Current Media Issue 6 - Woman by Current Media

Issue 06 | October 2013 The Woman Edition

CurrentMedia

Current Media

Current Media is a free, student-run publication for the RMIT Hanoi community

EDITORIAL

EXTERNAL AFFAIR & FINANCE

Dao Thu Trang Bui Thi Thai Ha Ngo Phung Phuong Anh

Le Tuan Anh Pham Thi Thu Ly Nguyen Thao Phuong Nguyen Thanh Huong Thao

WRITERS

DESIGNERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dao Thu Trang Bui Thi Thai Ha Vu Hong Nhung Le Thi Cam Linh Le Manh Cuong

Nguyen Lan Chi Cao Hoang Yen Vu Xuan Quang Nguyen My Linh Tran Phuong Anh Ngo Phung Phuong Anh

The Prelude Skinny models. Glossy fashion magazines. Premium cosmetics packages. Women are constantly being bombarded by model images and moral expectations determined by a group of influential money-makers out there. There are certain beauty rules that we have to follow to be considered attractive. There are certain things that we need to achieve to be considered successful. There are boxes that we need to tick in order to be wanted by men. In this Information Age, women seem to be the victims of the beauty industry which tells us we are never good enough and social norms that expect us to be somebody else. The endless pursuit of the supreme image and character makes it difficult for us to stop and think about what we really want and who we want to be. This issue is dedicated to all of our RMIT female readers. It is no educational textbook but it carries our humble, and hopefully, inspirational opinions as to how women should be more critical of the messages that we are receiving today. We look for no agreement and applause as it would only contradict our philosophy and make us just another screaming authoritative voice. We want you to read, critique and tell us your opinions because conversation is the discovery of knowledge.

DaoTrang Editor-in-chief

Gmail: currentmedia.rmithn@gmail.com Tel: 0949918222 (Phuong) Facebook: Current Media

ÂŠCover photo by Alejandro Cisneros Ibarra. ÂŠSide photo by Cecilia Paredes.

Contents

October2013

* Please note that the views expressed in these pages are the personal views of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of RMIT management.

04| Campus Report Career Fair 2013: A bustling job town

06| Character of the month Who said we can’t have it all ?

09| Campus Radar RMIT Gender Ratio: A pleasant imbalance

09| Trivial Tips Conversational weapons in dating

10| Cover Story What do you see when you see women?

12| Fashion What’s the glory in a fake bag?

14| Music From Taylor Swift to Lady Gaga: What female singers mean to our generation

15| Movie 5 movies every women should watch

18| Career Intelligent women don’t sit in the offfice corner

19| Career Make the most of the moment

CAMPUS REPORT

Career Fair 2013

A Bustling Job Town - written by Le Manh Cuong “...The ball room was full of dynamic, eager participants chatting, sharing and setting job appointments. The atmosphere was professional, just like a Job Town that Marketing club had wanted to create...”

areer Fair 2013 was one of the most popular events in semester B 2013 among RMIT students and other universities. Thanks to the success of previous events in 2011, 2012 with the involvement of more than 700 audiences and 20 companies, RMIT Marketing club have gained reliable and engaging reliability and fame to become the promising place for networking, sharing experience between students and employers. With the theme “Job Town”, Career Fair 2013 had created an exciting atmosphere throughout RMIT Lab rooms and library for a week before the event. The event started with a networking friends said it out to me in excitement. workshop: “How to create your own Despite the weariness on their Network” by Mr Tuncay Bockin - General He was right. Our lecture drew much more faces, Marketing Club members Manager Crowne Plaza West Hanoi Ho- attention today than in the normal lecseemed to greatly enjoy their tel and Residence. In this workshop, the tures. Some other booths attracted more work. Their enthusiasm was audience learnt about the experience students and were crowded by late comers almost infinite and even inspired and ways to create links, improve rela- such as: RnB fitness, M talent, Sense club other people around. tionship from one of the longest serving and N-shape who provided a lot of job opGeneral Managers of Crowne. However, portunities for students in their final year. the crowd seemed to pay their attention The ball room was full of dynamic, eager participants chatting, sharing and setting 7PM. I looked through the library and was more to the booths of the Big 4 accountjob appointments. The atmosphere was surprised with the preparation for the ing giants: ACCA, PwC, KPMG, APB where professional, just like a Job Town that big event. Posters, flyers, cards, decora- participants were eagerly asking and regMarketing club had wanted to create. tions, bottled waters...turned the right istering for applications. Marketing club corner of library into green space- the worked very hard to run around to guide colour of marketing club. CV Forms and students, show them places of compaHappiness and relaxation were cards were quickly gathered to the port- nies and manage the flow of audiences. folios. Despite the weariness on their faces, Marketing Club members seemed to greatly enjoy their work. Their enthusiasm was almost infinite and even inspired other people around. It made me believe that Career Fair was going to be a blast. Career Fair’s main event was held at Crown Plaza - the 5 stars hotel near My Dinh stadium. By the check-in time, the first floor was already full of formally dressed students, all of them looked professional and ready for any up-coming challenges. Many students came from other universities with CVs on their hands, eagerly waiting for the meeting with companies’ representatives.

