In media, women tend to depicted as objects. Their look is made available for the “gaze of spectators who are coded as white heterosexual men.” (75) Over the years, the formation of the “male gaze” throughout different films and shows has become a controversial topic of discussion. Why is it so prominent in the media industry? The answer can be found by collectively observing how male-dominated the crew, director, producer, and writer positions are in Hollywood. A majority of films are created by men, for men. Female characters may be told to speak a certain way or wear clothing to satisfy the gaze. For example, the movie Suicide Squad was originally filmed with the help of a male director. In the first film, Harley Quinn, one of the main female characters, was put in a costume featuring very small and ripped clothing. However, Birds of Prey: Harley Quinn was filmed by a female director. Although Harley maintained her vibrant personality, she was put into an outfit that wasn’t as sexualized. The comparison between the same character in these two films show how prominently the male gaze effects clothing choices for female characters.
4 thoughts on “Mimi Bainbridge “Gaze” Post”
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I agree that having female representation in these roles in media is very key to solving the issue of male gaze. I believe that all it takes is more representation and the thinking process formed by media will be changed forever. These ideals of over-sexualization once eliminated from media will no longer be fueled and it will be even less of a problem in the future because the people who were watching the movies influenced by the male gaze will no longer be influenced by it.
I definitely agree with the point you make about women’s representation and believe that it is necessary that we do the same with underrepresented groups in media such as racial divides. For example, The Help is a movie and novel that was created through the lens of a white author and white director. Both Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer have noted that they regret the portrayal of these important characters through a white-washed lens. Thus, it is so important that we allow personalized experiences to shine through media platforms to bridge the divide between different parts of our human identities.
I really like how you mentioned the purpose and importance of the male gaze. Since those who hold the most power in our society are men, specific things have been created for the male gaze. This shows how those in power of institutions can control what our society deems right, such as the idea that men are “superior” to women. I also liked how you connected this keyword to specific images that promote the male gaze. Your point of specific clothing reminded me of video games that dress their female characters in very little clothing and their male characters in large suits. Since most video game creators presume that their audience is predominantly men, they purposely create things that are for the male gaze.
I think you bring up a good point that the male gaze is so prevalent and exists in general because there are not enough women working behind the scenes in media. If a movie is being directed by a man and has a male-dominant crew they are going to exploit a woman in order to gain approval from the male watchers. It is interesting that you noted the difference between films that were directed by female and male directors and how females were less sexualized when directed by a woman. I think that women being sexualized in media has gotten somewhat better over the years because we are seeing more women taking on professions as directors or members of the crew. When women hold positions of power in the film/media industry, it lessens the effects of the male gaze.