22 September 2016 R39,99
vent. for equality
volume one
02 03
editorial notes
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kayla george
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53 54 55
04 about 05 ‘Mulan’ - The fictional feminist 07 serena williams: too tough for tennis? 09 tina luke 11 drawing 14 15 17 19 20
about 10 things i don’t hate about this movie phelps ledecky katie ledecky poem: boys will be boys
jade tucker
22 23 25 28 32
about ‘Grease’ may not be the word girls just want to have fundamental rights graham baker Poem: it’s a boy girl thing
pascale schoeman
36 37 39 41 44
about
Contents
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kristine luke
‘magic mike xxl’ will make you think about what you could do with that XXL more issues than vogue jake schoeman photography
Word Search ... The vent team Swedish exchange article
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editorial notes
Hello, beautiful readers! Welcome to vent, a magazine designed to voice the oppressed opinions of society. We believe that everyone’s point of view is special and unique, and each person is beautiful in his or her own way. For the first edition of this magazine, we have decided to focus on how the media portrays gender identities. We hope that each piece will challenge gender stereotypes and give you hope that the world is changing for the better. Our unparalleled team of writers has portrayed this important message through various articles, interviews, reviews, and creative pieces. Each writer has their own specific section and their own specific song, which you can play to create a mood when reading their pieces. We hope to inspire you and see you again for volume two! Peace, love, and good vibes, the vent team xoxo
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k r i s .
Bob Marley redemption song
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w o n k o t t
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Kristine luke
Q: Zodiac sign A: Capricorn Q: Favourite pizza toppings A: Bacon, feta, and avo Q: Three fears A: Elevators, heights, and horror movies Q: Three things I love A: Arsenal, The 1975, and Bob Marley Q: Favourite movie A: The Breakfast Club Q: Favourite song A: Iris - The Goo Goo Dolls Q: Favourite book A: The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky Q: A confession A: I drink way too much coffee…. Q: My pets A: Golden Retriever named Hope Q: Colour of my toothbrush A: PINKKK
Kristine is a gem with mad mathematical skills and a love for 90% dark chocolate. Her taste in music is pristine, and she never fails to make me laugh. She's pretty cool, but not as cool as her dog. - Kayla Kris, the little joker that never fails to make me laugh is a ray of sunshine in my life. Whenever I see her smile, I can’t help but smile too. She truly fills my life with joy. - Pascale Kristine is a beam of light, an absolute genius, and just an overall good person. She has a wicked sense of humour and loves to make people laugh, and will never fail to crack a joke. She’s kind, thoughtful, and is someone you can always count on. - Jade
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“mulan”- the fictional feminist MPAA RATING: G SCORE:
Walt Disney Pictures released “Mulan” in 1998. It is based on the ancient Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, and retells the story in a manner that is suited to all ages. After a young Chinese woman (Mulan) learns that her crippled and old father must go to war against the invading Huns, she takes matters into her own hands. Mulan disguises herself as a man and embarks on an adventure to save China, accompanied by her sassy sidekick, Mushu (voiced by Eddie Murphy).
Along with breathtaking visuals, I specifically admired Mulan’s fearlessness. The movie is based during a period in China where gender roles are heavily enforced, however Mulan breaks these stereotypes and does not let anything stop her from saving China. Disney embraces feminism, showing that all people have the power and the potential to be influential, regardless of gender. “Mulan” is a timeless classic that has been one of my favourite animations, since first watching it in 2004. Its inspirational message, catchy soundtrack, and comedic moments will warm your heart whether you’re two or one-hundred and two!
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About the author: Kristine Luke is a grade 11 student at Parklands College in Cape Town. She has a passion for sports; specifically soccer and swimming. Kristine also enjoys relaxing with friends and spending time with her dog, Hope.
‘Mulan’ Movie trailer
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SERENA WILLIAMS: TOO TOUGH FOR TENNIS?
From being friends with Beyoncé, to becoming the highest paid female athlete of 2016, it seems as though Serena Williams lives the dream lifestyle. However, the media’s portrayal of Williams is very filtered, and her life has not always been so picture perfect.
In 2015, the New York Times published an article by Ben Rothenberg which severely attacked Serena Williams in terms of her toned and muscular body image. This article is a prime example of body shaming in the media and is one out of thousands of humiliating comments online, which Williams must deal with on Serena Williams’ drive and ability to a daily basis. The athlete’s powerful prevail under scrutiny comes from her build and strong physique is comharsh upbringing. Williams and pletely contrasting to the her family relocated to one stereotypical “blonde of America’s roughest and dainty” body type "There was no place in cities, Compton, that people have bethe world that was rougher when she was 3 come accustomed than Compton, the ghetto will years old. Richard to in women’s tenmake you rough, it'll make you Williams, the father nis. Regardless of tough, it'll make you strong. of Serena, resorted the constant online And so that's why I went to to this move as he critique, Williams wanted to expose Compton with them." – continues to win his daughters to the Richard Williams grand slams and excel harsh realities of life. in the world of tennis. These unorthodox methods were done to toughen up his daugh- To conclude, Williams’ integrity ters and give them the integrity to shown during times of adversity reinwithstand all forms of criticism. Nu- forces the effectiveness of her famerous times over Serena Williams’ ther’s unusual training in Compton, tennis career, this skill has proved its and shows her ability to rise above value. any obstacle. Serena Williams is living proof that even if you fail to meet the media’s gender identity constructions, you can still achieve greatness.