what I saw in Marketing club members.

The atmosphere was professional, just like a Job Town that Marketing club had wanted to create.

2PM. The second workshop started with the speech of one of the most qualified marketing lecturers of RMIT Hanoi: Ms Phuong Phung. A lot of students gathered in front of the stage for this speech. “Ms Phuong Phung is different today; she shared many of her working experiences that she had rarely talked about in class before!” – One of the RMIT

Besides the excitement and satisfaction, Career Fair also provided a shortcut to many students’ dream career. It was a golden opportunity for them to meet with industry people and learn about the requirements and benefits of the career of their interest. Happiness and relaxation were what I saw in Marketing club members. After the closure of the event, they freely took pictures and had fun with each other. What an excellent team they made! Many other students and I will surely look forward to the next Career Fair. Current Media October 2013 | 5

CHARACTER OF THE MONTH

Who said we can’t

Have It All ? - anonymous -

“

...Among the highly experienced and extremely qualified staff of RMIT Hanoi, many of whom I admire and respect once I attend their classes, Linda stands out in her own way as a young yet devoted and very professional lecturer. To a student, having someone who is not only a teacher, but also a friend, a guide and a source of motivation is a privilege and an empowerment...” © Photo from Linda Nguyen

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“

The last message we want to tell our ladies in RMIT, or any Vietnamese girls, would be: Fret not, and do not let your beliefs be shaken. Yes, we can have it all, be more, achieve more, and we should never stop striving to be better women, both for ourselves and our community.

Pretty and clever with a charming voice – Ms. Linda Nguyen came to me as a pleasant change of season as autumn started rolling in, and so did my university life. “Oh hey, this lady is kind of different, and it feels strange but I like it !” This was what came across my mind in October 2012, or at least what I still have left of it after a year of battling a never-ending row of assignments (and luckily, I survived!). First impression lasts, they say. Surely enough, our Professional Communication lecturer stands out in the eyes of her students as a burning flame of the young and dynamic Vietnamese generation, one that witnesses a great change in how young females step forward in every battle field as they venture into adulthood: career, relationship and self-confidence.

education and our own career path without sacrificing our love or family life. “The key to having it all is not just loving it all, you gotta work hard for it all.”; more than once have I heard this from Linda, sharing with her students, and the sentiment of it surely rhymes well with what I have read countless times as I searched for the key to my own success: “You can definitely have it all, but not all at once”. Isn’t it tricky? The world’s master chefs have just told us that the ingredients to this dish of perfection are our passion and resilience so that we try, fail and succeed, again and again. Belief comes into play as certain things must come before others do, and some will never be within our control, but it is always better to wait for the right opportunity, the right achievement and the right person rather than doing things blindly just for the sake of ticking off a list.

