After watching Hook's video in class and two of her videos outside of class I soon realized that I do not agree with everything that she says. She talks about very controversial issues that she is very opinionated about. The video we watched in class ties into interpreting society, but doing so in a cultural way.
When watching the video on feminism she talked about how Madonna goes along with patriarchy. How can she say this when Madonna is the main provider for her family? Even though she was married to a man who was very domineering she was still a leader in her family.
Hook's also tied in about how she was offended by Madonna’s racist comment "...black men are the most sexist people." This can not be considered true, because there is not data for any one to establish this conclusion off of. The part that did not make sense to me was how Hook's tried to defend herself and her race by lashing out on Madonna’s husband who was accused of domestic violence. These two issues are not relatable in this scenario and hurt her defense. After listening to this I was ready to stop watching this video, but her next point is something that I can agree with.
The quote from both a male and female executive stats that "Race is not the issue, the only color that matters in society is the color of green" is something that I can agree with. She said earlier in her lecture that Madonna does a lot of the sexual stunts because she is interested in money. Even though this cannot be determined because I am sure that Hooks is not personally friends with Madonna, there is still the possibility that it is true. Money is something that makes people act differently then they would in a society where currency is not the main focus. Everything we do is done for money. The advertisements that we have been looking at in class would never be an issue if the companies that made them were not interested in only making money.
Hook's views can be tied into the book Culture Shock because of the way both authors tell us to open our eyes to how society is being run. They point out the issues that are commonly overlooked or ones that we cannot fix without a great deal of unity. Even though I do not agree whole heartedly with everything that Hooks or Lasns talk about, both authors have opened my eyes to different things in society that I once overlooked. After reading this book and listening to the visual aids in class, I feel like I am more cognizant to my environment.
That is a very well thought out blog I must say. I agree with your point about money. Clearly we think differently when we have it, than when we don't. However, as a business, their purpose is to make money. Trying to make a profit is not wrong and should never be.
ReplyDeleteI like your conclusion though and how you tied everything into one main point. I actually did not realize how this connected to Culture Jam until you stated it.
I have to agree with you who is Hooks to be talking about Madonna like she knows everything about her life. I agree that the ads wouldn't be so bad if the companies were taking time to step back and look critically at them for what they are really selling before putting them out.
ReplyDeleteHmm. I think it's fair to take a stab at Madonna, as hooks does, because Madonna has made her entire livelihood by placing herself (oftentimes forcefully) in the public eye. While I agree with the contradictions that Kris notes in his blog regarding Madonna and the "patriarchy," I think that Madonna has cleverly "played her part" within the dominant cultural system in order to "earn her keep." Yes, it's true that Madonna is one of the symbols of powerful femininity. We might also argue that Madonna's control over her own sexuality shows her independence and "pride" in who she is. However, when Madonna sells a book called "Sex" and features herself dressed up as a pre-adolescent girl (gazing innocently and seductively at her viewers) it is difficult for a critical thinker not to ask, "what is her true purpose here?" Undeniably, the image is suggestive of child pornography--a point that Jean Kilbourne makes when she analyzes ads with grown women, "acting like and enfantisized as young girls" in ads. These images do not empower women. They are a throw-back to a *system* and *institution* of power that places men above women.
ReplyDeleteWe can agree to disagree. But there is some compelling evidence against Madonna (and other female artists: Lady Gaga...another good example) who choose to make money by exploiting their own sexual power and prowess for all to see.
I think Hooks and Lasn do a good job at openeing up our eyes to such things. Before the book or the videos I never paid any attention to what they are talking about. I now view everyday living in a different way.
ReplyDeleteI definately think that almost any female in Hollywood has as some point had to sell herself in a way that wasn't necessarily empowering women. Directors tell you how to act, talk, walk, lay, and kiss. If they only took the parts that made them look strong and not weak as women, the critics would say they had no depth. It's a lose lose. I think more of the point is that there is no balance. Many kids only see the Hollywood because the REAL is never promoted. Hollywood sells cheap dreams so they can make large sums.
ReplyDelete