By: Kristine Luke
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Identities through the ages
part one
with Tina
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Interview with my mother My Mom, Tina Luke was born during 1974 in Grahamstown South Africa. She grew up in this small and isolated environment, and yet the media still managed to create an influence on her values and beliefs. Having the opportunity to listen to my Mom’s views on how gender roles in the media have evolved was an insightful experience. Other interviewers have asked similar questions to a 15 year old boy, as well as a 64 year old man, to allow the reader to be exposed to different viewpoints from different age groups, on this controversial topic. Kristine: To begin, how would you de- Kristine: On the topic of gender stereoscribe beauty, and would you ever re- typing, what is your view on men doing fer to a man as being “beautiful”? sports that are traditionally associated with women? Tina: Beauty is more than your physical appearance; it is who you are on Tina: The media has always linked certhe inside. Personally, I would not refer tain genders with specific sports, howto a man as being “beautiful” because I ever if my son wanted to do ballet, I would support his decision because I do not think it is very masculine. believe people should be free to do Kristine: Like you, many people solely what they love. link the word “beautiful” with women. This is due to the media’s perpetual construction of gender roles. How have these various roles changed since you were 16 years old? Tina: Growing up, women were portrayed as housewives and men were viewed as the bread-winners of a family. Nowadays, the media shows people to be more equal, however, women are still regularly sexualised in adverts or music videos.
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k a y b a e.
Chrome Sparks - the meaning of love
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w o n k o t t
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Kayla George
Q: Zodiac sign A: Virgo Q: Favourite pizza toppings A: Bacon and banana Q: Three fears A: Eggshells, clowns, and failure Q: Three things I love A: Cacti, cats, and chicken nuggets Q: Favourite movie A: Pulp Fiction Q: Favourite song A: Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead Q: Favourite book A: 11.22.63 - Stephen King Q: A confession A: I’m gay! Q: My pets A: Three cats and two pitbulls Q: Colour of my toothbrush A: Blue
Kayla may be the only person in the universe who loves The 1975 or Arsenal more than me! Her humour and sarcastic comments never fail to brighten my day. Ultimately, she is a quality humanbeing, inside and out!!! - Kristine Kaylakins and I go way back, whenever I reminisce about our years together I can’t help but remember all the times filled with laughter, bad jokes (mostly mine) and Nutella. She is the hug when you need one and the cup of coffee in the morning to remind you it’s not that bad. -Pascale Kayla is a gem! She is my soul sister, she’s gorgeous inside and out, and never fails to make my day, if I could tell her one thing: never change, you’re perfect the way you are. - Jade
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10 Things I Love About This Movie One of my favourite films in cinematic history would most definitely be Ten Things I Hate About You, a modern adaption of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Directed by Gil Junger, starring Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph GordonLevitt, and Larisa Oleynik, there are a vast multitude of characters that fit into different gender roles. It goes something like this: New student, Cameron James, becomes infatuated with popular girl, Bianca Stratford, whose father has one house rule: Bianca can’t date until her older sister (the “shrew”), Kat Stratford, starts dating first. In an attempt to get with Bianca, Cameron pays bad-boy Patrick Verona to take Kat on a date. Patrick obliges eventually, and finds that they have more in common than he thought. Something happened that Patrick never thought would happen: he fell for Kat. When Kat finds out that Patrick originally was paid to go out with herself, she’s anything but pleased.
The two strong, main characters in this film are what makes it so great. Kat, a strong, non-conforming, feminist, is seen as an angry “feminazi” by others, purely because she speaks her mind and believes in equality for both genders. Unlike most air-headed, boy-crazed, females in the film, Kat has no interest in dating, and feels she doesn’t need a man. Patrick, who originally seems like your stereotypical “scary boyfriend”, bad-boy, that shows no emotion whatsoever, breaks the mold when he falls for Kat, trying to express his affection for her in creative ways. Patrick breaks the stereotype that men can’t show their feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, and it will forever remain as one of my favourites. I would recommend this to all the strong, independent ladies: you most definitely don’t need a man, but there might just be one out there for you.
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Rating:
About the author: Kayla George, grade 11 student. Freelance dog-petter. Chicken nugget enthusiast. Ukulele slayer. Enjoys long, romantic walks to the fridge.
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phelps Ledecky
by: Kayla George
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Recently, multiple articles from The Daily Mail, dating back to 2014, have resurfaced. Twenty, to be exact. In the headlines of these articles alone, all of which have been labelled as “horrifyingly sexist”, female celebrities are critically analysed based on what they are wearing and how they look whilst performing mundane activities.
The new and improved headlines written by the fans were described as “what headlines would look like if women weren’t treated like objects.” The deadpan, rewritten articles received plenty of attention, and helped prove to many how sexist these articles really are.
A more recent newspaper article was released dur“Make-up free Amy Ading the 2016 Olympics ams is anything but in Rio. Nancy Leong, glamorous as she a law professor goes wild in the shared a photo of a aisles in Los Angenewspaper frontles supermarket.” page: in a large, “What will the other bolded font, a headKardashians say? line read “Phelps ties Kourtney lets her for silver in 100 fly”, fashionable family and just slightly below down as she goes for sat another headline: “Lelunch in baggy sweatdecky sets world record in pants.” These are only a couple of examples of the article head- women’s 800 freestyle”, in a smaller, lines that multiple people online iden- more meagre font. Leong captioned the photo as “a metaphor for the entify as sexist. tire world”. Many people online conAn online magazine company, tended that the headlines are “anVagenda, even decided to challenge other example of sexist attitudes totheir online followers to rewrite these wards female athletes in sport.” headlines in their own words. Many more Olympic headlines, artiFor example, “Claire Danes displays cles, and shows have been labelled her fit figure in tight exercise gear as as sexist towards women by the pubshe sweats it out during a gruelling lic, and at this rate, it seems run” was blandly rewritten as that it might never end for “Woman runs in appropriate exercise women who have made a mark in the world. clothing.”
“You just have to want it more than everyone else.”
Katie Ledecky
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Interview with Ledecky Kayla George creates a fictional interview with olympic gold medalist, Katie Ledecky, on recent newspaper headlines, sexism, and equality.
Kayla: I’m sure you’ve seen the recent newspaper headlines, on your olympic and world record, that was placed below the headline on Phelps’ silver achievement, what are your thoughts on the whole situation? Katie: Phelps is an incredibly talented, decorated athlete, so it’s not abnormal for there to be headlines about him. Although, I was a bit offended when I initially saw my (laughs) more meagre looking headline below his. Kayla: Many people have said that the placement of your headline is a true representation of how sexism towards women in the media is so evident in today’s society. Would you agree? Katie: For sure, yeah. In the sporting industry alone there is so much emphasis, for us female athletes, on how we look while competing-- I swear there’s more coverage on what our hair looks like than on the achievements we’ve earned!