The key to having it all is not just loving it all, you gotta work hard for it all. You can definitely have it all, but not all at once. As Linda and I share our thoughts during the few occasions we have worked together, both in and outside of her Public Relations classes, our conversations have even assured me more of the answer to the question of female success: Yes, Vietnamese women can definitely have it all. We are no longer confined to the traditional role of being a housewife and fill ourselves with doubt as we ponder whether or not to pursue higher

Upon graduation from university with a degree in Education, Linda took the next step on her quest for knowledge: Master Degree in Australia. Has it ever been easy? No, definitely not; especially when people bombard you with deeply conventional and rather sexist questions like: ‘Why do you need a Master? Why do you have to study so much and work so hard? Just stay in Vietnam with your fam-

”

ily, find a job and get married already!’ – Our society seems to think that there is only one right path to go, and your passion probably does not lie on this track. Yet, if you ask them a different question, which Linda did, and I believe many other women as well, then the story changes: ‘If you have a daughter, would you want her to have a successful and independent life with respect from her friends and partner, or would you rather your girl forever relying on someone else without being able to raise her voice for herself?’

It is always better to wait for the right opportunity, the right achievement and the right person rather than doing things blindly just for the sake of ticking off a list. Among the highly experienced and qualified staff of RMIT Hanoi, many of whom I admire and respect once I attend their classes, Linda stands out in her own way as a young yet devoted and professional lecturer. To a student, having someone who is not only a teacher, but also a friend, a mentor and a source of motivation is a privilege and an empowerment. The last message we want to tell our ladies in RMIT, or any Vietnamese girls, would be: Fret not, and do not let your beliefs be shaken. Yes, we can have it all, be more, achieve more, and we should never stop striving to be better women, both for ourselves and our community.

Current Media October 2013 | 7

CAMPUS RADAR

RMIT Gender Ratio

a pleasant imbalance - written by Dao Trang -

It “...Having visited many other universities, I realize that the female dominance at RMIT makes it one of the best-dressed universities in the country. On a more sophisticated level, the dominating presence of women at this university represents a turning point in society where more women are gaining access to good education and taking up wellpaid white collars jobs...”

does not require any statistics to recognize the gender imbalance in our RMIT Hanoi campus. Fortunately, this is not one of the repulsive stories that people have been raving about. It is one in favor of women. From the Marketing Team, to Student Services and Academic Administration, it is relatively difficult to spot a pair of trousers within these nine floors of the office building. Being a student of ProfComm – the newest program of RMIT Hanoi Campus – I reckon that the stark imbalance is even more obvious as this program is often misbelieved to be built exclusively for female students. What should we make of this female dominance within our RMIT community? First of all, this is not a pleasant fact for many of us who belong to the FA club. For those who have been dreaming of finding a college sweetheart and indulging in the blossoming romance of youth, you might have realized that RMIT Hanoi does not give you a lot of choices. The majority of us girls end up spending time with each other, whining about never finding the perfect guy in our proximity. However, this is an opportunity for us to keep an eye out for all the good chaps out there and enlarge our circle of friends. It is a call for us to be more open and flexible when it comes to choosing a partner. Having visited many other universities, I realize that the female dominance at

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RMIT makes it one of the best-dressed universities in the country. Whether it is a competition or inspiration among the girls, it is certainly something pleasant for the all the watchers and styleconscious people. Female vanity is unarguably a delightful thing. What makes it even more special at RMIT is how our female members have been using it as a personal expression to bring out the uniqueness in each individual in a united and small community. On a more sophisticated level, the dominating presence of women at this university represents a turning point in society where more women are gaining access to good education and taking up well-paid white collars jobs. For female students, being able to study in an English-speaking environment as well as being taught by the most updated educational methodologies have opened doors to many great job opportunities in the future. RMIT has allowed Vietnamese women to work hard, pursue their dreams and gain success. RMIT will produce a batch of competent and hard-working females who are ready to fairly compete with men for important positions in the workplace. In short, this is something that RMIT should be proud of and celebrate. As the university continues to thrive, the contribution of our female students and staff will be an inspiration for many young girls in the future.

TRIVIAL TIPS

CONVERSATIONAL WEAPONS in

dating

- written by Nhung Vu -

He will see your attractiveness if you pay attention and act accordingly If you can, then congratulations!

