A Very Familiar Gaze...

We've all seen it: the image of a woman gazing back at the camera submissively and seductively over her exposed shoulder.

It is a very familiar image; a very familiar gaze. We saw it in the films and photography of the 1940s and it pervades the media of today. It is without question a product of what is still a very male-driven society. Why is it pervasive in popular culture? It is a known fact that the ringleaders of the media world are men. Thus, this facet of our society is drenched in patriarchy. After reading Berger's Ways of Seeing, it is understood that the male gaze is used to enforce control over women, showing that the man has the power. Media images are then created to enforce that power. We can see this power clearly in the images I spoke of previously. The woman is submissive to that male power, letting her guard down and allowing herself to be seen as an object, a sex symbol. More often than not, women are portrayed in this way, usually exhibited in a way that implies a relinquish of her dignity and inferiority to the the spectator (which is intended to be a male audience). So, this display and portrayal of women in the media is done through the male perspective. The camera is this perspective, it is the lens by which women become the passive object of desire. It is because of this very portrayal and abusive control by men that creates the insecurities and obsession with physical appearance seen in women and girls of all ages. This domination that men have had and many women's willingness to submit has perpetuated this idea of objectification of women and has caused women to be incessantly aware of how they look because they know they are being looked at. Little do many women know that body image pressures seen in the media and battles with anorexia, bulimia, etc. are all a result of the male gaze. It is because of this gaze, the idea that women know they are being watched and feel the need to live up to the expectations of their spectator to earn the position as being the object to be desired, that they obsess about their image and feel they need to look a certain way. They obsess over the need to feel and look "sexy" and appeal to the men watching them. They then develop a complex,and see a reflection of themselves being watched and are conscious of and obsess over how they are presenting themselves to not only their spectators (men) but to themselves! It is because of this gaze that the motto "sex sells" was born and is commonly referred to and used in the world of advertisement and marketing. We also have to remember, however, that women look at women. This is referred to as the "female gaze". And as one of my delicious posts, I tagged an exhibit entitled "The Female Gaze." It examines the idea that women are just as conscious of how they are being perceived by other women, as they are men.

As a women in this society, of course I am unavoidably immersed in this very sad an dissapointing world guided through the male gaze, and at times it undoubtedly provokes, triggers and stimulates the perspective that I have of myself and my identity in this society. However, by being aware of its origins, that is the first step to conquering it and not allowing it to influence or damage your view of yourself, your dignity, and your identity as a woman alongside men in this society.

Similarly, the oppositional gaze, is the product of a white male-driven society. Bell Hooks developed this analysis of thought, encouraging black women not to accept stereotypical representations in film, but rather critique them. She encourages them to look critically at their cultural environments in order to move forward. The act of looking is for the black individual, power. There is power in looking, and if you're not looking, you're not using your power.

It is obvious how white and white male domination pervades the media. It is commonly seen in films from years ago and from those of today. An example of this is the representation of "Sapphire" in Amos 'n Andy. I think it is critical for this segment of our society to view their portrayal in the media with a very critical eye and not accept false representations and not accept the belief that this is an accurate portrayal of who they are. In doing this, they are opposing what is meant to be an oppressive portrayal. This power that they have to look at what is being portrayed and how it is being portrayed is exercising their right and in doing so will prevent being submissive to false representation.

I think that regardless of race, we are all subjected to a moment in when we are labeled, misrepresented, misinterpreted, stamped with a stereotype. We have many expectations created for us, and preconceived ideas about who we might be depending on many factors, including skin color, social class, etc. Whenever I am faced with this obstacle, I do view it with a critical eye and evaluate the situation carefully. It is importatant to be confident in the person you know you are, challenge the "oponent" by presenting yourself in a way that will contradict their preconceived, malinformed opinion. In doing this, you conquer the need to give the oppositional gaze.