Kayla: What’s your opinion on the wage gap between men and women in sports and other industries. Katie: Honestly, I think it’s archaic and infuriating. Women who work just as hard as men deserve to be paid equally, obviously. This inequity needs to end, it’s tiring and is getting old very quickly. Kayla: Finally, what advice would you give to all the young girls who aspire to become athletes, like you? Katie: Run like a girl, throw like a girl, swim like a girl-- because there’s nothing wrong with being a girl. Don’t let anyone tell you that your gender dictates your capabilities, because women are people too. Women can be strong, fast, or anything that they want to be, as long as they work for it.
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boys will be boys she was seven years old, young and naive, when her teacher first told her a lie she believed. “boys will be boys,” the saying was absolute. forget about it, they said, he probably just thinks that you’re cute. yes, the boy may have pushed her head first to the ground, but don’t worry! he was most likely just playing around. her mom wiped her tears, and said, before she could enquire, that boys only throw stones at the girls they admire. but when we teach young girls that boys show their affection through pain, we allow them to grow up thinking the two are the same. we see and tell these lies almost all the time: magazines, newspapers, television, and online. aggression, affection; violence, endearment; how can we separate them when we’re taught that they’re equivalent?
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so let’s end the confusion between abuse and adoration, by removing these lies from the media we can teach the deviation.
- k.g.
j ad i e .
Atlas bound lullaby
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Jade Tucker
Q: Zodiac sign A: Scorpio Q: Favourite pizza toppings A: Bacon and Avo Q: Three fears A: Clowns, Open Water, and Rejection Q: Three things I love A: Rain, Tomatoes, and Poetry Q: Favourite movie A: Dirty Dancing Q: Favourite song A: Back to Black - Amy Winehouse Q: Favourite book A: Dangerous Lady - Martina Cole Q: A confession A: I cry in Pixar movies Q: My pets A: Two pavement special dogs. Q: Colour of my toothbrush A: Green
Jade is a loving person who sees the best in everyone. She is one of those people you can rely on no matter what; never failing to crack a smile, even if things are going wrong. I feel privileged to call her a friend. - Kristine Jade is a ray of sunshine, always lighting up my life. She shares a love for chicken nuggets with myself, a trait I've come to love dearly. I can always count on her to make my day a little bit better. - Kayla This girl has one of the most special souls that I have ever encountered. Jade is loving, kind and just an overall good person. She is the sweetest thing you’ll ever meet and it is truly an honour to know such a beautiful human being. -Pascale
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‘Grease’ May Not Be The Word’ Although produced what seems like a lifetime ago, everyone knows the movie titled ‘Grease’. Whether it may be for the popular songs throughout the musical/comedy, or the blossoming romance between Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson, ‘Grease’ remains associated with the most iconic films ever made. This RSO Records published film has a multitude of themes to explore, however, recently I observed this movie in a different light and would like to share my new-found views with you. It’s California, 1959, Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson are madly in love, but inevitably, the school year begins and they are never to see each other again…or so they thought. Neither one of them knows that they are both to attend Rydell High. The two find each other at a school rally, and are ‘introduced’ but he's not the same. Throughout the film, they attempt to adapt to each other's personalities and go on a journey to find their ‘true selves’ in an effort to be together.
As ‘Grease’ is a musical, the casting directors could not have picked a better group of performers. Throughout the film, the singing, dancing, and acting talents of Olivia Newton-John, John Travolta, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, and the rest of the cast are clearly shown to eventuate the ‘musical’ elements. However, as previously mentioned, I’m beginning to come to terms with angles that many may not see. To start, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for musicals and singing along to the infamous ‘Grease Lightning’, but when one has to change his/herself to please someone else, the message expressed is downright unacceptable. In this case, Danny plays a tough guy, one that doesn't convey emotion and simply tries to please his friends. Sandy is modest, a pristine example of a typical girl. As the movie progresses, Sandy is is ridiculed for her naivety and is pressured into changing herself to satisfy Danny.
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In the last scene, where Danny proclaims his love for her in light of her drastic lifestyle change, it passes the wrong message that women are to please men, and will be ridiculed if she is a virgin, naive, or innocent. Upon re-watching, although ‘Grease’ ends happily, its moral is not. Firstly, to be ridiculed for not being able to fit in because of your innocence is disgraceful, but when this movie teaches women that they have to acquire qualities of what a man wants, not what they want, I take away more than a lesson. I take away the knowledge this happens on the daily to thousands of women around the world, and this behaviour is just simply not justifiable.
People of all ages would adore this movie, for the sing-a-long songs and dramatised dancing and acting, however, people with strong views towards gender roles, this is not a movie for them. About the author: The critically acclaimed movie review writer Jade Tucker, residing in Cape Town, enjoys hiking and netball. Although fairly active, she also just enjoys lounging around with friends and family. Jade has a passion for writing and can be seen writing various poems and stories.
Rating:
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girls just want to have
FUNdamental rights
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[ By Jade Tucker ] The world of music is notoriously known for being a sphere in which objectification and gender inequality are a daily reality for woman - issues that are swept under the rug and slotted in the ‘boys will be boys’ folder. However, through tremendously public protests and movements over media that have helped to combat gender roles for women and men. Dating back as early as the 50s, all genres of music were for the most part, dominated by males. By the 60s, the music industry had progressed, women could be seen performing as backup singers. Towards the end of the decade, woman began to establish a powerful voice through music as a tool to fight inequality in pop culture. In the 80s, acts like Madonna began to shift the roles women played, she used her sexuality to further her career. This trend continued and proceeded throughout the 90s.
