For This Intervention:
For this intervention, the idea is not to completely change one's perspective of a sorority girl, but rather for one to become aware of what the images of "sorority girls" are in the media. This theme of the pink-wearing, fake boobed, gold digging, attractive, ditzy, slutty sorority girl makes all women look bad, it is debatably one of the worst images of women in the media. The image of the "sorority girl" has moved beyond portrayals of members of made-up sororities in movies. Now the idea of a “sorority girl” in the media can be thought of as any girl who is pink-wearing, fake-boobed, attractive, gold digging, ditzy and slutty, which is currently quite a popular image in media. This creates a situation in which people may assume a woman who displays any of these characteristics to be the “sorority girl” type. For example, if an attractive woman wearing a pink suit walks into a business meeting, some may assume that she is also slutty and dumb and not worth taking business advice from, when in reality this woman may be a genius who enjoys wearing the color pink. So this image of the “sorority girl” in the media creates a problem for all women, forcing them to don themselves in drab attire and act about as lively as a seventy-five year old nun to gain any respect from others in society, especially respect from men in a business setting. The image of a “sorority girl” in media concurrently creates a problem for men as well, by setting up a certain set of associations of and expectations for women.
Playboy's Sex Symbol
As we are all aware, Playboy has become an empire that has dominated the portrayal of women in media. All the women shown are put at an extremely high standard of body image and sexuality. These girls have become nothing but a sex symbol. They are no longer looked to as women, yet have become an object. Just take a look at how Playboy portrays not only women, but in this case, sorority women. What does this picture communicate about what women should look like, act like, and be treated?
8 comments:
Your whole image campaign seems misguided. You are only trying to change the image of one demographic- women age 19-23- and seem to be casting the blame to 'business men' and 'society'. Perhaps you should turn to yourself first and say have I ever been this 'sorority chic' myself? Have I ever worn my pants tucked in my shoes (UGZ) and wanted free beer from fraternities? Have I ever used my image/looks/body to get something I wanted...
And as for the woman in a pink suit being taken seriously? What the hell...Its not about the clothes its about the way you are and represent yourself. I like to wear large chicken suits but I wouldnt wear it to work...see how that works.
Perceptions have to be changed by the individual through positive actions not blaming someone else for depicting you the way they do. Perhaps the change you should be seeking is for women to be respected and to have equal opportunities not changing images.
This is a media literacy campaign to help people become mindful of a negative image of women in the media, not to make everyone like sorority girls, and not to make sorority girls ask themselve if they have ever tucked their pants into their boots.
Basically this blog is not encouraging people to evaluate themselves and their attire.
As for the comment that perceptions must be changed by a individual . . . many media literacy campaigns have been successful in urging people to be more mindful of images in the media, instead of automatic or mindless while consuming media. If enough people care about a topic, sometimes things are even changed in the media, such as including more minorities to make television a more accurate depiction of the world.
The "sorority girl" is one of the most negative images in the media, it has become a sex symbol that objectifies women. We chose this image because it is one of the more negative images of women in the media, although it is controversial because there are some people who hate ugg boots and apparently think that these objectifying images of women are OK. We are not trying to change stereotypes of sorority women, we are urging people to become mindful of this negative image of "the sorority girl" in the media.
Playboy does not care about the image of the woman. They only care about the number of magazines they sell. They are willing to steriotype and exploit to any degree, any woman in effort to boost their bottom line. All women, including sorortiy women, must recognize this and not feed into the allure of being considered "good enough for Playboy" that they become willing to sell their souls, their self esteem and their pride so that a magazine can make a buck!
I think sorority girlz are HOT and I see no problem with them being eye candy. This so called 'problem' of sorority girls being sexy won't go away until sororities start letting in ugly chics. Maybe you just don't know, but there are very few girlz in sororities who are not deserving of a second glance.
And with you calling yourself ManHunk am I not supposed to jump to any conclusions there?
Are you saying that hot girls are only in soroities and that all the rest are not hot? Have you ever been to a soroity? Not all of the girls would automatically fall into the "hot" catagory!
I think I'm misunderstanding what you hope to accomplish. You want people to recognize that women are objectified by Hollywood and 'media' which I'm assuming includes all -magazine, movies, etc. So all you are hoping to get is for the majority to recognize that women are being viewed negatively. Seems like a less direct purpose. I dont see why 'women' were chosen...what about 'frat boys', minorities, white people (believe it) or any other group of people who have negative ads against them. Everyone can attribute some negative thoughts or attitudes towards themself its how the media sells and we can all be guilty for supporting that. I recognize women have been disrespected on many levels but cant be entirely objective to that thought because of many many other groups/individuals who have been put in a negative light by those who have the power to report-playboy, gossip mags, or advertising groups.
I commend you for this project and I plan to subscribe to you as you go through this endeavor.
Being a female greek for only a year (as opposed to being a "sorority girl") I have already have had to re-explain myself a MILLION times to people who are non greek about my organization of choice who I was prior, who I am now, and that wearing letters is not a pass to pretty-dom and plenty parties!
Ugh.
Thank you. You ease my frustration. Be encouraged.
LD<3
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