Ask yourself this question of your current love: “Is this love or calculation?” What do you think or feel when thinking about your boyfriend? Sentiment is the meeting of souls, not the exchange of need. Therefore, care about your own emotions before anything else.

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Don’t complain or talk about ex-boyfriend, ex-boss or your father when dating: You are killing your attractiveness. He is a man. He may think “She will complain about me when dating another man, too!!!”. And also don’t ask about his ex-girlriend. Eye contact and body language is great but don’t overuse them.

Don’t complain about his family. To him, they may be more important than you.

Sharing truthfully about yourself and don’t lie, even if you are just unintentional. Love with suspicions never lasts for a long time. DON’T BE A MOCKINGBIRD without foundation. You will be so silly. Don’t talk about your diet or shout “I am too fat”. You are losing points. Most men love confident women, so even if you are overweight, he still loves you.

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Looking at your lover’s eyes! This represents what you are saying is frank and emotional. Looking somewhere else in a conversation only shows your unattractiveness.

Be humorous, but just a little! Make your stories more interesting but if you can’t, DON’T TRY TO BE FUNNY, you will be less charming and even become ridiculous. Don’t make a joke out of him because he may view it as an insult, be it unintentional or not. “Are you attracted by a person who always want to reset your personality?”. Men don’t like this, too. Don’t be his grandma complaining about everything he does. You are so unendurable and stuffy in his mind. And don’t wish him to change. “Will you love him when he changes”? Be careful but not so fastidious! Life is not a perfect dream. Don’t make him spend hours shopping with you just for clothing or cosmetics. It will eventually stresses him out.

Never try to be a winner in any conversation. When men and women confront each other, they are all losers. A winning second means a broken love in no time, because men never want to be a loser.

Be quiet! Men hardly share their emotions, and if he shares with you, it means he trusts you. You may want to give your opinions but save them for a better time. Listen closely with your sympathetic ears. Don’t interrupt, you are killing romantic moments. Current Media October 2013 | 9

COVER STORY

What do you see

when you see women ?

- written by Le Cam Linh -

â&#x20AC;&#x153;...Amidst all the changes that have revolutionized our society, it is amusing how something never changes at all. In fact, it even gets worse. The portrayal of women in the media could only go up the slope of sexuality and well-crafted artificial beauty...â&#x20AC;?

10 | Current Media October 2013

it alright to look a little bit less than perfect? To be anything but a woman with ideal beauty: a slender body with sexy curves, and a flawless face with layers of makeup? As we constantly tell our dear sisters, mothers and girlfriends how much we love them just for who they are on the inside, the media seem to have given them a different answer. Have a look at glamorous magazines covers, fancy fashion posters or any possible images of women on the Internet, and you will know exactly what I mean.

While the woman’s face should have showed us her soul, the features are replaced with a torso. She becomes unable to speak for herself, and her body conveys who she is instead. Turning back the wheel of time, when the media was far different from what it is today, a Belgian artist of the previous century had already told us the story of women’s fate. The painting pretty much said it all: sexuality is what defines a woman’s worth, not her personality or her talent. ‘Le Viol’, or The Rape, the surrealist piece of art of Rene Magritte, has revealed the bitter truth about how many men view women as sexual objects. While her face should have showed us her soul, the features are replaced with a torso. The woman becomes unable to speak for herself, and her body conveys who she is instead. Reality has been embedded in the unreal, and sadly, this culture of sexualizing women and distorting perception of beauty continue to exist in our society. Amidst all the changes that have revolutionized our society, it is amusing how something never changes at all. In fact, it even gets worse. The portrayal of women in the media could only go up the slope of sexuality and well-crafted artificial beauty. Millions of magazines are filled with pages of half-naked women: boobs, boobs and boobs everywhere. Sexy posture, provocative red lips and revealing clothes – don’t tell me you haven’t heard of the formula. Advertisers have dwelled so deep into the human’s psyche that they know too well how to make this image extremely desirable. I’ll give you three seconds. Let’s have a look at the poster of Dolce & Gabbana first.