In present day, at first glimpse, the music industry seems thrives of feminism and promotes strong independency. The likes of Aretha Franklin, Lorde and Beyonce can be closely connected with this. However, males continue to heavily influence how women are perceived. A report by, Pornographic Performances, found that music videos portray men as “powerful and dominating” and women as simply just passive recipients of their ‘gaze’. More specifically speaking, women of colour are commonly portrayed as hypersexual and with a focus gaze on their backside, invoking ideas of black woman as wild and animalistic with songs like ‘Anaconda’, Nicki Minaj. Another example to follow this, ‘Blurred Lines’ by Robin Thicke. This catchy yet controversial song caused havoc across media platforms that classified it as a song promoting rape culture and female oppression, with words like ‘I know you want it’ and ‘tried to domesticate you’.
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Music being produced in our society today can cause severe damage on how we perceive gender roles. For the most part, music lyrics and videos are demeaning to women and dehumanise them, while forcing men to live up to unreachable standards of being masculine and in control.
Shirley Manson, an alternative singer, stated “I think women have been declawed and defanged, and they’re just meant to look pretty and sing pretty. You don’t really hear a female perspective on the radio, because so many of the songs are being written by men.”
Nevertheless, men and women have began to defy these cliché standards. Various movements have been taking place, and people are speaking out.
There’s nothing wrong with accepting gender roles, as if that's what thats what you enjoy, its a personal choice. The issue with gender roles is that a line can be crossed and become oppressive. However, through feminism enthusiasts, like Ellen DeGeneres, Miley Cyrus and Tyra Banks, the music and other media platforms are advancing dramatically, and 2016 has evidently been the year of change.
The ostentatious singer-song writer Amada Palmer, along with many others with that agree, say “Our male counterparts are given a way wider playing field than we are. We’re either scolded for looking sexy or we’re scolded for not playing the game.”
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Identities through the ages
part two with graham
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Jade Tucker Interviews Graham Baker
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My grandfather, a very simple man, born in 1952, grew up in an environment that surrounded him with fairly ‘traditional’ stereotypical roles of men and women. Considering his circumstances, his views on this particular topic intrigued me, and I begged for an interview. To contrast the earlier seen opinions of a 42 year old woman and the later of a 15 year old boy answering similar questions, the three completely different responses pose for an interesting viewpoint on how gender roles are constructed in the media, and how the stereotypes differ when he was growing up to the youth nowadays.
Jade: What gender stereotypes stood out to you as a child? (eg: boys can't play with girl clothes, girls have to wear dresses etc) Graham: I was born in 1952, bearing in mind, that was a completely different time. I was raised completely different to how the children and young adults of today are being raised. When I grew up, the most common expectation was that a young boy couldn't have any emotions, not allowed to cry or anything like that. Also, I grew up in a household where my mother played housewife, whilst my father was the provider, doing a “man’s” job: a carpenter. Jade: In your opinion, what makes a woman beautiful? Graham: Her personality, the way she conducts herself, and whether or not she has that twinkle in her eye.
Jade: Can men be beautiful? Graham: I can honestly say that men are not beautiful, maybe attractive, sure, but not beautiful. Jade: Do you think women or men are more sexualised through the media? Why do you think that? Graham: Women are more sexualised, without a single doubt. Women are used, it's a fact that sex sells, so that is why people use women to sell cars and other products. But that doesn’t mean that I believe they should be. Unfortunately that is just the way things are. Jade: Do you think that men should be used and portrayed as dominant and strong figures? Graham: Definitely not, that's very much stereotypical and I definitely do not agree with that.
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Jade: In your opinion are women inferior to men, or men inferior to woman? Graham: This is a a very hard question. It honestly depends on the consequences, and it is based on whether it's a man-type job or a woman-type job, but we’ve had some amazing women who have been leaders and CEOs, and I actually believe that women are more responsible in those types of fields.
Jade: Do you think women and men still contribute to stereotypes now, or do they rather challenge them?
Graham: It's not the sport that I would classify them as lesbian for, it's how the individual dresses, portrays herself, or how she physically looks.
Graham: People are becoming more and more aware of the gender roles that are challenged, and I find that people are changing and warping what the stereotypes for the respective genders used to be. The world has completely changed since I was growing up, women as a whole have completely come out of their shells, creating job opportunities for themselves, demanding the same rights that men have, and ultimately striving for equality. However, obviously there are women who take this completely overboard and actually flip the situation, making men inferior, taking their ‘spot’ in the oppressive position.
Jade: How often do you tell women that they are beautiful?
Jade: What would you change about how the world sees men?
Graham: Every single day.
Graham: A man should be a protector of women and children, but that doesn't mean that women can't be breadwinners, and that men can’t do “women's” jobs like nurses and secretaries. I just mean that, because of the physical attributes that a man holds, he should always be the protecter, regardless of stereotypes.
Jade: When a woman does a ‘manly sport’, do you immediately classify her as lesbian? If so, why?
Jade: How did your parents play a role in shaping gender stereotypes? Graham: My father was very much a “man’s man”, and he made us abide to the stereotypical qualities of a man, such as being insensitive, tough, and the provider for the family.
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It’s a boy girl thing
It’s a boy girl thing
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Hi, I’m a girl and the fact that I was born one automatically makes me accustomed to embrace my femininity. and the media wants me to behave a certain way, like a woman they say, but what does that mean anyway? Does it mean stay pure and clean, or lustful and keen? Does it mean ‘be promiscuous’ or ‘don't be a prude’? or no wait, does is mean ‘go make me a sandwich and drop the attitude’. advertisements sexualise me, as if I was meat, and in the normal world, I’m more than okay to mistreat music is another industry that flourishes upon my oppression, made to skimpily dress, where I play the sensual love interest, as if lusting for you is my only request and speaking of my clothing, it apparently implies my consent and it’s my fault, I was asking for it right? and if was the slightest bit opinionated, oh well I must be PMSing right? social media relentlessly stabs me with an uncountable amount of judgemental words time and time again, and questions why I bleed, and turns the situation around to something that I simply ‘misread’ ‘stop being such a girl’ they say ‘why are you so being sensitive’ they say and they expect me to paint my face on the daily to reach their unreachable standards of perfection, but don’t be blinded by my beauty, as I won’t just be reduced to eye candy, or a subject to objectification, and have all my respect denied I am a work of art, sculpted to perfection but prone to photoshop correction, as my definition of perfection isn't good enough Equipped with a brain, I should be paid the same, I work just as hard as men and I will say it time and time again the preconceived ideas of gender, dominant and aggressive, defining what a man should be, and to be vulnerable and sensitive, its femininity
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but I will be strong on the ground I stand on, it’s just the media will never understand..
