USC ANNENBERG STUDY SHOWS RECENT TOP FILMS LACK FEMALES ON SCREEN AND BEHIND CAMERA

http://www.wif.org/news/industry-articles-and-stats/567-usc-annenberg-study-shows-recent-top-films-lack-females-on-screen-and-behind-camera

This is a really interesting article, not only because the study occurred in USC, but because it shows a correlation between the number of women behind the scenes as directors, screenwriters, etc. and the number of female actors.

The super make-up

I came across a TV show the other day about the extremely effective make-up techniques mastered by several women in Taiwan.

Before taking off the make-up, one of the woman is so attractive that a man was willing to buy her a FERRARI for her to win her heart. However, after she took off the make-up, that man was not even willing to answer her phone-call.

http://cavemancircus.com/2010/10/28/asian-girls-are-deceiving-16-photos-before-and-after-makeup/

Here is a comparison of several girls with and without their make-ups.

Are make-ups that important for women?
Why are they important?
Is it vanity that is behind the story?
Or is it a psychological suggestion?
What does make-up mean for women?
Confidence?
Social status?
Sense of security?

Sexualizing Females in Hollywood

Here is an interesting article that I found on how Hollywood continues to sexualize female adults and teenagers, and the research was done by USC's Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism. This article talks about the statistics of female roles in film and how females continue to have less speaking roles than males, which suggests gender imbalance. Also, I found it interesting that the sexualization of women caused "males viewing girls and women as "eye candy" at younger and younger ages". Additionally, the fact that these sexualized images leads to the increase in "body shame" and "appearance anxiety" in others strikes me as society's way of oppressing women. However, I wonder if it is Hollywood's conscious decision to do so - and if so, why? Why are powerful females in Hollywood not doing anything about it?

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/usc-annenberg-study-hollywood-hooked-on-sexualizing-women-and-teen-girls-2011-11-21

- Merry Chin

Messages in Breaking Dawn

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/11/twilight-breaking-dawn-kristen-stewart-robert-pattinson.html

The article above posted in LA Times discusses about the messages present in Twilight: Breaking Dawn movie regarding anti abortion, the consequences of having sex regardless if it is hallowed, and the religious underpinnings and motherhood represented in Bella Swan

Male Dominance in Workforce

A government paper published on Tuesday said that women make up 11% of lower house members and 1% of corporate leaders. While figures from various media sources vary, it seems clear that Japan has a very low percentage of women in positions of power. Foreign critics, predictably, seem to have no solutions to propose, but only criticism of Japan to put forth. The Straits Times said this: ”Japan is behind the international standard in terms of female presence in the political sector,” the paper said, suggesting that the country introduce quotas like Sweden, Germany and South Korea have done in the past.

So why cant a woman be more like a man? In rich countries, girls now do better at school than boys, more women are getting university degrees than men are and females are filling most new jobs. Arguably, women are now the most powerful engine of global growth. In 1950 only one-third of American women of working age had a paid job. Today two-thirds do, and women make up almost half of America's workforce. Since 1950 men's employment rate has slid by 12 percentage points, to 77%. In fact, almost everywhere more women are employed and the percentage of men with jobs has fallen—although in some countries the feminization of the workplace still has far to go: in Italy and Japan, women's share of jobs is still 40% or less.

The increase in female employment in developed countries has been aided by a big shift in the type of jobs on offer. Manufacturing work, traditionally a male preserve, has declined, while jobs in services have expanded. This has reduced the demand for manual labor and put the sexes on a more equal footing.

Here's a diagram of sexual identity spectrum that I found. It really helps to break down the many levels of gender and what that means.

Gender-Confused Boy Welcomed Into Girl Scouts

I found a heartwarming article that shows how accepting some organizations can be towards people with different gender orientations, which is a stark contrast to the violence and hate that often accompany such topics. The link is attached: http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/family/9586-gender-confused-boy-welcomed-into-girl-scouts

Gender in Film

Here's an interesting article on males getting more roles in films, and how there are still certain images that women are supposed to be portrayed as, such as skimpy clothing.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/11/21/2512554/study-males-get-more-roles-gender.html

- Merry Chin

Saudi Arabia and Its Women

The following is a recent article about women in Saudi Arabia. Although they have gained the right to vote, this is not nearly enough.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/27/opinion/saudi-arabia-and-its-women.html?_r=1&ref=feministmovement

Moroccan Vote Puts Women's Gains to Crucial Test

Morocco's new constitution offers huge hope for gender equality, including combating a well-documented problem of domestic violence. The reformed constitution recognizes that women--in addition to having equal civil and political rights already laid out in the old constitution--have equal economic, social, cultural and environmental rights. It encourages the creation of women's rights organizations to help institutionalize change.

