Girls Gone Skank - Assignment 1-3

Article Summary

Feminists’ are hesitant to relish in the fact that women are gaining freedom from “traditional sexual mores”; for fear that girls today don’t realize that “self-exploitation is not the same thing as feminist empowerment.” Taking her perspective on women’s images, Oppliger tackles many topics from fashion to pornography in which she examines the sexuality of female preadolescents; however, failing to incorporate opposing information leads the reader to believe that her studies aren’t valid.

Getting lost in the reason for the book the author goes on to include adult media when comparing the sexuality of girls; this is very confusing. Deficient in evidence to support her claims and missing the approach of feminist theory, a majority of her information appears broadly generalized. She seems to lack the ability to criticize her own thoughts and take into consideration the research and credibility of those before her; leaving room to presume that a more critical look into the sexualization of young girls lingers.

Assignment 5-1: Society Lost

A recent anonymous survey conducted in large urban school districts across 39 states, reported that US teen sex has risen 1 percent in the last two years. Over 14,000 students were surveyed, and found:

• 14.9 percent of teens had sex with four or more people in their lifetime


• 61.5 percent claim to have used a condom during sexual intercourse

I am happy to see that our teens are practicing safe sex, but it shouldn’t be happening at such an alarming rate. It leaves room to question: Is our society promoting teen pregnancy?

It seems that Hollywood is the promotional capital whether it is the new “must-have” bag, or that magical glow that’s associated with the “baby bump”—almost like a fashion accessory. Does Hollywood not see this trend as a problem? For instance, all the publicity that surrounded the pregnancy of Jaime Lynn Spears, the 16 year old sister of Brittney Spears and star of the hit Nickelodeon “kids” series Zoey 101. It worries me that her character was such an inspiration on the show, in which she made correct and confident decisions; that kids may get this confused with her “real” life situation and look at pregnancy as the cool thing to do.

Our teens are exposed to real-life on an everyday basis, they deal with hormones and puberty, then they go to the movies and are bombarded with sexually explicit innuendos, exploiting teen sexuality, straight from the screen from kids who look and think just like them. It’s an example of reverse child pornography, promoting adult sexual activity to children.

Case and point, the hit movie of 2007 Superbad; in which the storyline involves 3 virgin teenage male friends ready to kick off their sex-life before going to college. They have been invited to a graduation party in which they spend the entire day trying to buy alcohol in order to inebriate their “dream girls”. They discuss sexual positions in immense vulgar detail and hope to be the “regret hookup”. In the end, their plans fail and they don’t actually get laid, however, the plot is already in the minds of the viewers.

It is highly unrealistic to think that one pregnant celebrity could have such an impact on the teenage race, but it’s plausible to think that this could be the start…

Pin 'em Up - assignment 4-1

Pin up girls are a pop culture phenomenon, dating back to the 1890’s but really hitting its “golden age” in the 1940’s and 50’s. The women who posed were fashion models and actresses whose pictures were mass-produced in multimedia especially “girlie mags” such as “Eyeful”, “Flirt”, “Wink” and "Whisper”. The pictures were cut out of magazines, newspapers, calendars, and so forth, then pinned up for viewing; thus the name “pin-up”. Most of the pictures were taken of attractive women in provocative postures, which would be appealing to the eye.

The pin-up girls were very popular during World War II when their faces were posted on the lockers of the men sent to combat. The men dubbed them their “eye-candy” while they were away from their women back at home.
When I think of pin-up girls I envision Marilyn Monroe in her famous “skirt blowing” stance, with her dress flowing, red lips smiling, and untamed beauty – she was the ultimate sex symbol. Over the years, many faces have graced the facade of pin-up, celebrities such as; Joan Crawford, Ginger Rogers, Ava Gardner, Sophia Loren and Farah Fawcett. Dita Von Teese “The Queen of Burlesque” is the most prominent of our day and age, with her retro pin-up looks, resembling Bettie Page.

The art of pin-up has lead to much more that beautiful pictures, it became an art style for tattooing, a funky retro clothing couture, and gorgeous hair and makeup styles that keep the fashion going.

Oops! The Return: Assignment 3-1

For the fun of it I’m going to continue my salute to “strong” women this week. Although some of you may not agree with me on this one; I consider Ms. Spears to be a strong woman, I also think she is a little crazy, somewhat obsessive and needs help in the common sense department; but who’s perfect? Since her disastrous marriage to Kevin Federline in 2004, Britney has been a tabloid headliner.
Britney first debuted on the scene in 1999 as an innocent girl destined to become a pop idol, with phenomenal opportunity. She was in the spotlight, living the "American Dream"; her albums were top-sellers in which she was awarded Billboard music awards and was dating Justin Timberlake; everything seemed to be going in the right direction. Unfortunately her decisions or lack there of have led her driving down the wrong road turned upside down without a seatbelt.