My gender will not
Hi, I’m a boy and the fact that I was born one automatically makes me accustomed to embrace my masculinity. and the media wants me to behave a certain way, like a tough man they say, and that means ‘provide for your family forever’ and ‘be strong, don't cry…ever’ the media is filled with stereotype commentary regardless of what gender you are but why don’t you just lecture with me how I don't open the door, I mean that’s how a real man should be, that’s what a real man is for, or why don’t you lecture me about how I'm assumed to be shallow, empty minded, only going for girls with my desirable qualities or about how the media seems to insult my intelligence and diminish my opinions, with advertisements making me out to be a suppressing and dominant figure but what if I don't want to be that? What if I want to feel emotion, wear pink and watch girly movies, but that’s not what a woman wants, in fact, according to media…that’s what no one wants physical attraction is based on the perfection of my proportions, the emotions that i ‘can’t feel’ and the ego made of steel, and when the media doubts what I’m doing when I object to how a real man should be “be a man’ they say ‘man up’ they say but ‘man up’ suggests that competence and perseverance are uniquely masculine traits, its directly linked to any ‘man’ who is considered a player and can’t feel heartbreak but more than anything, it suggests that to be yourself, whether I want to wear skinny jeans, rock a little eyeliner, or even write poetry, it will cost me a lifetime of mockery. not everything can be solved by ‘growing a pair’, some of us feel emotion, some of us actually care so, to media: when you’re ready, depart from your throne and come join me in the land of equality the preconceived ideas of gender, to be vulnerable and sensitive, its femininity, dominant and aggressive, defining what a man should be, but I will be strong on the ground I stand on, it’s just the media will never understand..
dictate my fate
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p a s .
Kaleo - All the pretty girls
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w o n k o t t
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Pascale schoeman
Q: Zodiac sign A: Pisces Q: Favourite pizza toppings A: Bacon, chicken, avo, and olives Q: Three fears A: I am fearless Q: Three things I love A: Music, the ocean, and my brother Q: Favourite movie A: 10 Things I Hate About You Q: Favourite song A: Possibility Days - Counting Crows Q: Favourite book A: The Language of Flowers Vanessa Diffenbaugh Q: A confession A: I’m still not over the last boy I liked Q: My pets A: Two dogs Q: Colour of my toothbrush A: White
Pascale is a bubbly individual, who is never afraid to speak her mind. Pascale’s fearless and driven personality is something I respect most about her. She is also extremely loving and never fails to make me smile with her random singing and “over-dramatic” comments. - Kristine Pascale is celestial and ethereal. Warm and loving, she's like a second mom to me. I can always count on her to guide me, as she knows me better than I know myself. - Kayla Pascale is someone who you can always count on to be honest with you, and I’ll forever appreciate her for it. She has a vibrant and incredible soul and is someone I never with to lose. - Jade
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‘Magic Mike XXL’ will make you think about what you could do with that XXL More often than not, when you turn on the TV and start watching a movie about adult entertainers, you would expect to see females on the screen. Not in this case! ‘Magic Mike XXL’, produced by Iron Horse Entertainment, which is the sequel to the original movie, ‘Magic Mike’, reverses the roles from women being sexualised in tiny bikinis, to men being portrayed as sexual objects. The movie revolves around five ‘male entertainers’, and their journey to the annual strippers’ convention in Myrtle Beach. The group of men had originally been apart of a bigger ‘dance’ group called the Kings of Tampa, which broke up between the first and second movie. The plot is a very simple story line, which basically revolves around the main male actors taking off their clothes in spontaneous situations. ‘Magic Mike XXL’ didn’t only make sure that the viewers were having a good time watching the ‘dancing scenes’ it also made sure to blow us away with the amazing cast. Well known actors such as Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Amber Heard, and Elizabeth Banks were included in this movie. I personally enjoyed this movie and it was, in my opinion, a lot better than the first one. As an appreciator of dance, I can personally say that there were some really well executed routines, whereas others lacked originality and didn’t quite draw the viewer's attention. I also felt somewhat uncomfortable at times when the males stripped down to nothing but a sparkly thong. This movie is a good example of the role reversal from sexualising females to sexualing males. The movie proves that it is not only females that are targeted by the media with regards to making society view them as sexual objects. I would recommend this movie to anyone over the age of 16, to middle aged women that haven’t gotten laid in a while. It will really get your heart racing and your mind thinking about what you could do with that XXL.
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Rating: About the author: The author of this piece is Pascale Schoeman, she is in Grade 11 at Parklands College. In her spare, time Pascale enjoys a lot of creative activities which range from Singing and Acting, to Couch Potatoing, and watching movies and series.
‘Magic Mike’ Movie Trailer
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More Issues Than Vogue When looking at a magazine’s front cover, one will more often than not see a woman on the front page. She will very rarely be fully covered in clothing or wearing something comfortable. A very recent example being Kendall Jenner’s September 2016 Vogue issue, the young model is wearing a very uncomfortable looking pantsuit with nothing but a blazer barely covering her breasts. This is what beauty is being portrayed as nowadays. The media sends out the message that in order to be a beautiful woman one has to always have a full face of makeup on, however it can’t look as if you’re wearing too much makeup either. One has to match the correct body standards, but one can’t be too skinny nor can one be too curvy. The media along with society set very high, and in many cases, impossible, standards for ordinary girls and women to meet. Even Victoria Secret models suffer under the high standards of media when having to take part in the Victoria Secret fashion show. Many weeks before the show, they have to undergo grueling workout routines, and are also forced to strip down their diet to match the desired look of being part of Victoria’s Angels.
