is drawn in a way that makes him seem both demonic and sinister, much like the devil, which are traits modern Judeo Christianity has taught us to hate. This is not the issue though, the real issue comes from the fact that “Him’s”  character is often times portrayed as gay and flimsy, and since he is the picturesque depiction of the generic cartoon devil this instilled into young viewer’s eyes that gay culture is something vile and grotesque people embrace. “Him” is often times seen wearing a tutu and his lair is even covered in all pink showing viewers that he has a desire to be a female, and one may argue that the reason why he hates the Power Puff Girls so much is because they are made from “sugar and spice and everything nice” and they are the embodiment of what he wishes to be. “Him” is also the complete polar opposite of many super heroes who own many traits and virtues Americans value. For the purpose of this comparison I will use Captain America. In the comics and movies Captain America is portrayed as a very masculine and bulky character, unlike “Him”, who stands for everything American’s value, and yes he is straight. Imagine the amount of  back lash writers would have received if they would have willingly made the comic book version of the perfect American gay. Boy cots and protests would have took place but since “Him’s” character was depicted as demonic and vile, the gay depiction of the “King of Darkness” did not cause any Americans to feel the need to intervene. 

[saucysaucerton23-blog]

Wealth and Masculinity

Minimum 100 word blog post that analyzes the relationship between Iron Man and American identity. In what ways does the construction of this superhero reproduce hyper masculinist mythologies? 

As media continues to grow and become a greater part of American’s lives, it also becomes easier to relate fictional characters and situations with the real modern world. Much like how Ashley S. Robinson is able to connect Tony Stark’s/Ironman’s , ideology and actions to American identity and the idea of what it means to be the ideal successful and therefore masculine man. In her article “ We are Iron Man” Robinson states, “ He (Tony Stark) breaks every rule in the book... and the only contributions he makes are to his hedonism and bank account.” (828-829) The fact that Tony Stark is portrayed as both reckless and wealthy really identifies with contemporary America, men in specific, because these are traits media has taught us to strive for, as rock and rap culture has taught us to want to look up to those who live the Rockstar life, much like Tony Stark, and that masculinity comes through a carefree and extravagant life. Those who can afford to buy a luxury car without a second thought, or in this case spend thousands of dollars on a weaponized suit, are held in high regard, while those who can not afford to do the same are seen as less because “ in contemporary America, wealth becomes a material reflection of one’s worthiness.”(835) In other words Iron Man reflects how in modern day society wealth and recklessness are traits most modern Americans strive for, and how wealth and success are synonymous with masculinity.

[saucysaucerton23-blog]

“The Empire of Images” Analysis

Minimum 100 word analysis of how you see the “empire of images” playing out in any aspect of media: advertising, music, social media, film, sitcom, reality tv, etc. Use a quote from the article as a way to frame your analysis. Post a specific example on your blog and analyze. 

In the article “The Empire of Images” the author Susan Bordo disuses the many issues regarding the almost unattainable body norms and expectations modern media implements on today’s society. In her article Bordo discusses how many people are susceptible to body shaming and to feel the need to be physically attractive in order to be considered, and to be able to consider themselves beautiful. Bordo points out that those who do not possess this “beautiful physique”, which models and television superstars portray, turn to costly cosmetic surgeries. Many of these surgeries prove to be very expensive which creates a social divide between those who are wealthy and, “ ’The rest of us’... who can not afford... aesthetic tinkering,” in order to increase our face value and therefore our value as a person. A prime example of this can be seen in models and fashion icons, much like Kim Kardashian, who can afford to receive Botox injections every six months, and continue to look like they are in their mid twenties, even though they may be hitting close to forty. Meanwhile your aunt who is 37 may have been told she looks like she is in her mid forties, a fact that has her wishing she had the“beautiful” and seemingly ageless face of a model, which she may find unattainable because she has to make ends meet with a simple nine to five job, and can not afford anti-aging injections. This is the story of many women in America who are exposed to modern day media, and may leave them feeling less desirable and worthless in society, because they can not live up to the standards of the beautiful modern day American woman, all because of their inability to pay an arm and a leg to increase/retain their beauty. Showing that beauty and wealth are almost one in the same, and in order to be considered beautiful forever one must have the economic means to do so. Which makes beauty standards harder to obtain/retain for the less economically fortunate. Thus showing the toxic connection media outlets have made between beauty and wealth, i.e. in order to have beauty one must also have wealth.

[saucysaucerton23-blog]

Reality Shows and the Portrayal of the Elite

100 word analysis of class construction and “reality” TV. Watch an episode of any “reality television” show that stereotypes class divisions. Analyze the show, break it down and apply language from the article to your analysis.

Reality television makes up a large percentage of the television real estate in modern society. As time continues to progress more and more Americans are drawn into the luxurious lifestyles of the elite, in terms of social and economic status, and find themselves increasingly investing time into these people's’ lives. “Keeping up with the Kardashians” can be used as a prime example for the way stereotypes create class division because it (reality t.v) provides the average viewer with context as to what a day in a lavish and carefree lifestyle looks / feels like. This creates a sense of divide between the viewer and the reality show super stars because viewers are left to believe that in order to be seen as wealthy and “worthy” in the eyes of society, one must embody everything that the reality show super stars are. Once viewers attempt to copy the carefree lifestyle portrayed on screen, they become saddened due to the fact that no matter how hard they try to embody the star’s persona and attitude, they will never truly get to experience what it feels like to spend a day in Kim Kardashian’s shoes.