Blog assignment #13: Exit slip - A Burning Question

The strongest thoughts that stroke me during and after the movie was the realization of that the economy and politics of a country, in this case for example Ireland, all affect and are being affected by the environment and the current climate. There was a part in the movie when they showed, I think it was Dublin, when it was almost completely under water. Because of this the economy suffered and this clearly demonstrated how everything is connected.

Climate change happens right now and no one is good enough at trying to prevent these changes. We hear about these major problems and issues all the time and still do not seem to think that one man can do something to reduce it. There has to be a change soon.

In media, climate change is being portrayed when something major has happened or some new discovery. Sadly, there are not new discoveries all the time and therefor the time in media for climate change is very irregular. I think that the media coverage of climate change has to become more regular and not come from time to time and then there might be a slight change in people´s minds and thoughts about climate change and what to do with it. 

Blog Assignment #12 - Tough Guise

9. This film is now pretty dated, with many cultural references that need renewal. Can you make some suggestions about more current films/TV shows/ media figures that Katz should include in a possible re-make of his documentary? How have things changed? How have things stayed the same?

Masculinity can be invisible even though it is there. When it states for example: "woman assaulted" in the newspaper ---> it points towards a man or boy that is the perpetrator. We cannot deal with the issues of masculinity if we cannot see it. So to make masculinity visible is the first step towards working with this problem in today´s society.

To re-make the movie with maybe new examples of men and different movies is my suggestion. I feel that the movie and topic then would be more appropriate in time and that we as students maybe can relate more to "characters" and/or "stereotypes" that we are more familiar with. Entourage is an example of a TV-series that display masculinity and could be one new series to add. The men in the series are well known, both among girls and boys and especially among teenagers which often are the ones who get affected the most. The one non-Caucasian character is also the only homosexual character and he is shown as quite ridiculous and the women in the series are there to create difficulty or distraction. The other men and main characters try to reinforce masculinity as the cultural norm.

If one thinks about the younger audience, the movies about Tarzan and Superman also include a lot of masculinity and some aspects that according to me is not something to strive for to show young boys and girls. What I mean is the parts where for example Tarzan “possess” his perfect woman, in this case Jane. This is displayed as Jane is part of the man´s (Tarzan´s) wealth, belongings and even part of him being masculine.

I feel that Katz should use a diversity of movies and TV-series if making an updated version. Different age groups should be targeted because masculinity and toughness is shown everywhere in today´s society. It is so vital to learn how this topic is exposed to be able to learn about it. I had not thought about for example Tarzan in this way until today and now my opinion and feeling for the movie got slightly changed. Katz movie was striking and truly affected me and my thoughts. 

Blog Assignment #11 - "Killing us softly 4" - Discussion after watching the film

We were asked to write and discuss a few questions after watching the movie and here are the three that my group (Moa and Katrin) chose. We only had to write down one answer to one question but I chose to take notes on all of our small discussions and here is what we came up with:

5. What sorts of products are sold using images of women and femininity? What kinds of products are sold using images of men and masculinity? Are these ever switched around? If so, when?

Women often sell cars and items where they can use the female sexiness to lure in the buyers and men. If one look at items and ads for gender neutral purposes they often are advertised with women and femininity. Perfumes are items that are often portrayed alongside men if the perfume is for men and with images of women if the item is for women. There might be a good looking woman in a advertisement for a male perfume which might be used to make it seem as the item smells so good that all women or at least the woman in the ad cannot "control" herself around the man and is strongly pulled towards him and his scent. 

13. What is responsible advertising? Do advertisers have a responsibility to society? Do they have a responsibility to children? Why or why not?

No, not really since they are not "parents", their main purpose is to sell the products and items displayed. They do have some kind of responsibility in not showing pictures of e.g. rape or other assaults. Also, they should not enhance the positive view of very young models wearing make-up and sexy clothes.

29. In what ways do images of thinness and advertisements for food contradict each other in the media? How might their combined effects lead to disordered eating?

It leads to disturbed thoughts about food. It says that you can stay so skinny and still eating so much junk food and sweets which totally contradict each other. Sadly this might lead to young girl or boys eating for example to much ice cream and still think they will look good and be healthy. In the long term this can lead to serious consequences and illness. I and my whole group think it is vital to talk to children about not always trusting the internet and/or TV advertising.