Many female models, actresses, and musicians are often targets of the media. Women such as Adele, Kelly Clarkson, P!nk and Sasha Pieterse have been shamed for gaining weight and stepping away from social media’s beauty standards. These women are beautiful, influential, and very talented, yet even they are victims of the cyber abuse for ‘not being beautiful enough for hollywood’. In an interview for the Daily Mail earlier this year, Sasha Pieterse said, “We live in such a judgmental society that puts every kind of flaw, including weight gain, in the same category.” This is just proof that society refuses to stray from their ‘socially acceptable beauty norms’. Girls are exposed to these unrealistic ideals from a young age and, as a result, go through many years of their lives struggling with their appearance and feeling unhappy. Social media needs to stop the promotion of the ‘perfect beauty ideals’ and rather focus on the ‘promotion of the unique beauty that everybody possesses’.
By: Pascale Schoeman 40
Identities through the ages
partwiththree jake
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Interview
with a 15 year old
For my interview, I decided to interview my brother in a collaboration with two other interviews. Myself and the two other interviewees wanted to ask similar questions to three different age groups. This is part three of the Identities through the ages trilogy. Pascale: Can men be beautiful? Pascale: How would you describe beauty? Jake: To me, beauty is the inner personality as well as the outer appearance of the person. Someone who is beautiful on the outside is not necessarily beautiful on the inside. To me, personally, some are not beautiful on the outside if they do not have a nice personality. Pascale: In your opinion what makes a woman beautiful? Jake: To me, someone that is physically beautiful, has a nice figure, an amazing smile, and has a nice glow in her eyes. Everything has to be complimented perfectly. When it comes to inner beauty, they have to be happy with themselves and shouldn’t need excessive compliments to reassure them of their beauty.
...
Jake: Yeah, I guess. Pascale: Do you think that women are more sexualised through the media than men are? If so, why? Jake: Yes, because as much as people say that women have the same rights as men, they are seen more as objects than actual people. If you look at magazines, women are often shown in bikini’s to sell the brand easier, and to make the brand look more attractive to buy. For instance, when cars are advertised women are seen modeling around it, because it makes the car look more valuable, because it sends the message that when you buy the car the woman will come with it. Whereas if you were to replace the woman with a man, no one would want to buy the car, because women are seen as sexual objects.
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Pascale: When you look at a girl what is the first thing you notice? Jake: Their smile and their shoes. Pascale: Do you think that women should be used as sexual objects in society? Jake: No, because we’re all people. Gender doesn’t make a difference. Everything on the inside is the same. Men would never be seen as sexual objects, because we are seen as the stronger sex, women are seen as less than us, because society portrays them as weaker.
Jake: No, just because they enjoy a certain sport type, it doesn’t label them as lesbian, just like when guys enjoy a sport such as ballet they shouldn’t be labeled as gay, just because it is a feminine sport. Another example is with colours. The colour pink is generally seen as a feminine colour, just like the colour blue is seen as a masculine colour. If a guy does wear pink he, is immediately classified as gay, just because pink is a feminine colour.
Pascale: In your opinion are women inferior to men? If so, why?
Pascale: How often do you tell women that they are beautiful?
Jake: No, they are not, because we’re the same, it is just out outside appearance that differentiates us.
Jake: Everyday.
Pascale: Should women be paid less than men? Jake: No. Pascale: When a woman does a ‘manly sport’ do you immediately classify her as lesbian? If so, why?
Pascale: How often do you refer to women with derogatory names i.e. slut, whore, bitch ext. Jake: I don’t really, the only time would be as a joke with my friends, where we would say things like “She’s such a bitch” or “She has slutty tendencies”.
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Creative piece: photography for my creative piece, i decided to stray away from how the media portrays people as being beautiful and created my own definition of beauty. everyone is beautiful in their own way whether it be inner or outer
that’s me, Pascale Schoeman 44
I feel most beautiful,when I’m in the
Roxy Van Eyk
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I know this sounds funny, but being surrounded by flowers makes me feel beautiful
Jade Tucker
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I feel most beautiful in my leather jacket
ben fisher
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I feel most beautiful, when I’m at the beach
kiara smith
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I just really like flowers
kristine luke
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I feel most beautiful when putting on makeup
caitlin schultz
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I don’t feel beautiful, I feel sexy
jake schoeman
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flowers are beautiful, even though they get picked and stepped on all the time, they still look beautiful and people still admire them. that’s a metaphor that resonates deeply within me; I am a flower
kayla george
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Identify the Identity MALE
STEREOTYPES
BEAUTY
FEMALE
FEMINISM
DOMINANT
PINK
INDEPENDENCE
AGGRESSIVE
BLUE
FEMININITY
POWERFUL
STRONG
MASCULINITY
SHALLOW
EMOTION
SEXUALISE
EQUALITY
PRETTY
MAKEUP
INEQUALITY
GENDER
SPORTS
...the vent team
Kayla George
Pascale Schoeman Jade Tucker Kristine Luke
DISCLAIMER! The following article was written by a Swedish student for an article exchange program, we included it in our magazine to show the dierent views on gender roles throughout the world. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of the vent team.
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Why does gender inequality exist? Gender roles is a big subject that has been around for many years. We are all used to how the media tells us how different genders should act. Many people might be thinking why and how gender roles have been constructed and why it is something that we have been exposed to for such a long time. Gender inequality exists for many different reasons. Causes of gender inequality range from biology to religion, there is also a wide variety of other reasons why there inequality between genders. Biology is an unchangeable reason as to why inequality exists. We, as humans, have done many experiments that shows that men are naturally stronger than women in terms of raw strength and muscle power. This superior strength is a key factor as to why gender roles exist, as the more strength someone possesses the more work he/she can do. That is why we are used to men working and women staying home. Different cultures and religions also have forms of gender inequality that some countries base their beliefs on. To change a culture or religion is virtually impossible.