New members of parliament elected Nov. 25, along with the king, will determine actual change. "People are tired of promises," said Fatima Sadiqi, a lecturer at the University of Fes in Morocco and Harvard University. "They want to see things happening on the ground. In order to apply them you need the infrastructure, schools in rural areas. That's not easy. There should be a serious thought about these issues, and this is the moment. Elections are close.

http://womensenews.org/story/equalitywomen%E2%80%99s-rights/111120/moroccan-vote-puts-womens-gains-crucial-test

J.Lo embarrasses herself at AMA's?

Jennifer Lopez's performance tonight was remembered not for her musical act, but for the outfit she wore on stage. The 42 year old mother was chastised by the public for donning a flesh-colored, form fitting body suit which made it appear as if Lopez was naked. Why is she getting so much flack when she performed a great set? Is it because her outfit was too provocative for a 42 year old mother of two?


http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/stop-the-presses/jennifer-lopez-under-fire-raunchy-non-commercial-free-045504747.html

Jobs are a feminist issue. So are legal aid, tax and pensions

This article talks about how so many problems affecting the world today are primarily Feminist Issues.

Do you agree with the author's point of view? Is this reality or is it just paranoia?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/16/jobs-are-a-feminist-issue

Computer science's gender gap

It seems computer science is a field specifically for males and it also seems computers are boys' toys.
As a student majoring in computer science, however, I do not think such stereotype is valid.
My girlfriend is a CS major and she does well in it.
Here is an interesting article about the issue.

http://news.cnet.com/2008-1082-833090.html

Michelle Obama wears shocking clothing as First Lady

Michelle Obama has received criticism for wearing a sleeveless dress in her first official White House photo portrait. The only other First Lady to be photographed in sleeveless clothing for their official picture was wife of a Republican president who reigned in the conservative Fifties -- Mamie Eisenhower. The media familiarizes itself with First Lady history and is finding Obamas dress humorous in the "debate" about how much publicly-exposed skin is "socially acceptable" by First Ladies.

Week 14 Discussion Questions

Hi,

Please submit your questions for Week 14.

Damsel in Distress

The following article is about women's portrayal regarding how they often need to be rescued by men. It show f differential treatment of genders in literature, film, and works of art.

http://winx.name/?w=Damsel_in_distress

Living and Fighting Alongside Men, and Fitting In

The following is an article about women in the military. Very interesting!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/17/us/17women.html?pagewanted=all

Lesbian Nuns

It was interesting to me in discussion class today how we discussed nuns and their sexuality. Of course, religion plays a huge role in sexuality to these women but I believe that an attraction to a person, either male or female isn't something you can control. And for lesbian nuns, living in a convent with a group of women who you're almost forced to be close with it's inevitable that you may become attracted to one of your peers in a sexual way.

Anyways, i found a very old LA Times article about a book written called "Lesbian Nuns: Breaking the Silence" It's really interesting.

http://articles.latimes.com/1985-05-01/news/vw-11784_1_convent

http://it-feels-like-flying.tumblr.com/post/12814108135/wandsraygunsandsalt-adireadire-exilemoon#notes

Here's a post I found on tumblr regarding gender and self esteem, especially geared toward females. What does it say about our society that these issues have become such huge concerns?

Gender in the Medical Field

Here's an article that talks about the lack of discussion of gender in the medical field.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/medical-schools-teach-little-about-gay-health-issues/?scp=1&sq=gender&st=cse

- Merry Chin

37 States Allow Health Coverage Gender Bias

I found this article which reveals the gender bias in the health coverages of 37 states in the nation. It's actually legal to deny women health insurance because they are women in these states. These companies reportedly practice "gender rating," a process in which men pay less and women pay more. More information can be found at: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500165_162-57322289/report-37-states-allow-health-coverage-gender-bias/

Herman Cain's Marital Problems

I thought this article was relevant to Xiaoxin's presentation last week and the "second wives." Many women have come forth claiming that they had sexual relations with potential presidential candidate Herman Cain. This sounds familiar to the "second wives" theory and how these women are portrayed as a main source of corruption in society.

http://news.yahoo.com/cains-wife-sex-harassment-claims-dont-ring-true-021433674.html

Fujoshi

For some reason, I noticed that some of my female friends in China became fujoshis and it seems to me that number of fujoshis in China is increasing.
The term "fujoshi" means a woman who likes to see "boy's love" and it is from Japanese. In English, the literal translation is "fallen woman".
These girls tend to twist the friendships portrayed in films and novels.
For example, the recent movie "X-men:First Class" has been the favorite of fujoshis.
The friendship between Professor X and Magneto is seen as a BL relationship by fujoshis.
However, as long as I can see, there is no pattern in who is more likely to be a fujoshi.
Being a fujoshi is independent on academic performance, family background or personality.

