Beautiful Scenery

On November 13th of 2012, the LA Times’ Julie Makinen published an article titled, “Women and media at China’s 18th Communist Party congress”. In this article Makinen discusses Chinese women, and their increasing presence as delegates in the 18th Communist Party. However, she also points out that their main contribution seems to be their looks. She tells how a Chinese media site published a slideshow that was titled “Beautiful Scenery from the 18th Party Congress”. Makinen goes on to say that many of these women were dressed in exotic clothing and wore elaborate hair ornaments. The majority of Makinen’s article discusses the real role of women in the communist party.

After reading this article I realized that the media plays on feminine stereotypes all across the globe. Not even in communist China can women escape its ever watchful eye. It is truly sad that the women who are allowed to participate in politics are pressured into looking “beautiful”. Perhaps even worse, however, is the title these women are given. Instead of getting the respect that the men receive the women are referred to only as “beautiful scenery”.

Makinen says a Beijing news station has frequently described two of the delegates as “the most beautiful judge” and “the most beautiful mom”. It’s almost apalling to think that these women are based solely on their looks. What most people don’t seem to realize, however, is that American women are treated the same way. How many times have female politicians been judged based on their clothing? It’s as if a woman’s style is a deciding factor on how well she can do her job.

One upside to Makinen’s article is, as she says, ” it’s proof that women’s participation in politics has grown”. In fact, a woman named Liu Yandong was targeted as a “possible candidate for elevation to…the select group of seven or nine top officials who essentially govern China”. Of course the down side is many analysts see her as an “extreme long shot”. Which makes it obvious that women in China still have a ways to go before reaching equality. To which I say… don’t we all?

This article struck me because of the literature I have read in my Women and Gender Studies class. Two of the books have been about girls who lived in countries other than America. I believe the books have impacted me because of how similar their stories are to my own. Its shocking when I realize a girl who lives in a completely different cultural environment is undergoing the same societal pressures as I am.

I wanna be Clueless

In 2006 Sarah Senghas, a mental health counselor, published an article on Yahoo Voices titled, Sexist Stereotypes in the Media. This article discusses the various ways television shows, movies, and magazines portray women as “airheads”. She discusses how these portrayals of women are supporting sexist stereotypes. Senghas believes that the media is having a massive and negative impact on young girls. The article ends with Senghas debating the different ways to protect children from these disabling views of women.

What struck me most about this article was its reference to the movie Clueless. I remember watching this movie when I was little and I won’t lie, I loved it. In her article, Senghas says, “Children are especially vulnerable to this [stereotypes], since their young minds are still developing and learning about the world around them.” Cher, the main character, was everything I thought a “cool” girl should be. She was pretty, popular, fashionable, and the crush of many boys. What more could a media influenced eight year old ask for! Of course, looking back on it now I realize how the whole movie played into sexist stereotypes. Even the name of the movie, Clueless, played into the belief that all women are ditsy and airheads.

However, as Senghas states in her article, “Nothing in biology labels behaviors as right or wrong, normal or abnormal. Any stereotypes we impose on children – and by extension, adults – are purely cultural, not biological.” I doubt that I was born thinking that girls are supposed to be passive, sweet and dreamy. Just think, if I had not been exposed to Clueless, and media similar to it, who knows what I would have considered womanly. Maybe it would have been based off of my own personal interests, and not those others told me I should have. Much of what I have subconsciously learned is a result of the media. But sometimes I think it could not have been helped. WRONG!

Senghas’s article gives plenty of plausible ways to inhibit the effect the media has on girls. Her first proposal is to simply stop buying magazines that sexualize women’s role in society. If a young girl is not exposed to these type of ad’s the chance that she will view herself as a sex object is lessened. Senghas’s second proposal is that parents should start teaching their children that, “men are not stronger or smarter than women”. At a young age children look up to their parents more than anyone else. If a child’s parent encourages gender equality the effect of the media may yet again be lessened. The last proposal she gives is for parents to encourage non-media related activities. As simple as this may sound, it could really help. The Girl Scouts, Sports and Physical Activity Statistics page, has research which proves that girls involved in sports have greater self-esteem. However, this is not the only benefit. Read the Girl Scouts page to find out more.

Throughout my women and gender studies class, stereotypes have been a re-occurring theme. We often discuss these stereotypes in depth. However, its not often that we can find a plausible way to stop them. That is another reason why I thought Senghas’s article was fascinating. She was able to give solutions to the problem, however small, that may help. If I had a daughter I would do whatever it takes to protect her from the insecurity I have felt, and continue to feel, while growing up.