Today we can still see different gender roles in many forms of media. Media makes gender roles obvious in their commercials, and try to convince other people to want to be the man or the woman in the specific commercial. That’s why gender roles are still maintained in the media, but the media has become a pretty open place. You can easily voice your opinions very openly on any social media platform, while remaining anonymous. Many people have tried to use the media as an outlet to eliminate the inequality in the world, as the media connects many people from different countries around the world. You can start or support organisations to help many people worldwide that are suffering under the load of gender inequality. Overall the world is trying to change rapidly to get rid of the inequality that has been a huge problem for many years. Even though it won’t change overnight, we are heading in the right direction.
By: Edwin Lee
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bibliography KAYLA’S REFERENCES: SONG: 1. C h r o m e S p a r k s - T h e M e a n i n g O f L o v e . ( 2 0 1 4 ) . [ v i d e o ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM2XJFph-eg [Accessed 10 Sep. 2016]. ARTICLE: 1. Figueroa, A. (2016). 20 Horrifyingly Sexist Headlines About Female Celebs (And the Shocking Res u l t s o f Ta k i n g O u t t h e S e x i s m ) . [ o n l i n e ] A l t e r n e t . A v a i l a b l e a t : hFp://www.alternet.org/media/20-horrifyingly-sexist-headlines-about-female-celebs-and-shocki ng-results-taking-out-sexism [Accessed 14 Sep. 2016]. 2. Mack, D. (2016). People Are Mad At This Newspaper Headline About KaIe Ledecky. [online] B u z z F e e d . A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://www.buzzfeed.com/davidmack/rio-ledecky-phelps-headline?utm_term=.bmmqBeJlw#.jf JD9vjQy [Accessed 14 Sep. 2016]. 3. K a _ e L e d e c k y I m a g e . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ i m a g e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFp://media.geFyimages.com/photos/swimming-summer-games-preview-portrait-of-usa-ka_e-l edecky-posing-in-picture-id534261610 [Accessed 21 Sep. 2016]. REVIEW: 1. W i k i p e d i a . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . 1 0 T h i n g s I H a t e A b o u t Yo u . [ o n l i n e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10_Things_I_Hate_About_You [Accessed 15 Sep. 2016]. 2. 1 0 T h i n g s I H a t e A b o u t Y o u I m a g e . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ i m a g e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://wherethewildthingsare14.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/katpat.jpg [Accessed 16 Sep. 2016]. 1 0 T h i n g s I H a t e A b o u t Yo u T r a i l e r. ( 1 9 9 9 ) . [ v i d e o ] A v a i l a b l e a t : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE7qjQlfoRs [Accessed 19 Sep. 2016].
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KRISTINE’S REFERENCES:
SONG: 1. B o b M a r l e y - R e d e m p _o n S o n g . ( 2 0 0 9 ) . [ v i d e o ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrY9eHkXTa4 [Accessed 10 Sep. 2016].
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ARTICLE: 1. B i o g r a p h y . c o m . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ o n l i n e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFp://www.biography.com/people/serena-williams-9532901 [Accessed 5 Sep. 2016]. 2. Macguire, E. and Riddell, D. (2016). Richard Williams: 'Close to being killed so many Imes'. [online] CNN. Available at: hFp://edi_on.cnn.com/2015/12/16/tennis/richard-williams-venus-serena-tennis/ [Accessed 5 Sep. 2016]. 3. Rothenberg, B. (2016). Tennis’s Top Women Balance Body Image With AmbiIon. [online] Ny_mes.com. A v a i l a b l e a t : hFp://www.ny_mes.com/2015/07/11/sports/tennis/tenniss-top-women-balance-body-image-with-que st-for-success.html?_r=1 [Accessed 10 Sep. 2016]. 4. Sanders, E. (2015). The Media's ScruIny of Serena Williams. [online] Odyssey. Available at: hFps://www.theodysseyonline.com/why-serena-williamss-body-always-topic-discussion [Accessed 10 Sep. 2016]. 5. Spies-Gans, J. (2015). What Serena's SI Cover Reveals About How We See Female Athletes. [online] The H u ffi n g t o n P o s t . A v a i l a b l e a t : hFp://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/serena-williams-cover-body-shaming_us_566efde0e4b011b83a6 bf33a [Accessed 5 Sep. 2016]. 6. Topendsports.com. (2016). World's Highest Paid Sports Women. [online] Available at: hFp://www.topendsports.com/world/lists/earnings/women-paid.htm [Accessed 10 Sep. 2016]. 7. W i k i p e d i a . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . C o m p t o n , C a l i f o r n i a . [ o n l i n e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton,_California [Accessed 10 Sep. 2016]. REVIEW: 1. Ebert, R. (1998). Mulan Movie Review & Film Summary (1998) | Roger Ebert. [online] Rogerebert.com. Available at: hFp://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mulan-1998 [Accessed 14 Sep. 2016]. 2. F r e e r, I . ( 2 0 0 0 ) . M u l a n . [ o n l i n e ] E m p i r e . A v a i l a b l e a t : hFp://www.empireonline.com/movies/mulan/review/ [Accessed 14 Sep. 2016]. 3. IMDb. (2016). Mulan (1998). [online] Available at: hFp://www.imdb.com/_tle/F0120762/ [Accessed 14 Sep. 2016]. 4. Serendip.brynmawr.edu. (2016). Mulan in Real Life: Chinese Women Soldiers and Feminism | Serendip S t u d i o . [ o n l i n e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFp://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/cri_cal-feminist-studies/melal/mulan-real-life-chinese-women -soldiers-and-feminism [Accessed 14 Sep. 2016]. 5. W i k i p e d i a . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . M u l a n ( 1 9 9 8 fil m ) . [ o n l i n e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulan_(1998_film) [Accessed 14 Sep. 2016]. 6. M u l a n I m a g e . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ i m a g e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://100filmsinayear.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/mulan-banner.jpg?w=1000&h=288&crop=1 [Accessed 21 Sep. 2016]. 7. Mulan Trailer. (1998). [video] Available at: hFps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAbGAkkOgcM [Accessed 21 Sep. 2016].