The model is indeed gorgeous, but it is questionable why she is the only one lying on the floor and dominated by a masculine male figure. All the other men are even looking down upon her as if she is part of a show. This image is actually nothing out of the ordinary. Hundreds of ads have portrayed women as decorations – pretty, vulnerable and submissive characters in a men’s world.

ther fit in, or you simply don’t. It teaches boys to love girls only when they are young with their make-up on, and treat girls differently because of how they look. Truth is, everybody is different, and every woman looks gorgeous in her own way. A lot of people understand this well, boys and girls alike. Who you are, how you treat people and how you believe in yourself matter a lot more than how many hours you spend at the gym or how much make-up you put on this morning. Girls, I A young person comes across these im- wish you all love yourself a bit more every ages multiple times a day, and probably day. a hundred or two every week. It decides how girls set standards for themselves as they grow up. And even when this ar- Who you are, how you treat peotificial beauty is extremely unattainable, ple and how you believe in yourthey still strive to achieve the unachiev- self matter a lot more than how able. Pills, diet plans, workout, surgery, many hours you spend at the gym or fashion and beauty tips found on every or how much make-up you put on magazines. this morning.

Hundreds of ads have portrayed women as decorations – pretty, vulnerable and obedient characters in a men’s world. The media has made a super model, who wins a genetic lottery and belongs to only 2% of the population, the image of ‘an-average-looking-woman’ – or how every woman should look like. It fools the whole society of how being beautiful means ticking off a check-list: you ei-

A few facts you might want to know: • While 28% of female characters in family films wear sexy attire, only 8% occur for their male counterparts. • Girls as young as age six are starting to see themselves as sex objects, based on a combination of media inﬂuence, a bad parenting and religion. • Female characters are stereotyped and sexualized in media popular among youth. Current Media October 2013 | 11

What’s the glory in FASHION

A Fake Bag ? - written by Dao Trang -

“...For a fake bag, you pay 0% for quality and 100% for stolen brainwork and brand’s prestigious identity. These bags might not last more than one season. The math is that simple. If you’re thinking of making a fashion investment, think real designer bag...”

12 | Current Media October 2013

‘

Bag: Celine Purse: Mulberry Make-up pouch: Kate Spade Ipad case: Marc Jacobs’

“I’m a real IT girl now!” “These designer accessories really boost my confidence and self-esteem!” “These are the latest fashion must-haves according to Vogue. I’m such a fashionista!” “And the best part is, this whole set of designer’ items costs me no more than 2 million VND! What an excellent bargain! I bet all those real IT girls have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to look that good when they strut down the streets.”

Ebay or any fashion exchange websites for If you dream of admiration and respect some good deals. It’s a strenuous process with your $50 Celine bag, your dream but it is what it takes to get the real deal. might never come true. The fashion world is filled with sharp-eyed snobs who It is about expressing yourself won’t need a second look to spot a fake through a form of art that is pres- bag. Once the detector is on, all you get ent in your everyday appearance. is a scornful look that says: “You certainly don’t belong”. Not desirable, isn’t it? It It is a well-known fact that for a designer is even more embarrassing when you go item, you pay 30% for the quality and 70% to country like France, the birthplace of for the prestige. It might seem an excru- luxury designer names. Your fake bags ciating truth but that 30% really ensures will be immediately detected and seized the top quality for what you pay for. You by airport customs because the country get the most creative talents to design simply does not tolerate people who are your item and the most skilful craftsmen contributing to the demise of one of their in the world to meticulously work on it most treasured heritages.

