Archive for May, 2009

Michelle Obama’s Arms

May 27, 2009 at 1:42 am · Filed under Web Portfolio, comm33009 ·Tagged , ,

MichelleObamaGunShowOver the past month, Michelle Obama has received excessive attention for her arms.  This demonstrates the media portraying women as sexual objects, as noted in Gamble & Gamble (27). The media has chosen to focus on the physical appearance and sexual appear of the First Lady.  Her arms are said to be an “inspiration to women.” It is interesting that women see her as an inspiration because of her body, not accomplishments.  Despite being a Princeton and Harvard educated woman, successful lawyer, and mother of two, we focus on physical features.

Gamble, T. K. & Gamble, M. W. (2003). The gender communication connection. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Park, M (2009). how to get michelle obama’s toned arms. Retrieved June 1, 2009, from CNN health Web site: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/26/toning.obama.arms/index.html

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The Personal is Political

May 27, 2009 at 1:32 am · Filed under Web Portfolio, comm33009 ·Tagged , ,

Chapter 15, of Gamble & Gamble says for women, “the personal became political” (409).  This was described as questions regarding the family, children, sexual behavior, and the roles of women becoming subjects of political debate.  For me, the case of Nadya Suleman demonstrates the personal becoming political.  Putting moral beliefs regarding the birth of the octuplets aside, it can’t be denied that this gained a great deal of political attention.  The fact that she was not married, filed bankruptcy, and her 14 children, prompted political debate.  This raised questions if in vitro fertilization should be restricted to prevent multiple births such as this.  This demonstrates that what used to be basic choices of women have now become topics of political and public interest.

Gamble, T. K. & Gamble, M. W. (2003). The gender communication connection. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

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Sonia Sotomayor

May 27, 2009 at 1:05 am · Filed under comm33009 ·Tagged ,

President Obama just nominated Sonia Sotomayor as a Supreme Court Judge.  This demonstrates great progress for women.  To me, the Obama administration as a whole demonstrates post-feminism.  Obama and his staff appear to treat women as equals and neither favor or discriminate against them.  His creation of the women’s council, and this appointment indicate the administration is saying women ARE equal and have just as great of opportunity.  Even if the administration does believe this, and is trying to send this message, women really are not.  This makes me believe there is no such thing as post-feminism, since the goals of the feminist movement have yet to be accomplished.  Also, if we did live in a post-feminism society, there would be no need for creating gender specific councils.  It is shocking that a female can be a candidate for one of the highest ranking positions, yet still be considered unequal to men. It will be interesting to see how the Senate reacts to her.  The Obama administration promotes post-feminist ideals, but I am anxious to see reactions. 

Gamble, T. K., & Gamble, M. W. (2003). The Gender Communication Connection. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company

(2009, May, 26). Obama chooses supreme court judge. BBC News, Retrieved 2009, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8068467.stm

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Artifact 1: Dawn Plus Hand Renewal

May 20, 2009 at 8:38 pm · Filed under Web Portfolio, comm33009 ·Tagged

 In chapter 2, of Gamble and Gamble, it is stated that television portrays women to have the duty of cleaing the home and caring for children (27).  The media confirms and supports the stereotype that a woman’s job is within the home.  I found this belief to also be supported in a Dawn Plus Hand Renewal commercial.  The commercial implies that is the duty of only women to wash dishes.  A group of women appear to be excited to wash dishes after a gathering, and there is not a man in sight. The voiceover states, he admires women’s hands the most, and he knows what dishwashing can do to a woman’s hands, so she needs to purchase this brand. 

What is interesting about the commercial is they chose to specify women as dishwashers.  However, a man easily could wash dishes, or a worker in a restaurant’s kitchen.  Dishsoap appears to be a very gender neutral item, as it is used for cleaning, which is something anyone can do.  Despite this, the soap is labeled as a feminine object.  Commercials such as this confirm cultural beliefs about gender identity.

This commercial is a great example of women in advertising.  It proves that “women are more often depicted in family/home-oriented roles than in professional roles” (Gamble and Gamble, 353).

Gamble, T. K. & Gamble, M. W. (2003). The gender communication connection. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

(2008). Dawn Plus Hand Renewal. Retrieved May 20, 2009, from YouTube Web site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuH61zb8edw

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