JADE’S REFERENCES: SONG: 1. Atlas Bound - Lullaby. (2015). [video] Available at: hFps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xscJ3C4bUYE [Accessed 10 Sep. 2016]. ARTICLE: 1. Alternet. (2016). 20 Horrifyingly Sexist Headlines About Female Celebs (And the Shocking Results of Taki n g O u t t h e S e x i s m ) . [ o n l i n e ] A v a i l a b l e at: hFp://www.alternet.org/media/20-horrifyingly-sexist-headlines-about-female-celebs-and-shockingresults-taking-out-sexism [Accessed 5 Sep. 2016]. 2. Lynskey, D. (2013). Blurred Lines: the most controversial song of the decade. [online] the Guardian. Availa b l e at:hFps://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/13/blurred-lines-most-controversial-song-decade [A ccessed 5 Sep. 2016]. 3. McCormick, N. (2013). Sex in pop music: what do other female pop stars think?. [ o n l i n e ] T e l e g r a p h . c o . u k . A v a i l a b l e at:hFp://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopmusic/10361158/Sex-in-pop-music-what-doother-female-pop-stars-think.html [Accessed 5 Sep. 2016]. 4. McCormick, N. (2013). Sex in pop music: what do other female pop stars think?. [ o n l i n e ] T e l e g r a p h . c o . u k . A v a i l a b l e at:hFp://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopmusic/10361158/Sex-in-pop-music-what-doother-female-pop-stars-think.html [Accessed 5 Sep. 2016]. 5. music, G. (2014). Sexism and racism permeate music videos, according to new report. [online] the G u a r d i a n . A v a i l a b l e at:hFps://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/aug/08/sexism-and-racism-permeate-music-videos-newreport [Accessed 5 Sep. 2016]. 6. Patel, N. (2016). Gender in the Music Industry | Music Business Journal | Berklee College of Music. [onl i n e ] T h e m b j . o r g . A v a i l a b l e at: hFp://www.thembj.org/2015/10/gender-inequality-in-the-music-industry/ [Accessed 5 Sep. 2016]. 7. Patel, N. (2016). Gender in the Music Industry | Music Business Journal | Berklee College of Music. [onl i n e ] T h e m b j . o r g . A v a i l a b l e at: hFp://www.thembj.org/2015/10/gender-inequality-in-the-music-industry/ [Accessed 5 Sep. 2016]. 8. The Huffington Post. (2016). 11 Women FighIng Sexism In The Music Industry. [online] Available at:hFp://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/sexism-music-industry_uk_56fa8522e4b0ca3c7feb72a7 [Acc essed 5 Sep. 2016]. 9. YouTube. (2016). AP English Language Pop Culture Project - Gender Stereotypes in Pop Music. [online] Available at:hFps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx7c-rX9Hhk [Accessed 5 Sep. 2016]. REVIEW: 1. G r e a s e I m a g e . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ i m a g e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFp://www.singalonga.net/marke_ng//files/grease/Grease_logo.jpg [Accessed 17 Sep. 2016]. 2. G r e a s e T r a i l e r. ( 2 0 1 0 ) . [ v i d e o ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xscJ3C4bUYE [Accessed 17 Sep. 2016].
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PASCALE’S REFERENCES: SONG: 1. K a l e o - A l l T h e P r e Fy G i r l s . ( 2 0 1 4 ) . [ v i d e o ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNwgOkl5nRY [Accessed 10 Sep. 2016]. ARTICLE: 1. M a g a z i n e C o v e r . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ i m a g e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFp://www.vogue.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10/kendall-jenner-2016-september-cover-vogueno-cl.jpg [Accessed 12 Sep. 2016]. 2. M a n I m a g e . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ i m a g e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/54/f9/fe/54f9fe92e3c7deeac8134cf5ae875e24.jpg [Accessed 12 Sep. 2016]. 3. W o m a n I m a g e . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ i m a g e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFp://66.media.tumblr.com/8cd65a0e98630041c42a59bc85ff463a/tumblr_nh11a2sTj11rh9ffao1_1280. jpg [Accessed 12 Sep. 2016]. 4. Stern, C. (2016). #PLL's Sasha Pieterse shares awesome message of self love. [online] Mail Online. Availa b l e a t : hFp://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/ar_cle-3692725/People-actually-angry-gained-weight-PreFy-LiFle-Li ars-Sasha-Pieterse-urges-fans-love-haters-shamed-puqng-pounds.html [Accessed 14 Sep. 2016]. REVIEW: 1. M a g i c M i k e X X L I m a g e . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ i m a g e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://fanart.tv/fanart/movies/264999/hdmovielogo/magic-mike-xxl-54fc6c957a72d.png [Accessed 13 Sep. 2016]. 2. Magic Mike XXL Trailer. (2015). [video] Available at: hFps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwPR0q5es0A [Accessed 16 Sep. 2016]. CREATIVE PIECE: 1. W a v e s D e s i g n . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ i m a g e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/c/crane/walter/line-and-form/images/image032.png [Accessed 19 Sep. 2016].
OTHER IMAGES: 1. Star Image. (2016). [image] Available at: hFp://www.clker.com/cliparts/R/i/A/t/X/O/star-orange-md.png [Accessed 13 Sep. 2016]. 2. S t a r I m a g e . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ i m a g e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/URSS_avia_on_white_bordered_red_star.svg [Accessed 16 Sep. 2016]. 3. A r r o w . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ i m a g e ] A v a i l a b l e a t : hFp://sageengage.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/arrow-down-TR1.png [Accessed 21 Sep. 2016]. 4. F l o w e r . ( 2 0 1 6 ) . [ i m a g e ] A v a i l a b l e a t :
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