Can women really be 'portrayed' or 'exploited' in films? Isnt this idea patronising to their intelilligence?

Question

Some feminists believe that, it is possible for women to be 'portrayed', 'paraded like cattle' or 'objectified', in films, beauty contests and in erotic bars, in a way that is sexist or demeaning to them. How is it possible that a woman can be 'paraded like cattle' (as though her intelligence is akin to bovine levels and she has no choice). Why do many feminists think that women can be, 'paraded' and somehow don't think of the complex implications of their decisions when they choose to enter a situation where they would be somehow, 'exploited'. Is it really possible for a woman to be 'objectified'? is that not just patronising to their intelligence? Isn't Mr Universe exactly the same thing? or even male nudity? I ask is feminism patronising to women?

Quote: 'Are we too surprised that we have 99.9% of women working as low paid teaching assistants'- this is a ridiculous statement as is undoubtedly untrue. 'If you call a kid busty what do you expect her to grow up to be?'- anything she wants to be? Quote:'Is that so', is what so? 'is that so' is a response to statement- Im asking a question not making a statement.Im asking; is exploitation a state of mind? Im not discussing the black civil right movement in america, im sure you could muster up some parrallels between the two, but keep to the subject; learn how to read. 'Kim Basinger was treated badly on set- but thats another answer- yes it is. Also I'm not talking about non present groups of people, read the question. If a male actor was cast nude in a film, is he being anymore expoited than his female counterpart. Maybe certain people like to feel hard done by or want to be victims of men in this victim society? the question is easy to understand- stick to the subject.

Answer 1

All labour exploits someone. Most portrayals of the human body objectify it in some way, regardless of gender.

The patronising attitude of some feminists towards other women who make the choice to be in porn or beauty pageants infuriates me. They are essentially saying that women have the mental capacity of children, and can't consent to having the image of their bodies used for profit, even if she makes a mint from it. I find that offensive, not a wet t shirt contest.

Answer 2

I don't understand your question-you are asking if there is a way the "parade a woman like cattle" or to objectify her?!I am asking is there any way(no seroisuly) NOT to?Because movies,erotic bars,beauty have one purpose and one purpose only-to sell a female's looks not her mind or soul but what's on the surface alone.

Answer 3

I completely agree. By stating that these women are being exploited or the like people are undermining their intelligence and ability to make decisions. Just because it isn't something YOU would do doesn't mean it is wrong. There are many things people do that I would never do...I do not feel their choices are ignorant, they just want different things.

Object- the racial examples are historical to that era. The creators have portrayed and accurate version of race of the setting.

Answer 4

Is that so? Why don't you take a look at American films made during the first half of the 20th century, beginning with DW Griffith's "Birth of a Nation"? How about those cutsey Shirley Temple films where America's Sweetheart tapdances her soul out alongside a negro servant (and we all know negro's can tapdance, lol). What about the hysterical negro maid in 'Gone With the Wind' who needs to be slapped back into reality by Scarlet? There are many more such examples. Are you trying to tell me that the racial stereotypes depicted in these films... aren't exploiting a racial stereotype? Are you gonna try to convince me this observation is 'patronising' to the intelligence of modern-day Afro-Americans? How do you think they would respond to your assertion that they are?

I ask is the American Civil Rights Movement patronising to Afro-Americans?

Du-uh.

Answer 5

The use of critical thinking skills is not intended to be patronizing, although some conclusions drawn from such things can leave others feeling that way, I suppose. Many women do choose to do things that exploit themselves (or their gender) and really choose not to look at the "bigger picture." Others see the bigger picture, but perhaps don't see it as a reason to avoid such activities, as money and fame can be powerful draws. What cannot be denied is that there are things that exploit women, and that women do choose to participate in them. And the impact can be felt on a larger scale than just that of the individual making the choice. One can choose to rationalize away or justify their choices, and this may protect them from feeling the harm they've done to themselves or to their gender. This is called an ego defense mechanism, and there are many. Such use of ego defenses is natural in all people, but the overuse is mal-adaptive, and creates more problems than it "cures." It is not patronizing to ask that people take a closer look at the bigger picture. We are all connected in many ways. What hurts one person harms us all, even if the person is not fully aware of the harm, it still exists.

Answer 6

It is the way 'society is designed that leads to exploitation and self fulfilling prophecies like the objectification of women.

For example. If you design a job that is only required when children are at school and doesn't require specific qualifications and requires skills that are historically associated with one gender and specifically not the other gender?...

Are we too surprised that we have 99.9% women working as low paid Teaching Assistants and a much higher proportion of well paid men working as Teachers?

As Joey Tribbiani said in friends....If you call a kid 'Busty'...what do you expect her to grow up to be?

Answer 7

Oh come on, anyone can be 'used' and exploited in film, stage or books.

Films and books etc can quite legitimately exploit 'groups' to tell a story, make a point or even earn a crust from.

Sash.

Answer 8

Sure, these women choose to take part in those movies, but their characters don't. Do you think the woman in 9 1/2 Weeks enjoyed being sexually humiliated by her boyfriend? (Just so you know, Kim Basinger, who played that woman, was treated rather shabbily on-set. But that's another answer.)

Answer 9

i'm an object, and i didn't want to become that. but i think it all depends on how strong a woman is. if she's really strong, no film and no society can make her change her mind

Answer 10

everyone has their own opinions and birds of a feather flock together