Here is a link in Wikipedia about fujoshi:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujoshi#Fujoshi

Here is an image about the twisted version of "X-men: first class":
http://sexysauce.tumblr.com/post/6288071941/squidjuice-erik-is-a-gay-seatbelt-i-should

US PGA Tour

For the first time in more than half a century, a woman played alongside the men in a US PGA Tour. It is sad that some of the men were very angry over this. Annika Sorenstam from Sweden got the chance to play against the men. She is thirty-two years old and won more tournaments than any other golfer, male or female, last year – more even, than Tiger Woods. She hits the ball an average 256 meters. One golfer, Fiji's Vijay Singh claimed that if he were paired to play with Sorenstam he would withdraw. He said, “This is a men's tour, and there are guys out there trying to make a living, so… and it's not a ladies' tour.” Another golfer said, “The reality is she's a woman and she's playing with the men. Does that sound like something normal?” Obviously women still face gender discrimination.

Saluting the Rosies

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-smith-rosie-the-riveter-20111111,0,3782683.story

This article was posted on LA Times today. It's about how American women are grateful to the Rosies because they have better opportunities than the previous generations

Week 13 Discussion Questions

Hi,

Please submit your questions for Week 13.

supergirl

This comic speaks a lot to the worth of women in society. Are they only valuable if they can attract a man?

India's Historic Ruling on Gay Rights

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1908406,00.html

This is an article about India's ruling on gay rights. Some say it's the first step for homosexuals in India to secure their rights.

What Gender is God?

I found an article that describes the discussion of God's gender and how he is represented by masculine and feminine qualities. More can be found at: http://www.tribune242.com/sports/11032011_godsgender_features_pg28

Women's Rights in the New Tunisia

Tunisian women--in the vanguard of the Arab world--will put the theory of regarding women's rights as a development keystone to a crucial test as the country's new democracy takes shape

following last week's elections.

It seems that the current situation of Tunisian women, including abandoning female fetuses, education level of women, etc. are better than many countries in Arab and even some parts in Asia. Therefore, the big move of women's rights in this country is closely watched by the world.

Here is the link,

http://womensenews.org/story/equalitywomen%E2%80%99s-rights/111103/in-the-new-tunisia-womens-rights-are-in-play?page=0,0

Gender and Career Interests

Here is an interesting blog on the relationship between gender and career interests.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-leadership/post/could-your-gender-affect-your-career-interests/2011/04/01/gIQACBqscL_blog.html

- Merry Chin

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoccbBcEhaY

This is a scene from the movie, "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry," which explores different aspects of gay rights and gay marriage. In this scene, different children ask offensive, derogatory questions to Larry (who is pretending to be gay throughout the movie).

olympics

I have been looking into aspects where men still dominate. One concrete example is some of the events in the Olympic games. The Games have always had more men than women as participants, coaches and officials. Female athletes have received less funding and have fewer Olympic sports in which to compete. Many national Olympic committees have no women members and send no women to the Games. The events included in the Games are mostly ones that give men an advantage, notably sports emphasizing strength and speed. For example, most running and swimming events are over in a matter of seconds or minutes. Women are already much closer if not superior to men in ultra-endurance events, such as marathon swimming, but shorter events predominate in the Olympics. Events emphasizing precision and skill rather than strength would give women a better chance. Unfortunately, women are expected to adapt to male sports.

Week 12 Discussion Questions

Hi,

Please submit your questions for Week 12.

Only man's fault?

Edison Chen, a famous Chinese star, is recently trapped in another photo scandal with a 16-year-old model.
This is not the first time he became the subject on the headline through such "unexpected" way.
He was involved in a major photo scandal with several Hong Kong actresses in 2008.

http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20111103-308433.html

However, this piece of news makes me think.
Why would Edison Chen get the chance to have such intimate contacts with the 16-year-old schoolgirl model?
Although Chen is responsible for the scandal, the schoolgirl is definitely far more than a victim even if after the issue she looks like one.
In my opinion, even though men are always blamed for sex scandals, girls make them happen.
If the girl refused Chen before all the nasty happened, none of the scandals would happen.

Transgenderred student expelled from Cal Baptist

http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/riverside/riverside-headlines-index/20111028-riverside-cal-baptist-expels-transgendered-student.ece

The article above is about a transgender student who planned to transfer to CBU, but got expelled because she was accused of putting false information in her application. Techinicall still a male, she marked female as her gender on her application. Readers' comment mostly support CBU for keeping tradition.

Prosecuting the Gay Teen Murder

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1714214,00.html

The above is an older article about a 14 year old boy who murdered his gay classmate. Although this happened a couple years ago, I started to wonder if things have been improving or if gays/lesbians were still being bullied and targeted to the same degree they were back then.

Church Halloween Event Bans 'Cross-Gender' Costumes

The flier for a church's Halloween event sparked a significant amount of criticism within the community. It proclaimed that no cross-gender costumes were allowed at the event. To many in the community, this sends a bad message to the children. The bishop defended his decision by stating that he had thought it was church policy. However, there was no such policy. While the church does have a no-mask policy, there was cross-dressing ban dictated.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/10/29/church-halloween-event-bans-cross-gender-costumes/