Bordo mentions that the "ideal" female image is currently being torn between a feminine look while also trying to incorporate a level of masculinity. She uses Sigourney Weaver's role in Aliens as an example of this ambiguous (Bordo uses the word androgynous) image for women. How are
women supposed to create a balance between a "natural" feminine look while obtaining this masculine quality, which seems to be physically impossible without the aid of surgery in some cases? Or maybe the question should be why do they need to try to obtain this image for themselves?
And then we have this image:
It's a total contrasting image of Sigourney. The women in the picture are voluptuous and relaxed compared to Sigourney's jagged and alert masculine portrayal. Even the items that the ladies are holding seems to have something about their gender image. In the Aliens picture Sigourney is holding an unmistakable phallic symbol, whereas the woman lounging has a fan... I don't know, maybe that represents how hot she thinks she is or something... Anyway, I think it is clear to say that it is interesting to compare such images as these and to consider that artistic depictions of women from the past are much more fair and realistic to women today.
As a man I think it is harder for me to have a valid say or opinion in this sort of thing though. Cultural expectations aren't the same for me and thus, I don't share the same experiences as women that deal with these sort of media burdens everyday. I do acknowledge that men get similar media bombardments, but it's not the same, so my views are skewed.
First off, thanks for posting both the images and comparing them on top of that. it was interesting to find similarities and differences in two pieces from different periods of time. I find it very interesting that you said your opinions were skewed on the matter simply for being a man who cannot relate to some of the struggles females go through. And, as sexist or bad as it sounds to put it like that, i would totally agree. I feel about the same.
ReplyDeleteI really like that you chose these two images to represent the paradox that a women has to obtain masculinity while still maintaing a more contemporary feminine persona. They both show extremes of both sides. Sigourney of course representing the masculine proving herself as a female force to be reckoned with, while the other depicts a more relaxed, exposed woman.
Nice Post!