After her split with Timberlake, Britney’s life spiraled out of control. Her albums weren’t selling; she had two failed marriages, and a career that was blowing out like a candle in the wind. She was out of control, she had a mental breakdown in which she mangled her hair, to top it all off, she was facing allegations of child neglect & endangerment in which Federline was seeking custody of their two small boys.

We all know the situation didn’t turn out in Britney’s favor, so what went wrong? Was it the media that drove her into a frenzy or her own self torment? What was the root of her party mania; literally baring herself to the world causing her involuntary commitment into psychiatric care?? We may never know. Obviously Britney realized her tabloid drama and released the video "Piece of Me", known for its controversial but true statements. Maybe this was the moment she realized she had enough.

Despite her bad reputation in the public eye, Britney claims to be making a comeback. She shot the cover for Rolling Stone and is set to release a new album entitled “Circus” (pun intended?) in December. Spears will also introduce a documentary prior to the release of her album. I’m not a huge fan; however I am interested to see where the tabloids are going to take her this time…Stand up for yourself girl!




picture credits:


http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/images/gallery/britney-spears-yes-she-can_350x496.jpg

FABULOSITY - Assignment 2-1

Staying true to my essence this week and my dedication to “women at large and in charge”, I decided to focus on Kimora Lee Simmons. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Kimora started life as an awkward bi-racial girl whom children dubbed the “chinky giraffe”. She was very tall for her age and had looks that made her stand out from the rest of the crowd. Kimora had no clue that her awkwardness and diverse facial features would make her an exclusive model for Chanel by the age of 13. Since then her career has risen beyond belief; what most of us could only begin to dream of.

Kimora is a world-renown entrepreneur; with an impressive resume. Not only is she a model, but she is an actress; staring in music videos and movies, an author of the book; Fabulosity: What It is and How to Get It, a clothing designer and creator of Baby Phat and Fabulosity, as well as the CEO of Phat Fashions. She has a perfume line for women and a Kimora Barbie doll, and in 2007 premiered her very own reality TV show; Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane.

While obtaining her picturesque career, Kimora has managed to raise two beautiful daughters whom also star in the reality show with their mother. She is the essence of the American woman and devoted mother. She manages to run a business, design extraordinary clothing, create luscious fragrances, and raise her children; all the while maintaining her fabulous appearance! Kimora is an inspiration.

Picture credits:

http://ac4.yt-thm-a03.yimg.com/image/26928f355840e83e

http://ac4.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/f1666b437fced8e6

Girls Rule! Assignment 2-2

For my Icon Analysis I have chosen 3 very distinct powerful women: Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce Knowles, and last but definitely not least Michelle Obama.

Oprah is one of the most influential black women in the world; known not only because she is one of the richest :) but is a sincerely a great person. Among her many talents she is a television host, an actress, a book critic and a multiple Emmy Award winner. Beyonce first debuted as the lead singer for the R&B group Destiny's Child then began recording as a solo artist in 2003. Not only has she won 5 Grammy Awards, but she has starred in movies, and launched her own clothing line "House of Dereon". Michelle Obama is the wife of president elect Barack Obama. She is a mother, an attorney and now the first "First Black Lady".

I chose these women because they all play a major league role in the advancement of women's rights. They are not just talented or beautiful...they are strong and courageous. Oprah has been known for her heart and how much she gives back to the community, Beyonce allows women to express themselves and emotionally connect through her powerful voice and lyrics, and Michelle Obama is soon to be the woman behind the man in charge of our country. She will be able to have an input in the decisions that will impact all of our lives.

These iconic women are important to me because they empower me. They have shown that through hard work and dedication almost anything is possible. Oprah came from a broken home, as well as I, and when I look at her success I believe anything is possible. Beyonce liberates me, she gives me an outlet through her music, a way for me to express my feelings when I sing her songs or watch her videos. Michelle Obama is not only an attorney, and now the First Lady, but she is a mother of two beautiful children and she handles it all with grace and charisma. I can only hope that one day I am able to make an impact such as the ones these women have given to us.

picture credits:
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:v_OZDj4u8vPrIM:http://www.businessweek.com
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:6CtFlamZX7panM:http://www.babble.com/CS
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:Ll1Rhe7ZPpeulM:http://www.beyonceonline.com

Skin Deep - Assignment 1-4

I chose the "art of tattoo" as a my topic of current pop culture. Ever since I was young I was intrigued with the idea of having a tattoo. As and adult I have since acquired a strong taste for the ink...possibly an addiction. My body is my canvas in which I use as a form of expression.

Tattoo has been used throughout the decades by almost every ethnic group known to man, evolving into and iconic ritual. It is evident as I look around that I am not the only enthusiast.

Famous faces such as the beautiful Angelina Jolie, basketball pro Allen Iverson, and musical genius Lil Wayne have all been under the gun thus creating a tattoo mania. Whether it has a sentimental meaning, or just another way to spend the day...we all have our own reasons for taking on the needle!

Picture Credits:

http://a938.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/49/m_0ac43adb495f564b8663af5af1ea14b1

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:Ni4IPH4Sp5nmmM:http://realmusicpeople.com