days and nights. The end result is an elegant, self-satisfying accessory that follows you everywhere like a best friend. On the other hand, for a fake bag, you pay 0% for quality and 100% for stolen brainwork and stolen of brand’s prestigious identity. Well that’s how much they have to spend These bags might not last more than one to earn those real IT girls/ fashionistas season. The math is that simple. Make name tags. If you are spending a little your own choice. money on fake stuff, “fake IT girl” is what If you think “Fake 1” bags are the best of you are, isn’t it? both worlds which give you both quality and style, you still haven’t got an idea. If you are thinking of making a Think about this: a woman walking in a fashion investment, think real clinic to get a plastic surgery, telling her designer bag. surgeon: “I don’t have enough money for a real boob job; just give me a fake Everybody knows fashion is an expensive one with quality”. It is the same with interest. Unless you are Anna Wintour or bags. Regardless of the levels of fakeness Warrant Buffet’s granddaughter, you can- (which is a ridiculous notion to start with), not afford to add a US$2000 bag in your it is still fake and there is no excuse. For collection every new season. So how those money-conscious fashion followcan you become a fashion lover without ers who are more concerned with qualspending a fortune? The truth is there are ity, high-end designer brands are not your millions of fashion lovers out there who only choice. There are thousands of high are in your shoes. The smart ones realize street brands that offer good quality for that fashion is not a competition of the a decent price. You can get a real leather homogeneity. It is about expressing your- bag that lasts for a good amount of time self through a form of art that is present and is no less fashionable without burnin your everyday appearance. Instead of ing your bank account from places like turning their money in to the counterfeit Topshop, Zara, Banana Republic (and the goods industry, they make their own in- list goes on). It is not easy to face the fact terpretation of the designer items into a that you are not in the Louis Vuitton or unique DIY accessory that’s worth street Prada league, but you’ve got to learn to style photographers’ attention. Another love what you have. Isn’t that what your alternative involves spending hours on parents have been telling you too?

All you get is a scornful look that says: “You certainly don’t belong”. Not desirable, isn’t it? What if you are only a victim of the widespread counterfeiter? They offer you a designer bag for a fraction of the real price and say: “It’s Made in Vietnam. Authentic exports”. Use your head. When the “Made in Vietnam” concept first appeared on the market a few years ago, it was the real deal for middle-class shoppers. Those excessive productions for prestigious brands, available in very small amount, were released in the Third World country to offer good quality, authentic goods at very reasonable price. It even seemed patriotic and knowledgeable because you were helping the nation’s economy. But nowadays, when every street shops dub themselves “Made in Vietnam”, selling the same identical products, should you doubt the origin of these goods? This is not to mention the fact that hardly any high-end designers outsource their productions to Vietnam. Except for those who are Made in Italy or France, the majority of production lines are located in China or Taiwan. So you are actually supporting the economy of our big neighbor instead. Enough said, the choice is yours. But if you are thinking of making a fashion investment, think real designer bag. Current Media October 2013 | 13

MUSIC

from Taylor Swift to Lady Gaga WHAT FEMALE SINGERS MEAN TO OUR GENERATION - written by Dao Trang -

1959. In her simple outfit with virtually no makeup, Joan Baez

appeared on the stage of the Newport Folk Festival to a crowd of impressed music lovers. Her distinctive voice and profound lyrics about social issues were a true inspiration not only for the people of her time but also for many listeners today. With her total disregard for gender norms and social expectations of female behavior and appearance of that time, Joan Baez was an icon that of female liberation of the 1960s.

1963. With her striking good looks that needed no help of

cosmetics and an arresting voice, Mary Travers sang along harmoniously with Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey to create the iconic trio folk band Peter, Paul and Mary. Mary empowered generations of women by reinforcing their rights to participate in political debate through her songs about war, peace and social justice. Like Joan, her indifference to cosmetics and fashion liberated women who felt imprisoned by the notions of beauty created by advertisers.

2013, the music industry embraced a new wave of artists, or more accurately, entertainers,dominators of the Billboard charts, who brought about a contrasting take on how the modern women should be like.

mys. More noticeably, she delivers the ultimate fashion advice to millions of teens out there: being a princess is all about tons of make-up, glitter dresses and a tall, slender figure. Exactly what fashion magazines have been stuffing our brains with ! There is the Disney-sweetheart-turns-pop-star Miley Cyrus whose rebellious hairstyle is yelling for attention without exactly bringing on any style. We find ourselves singing along and sympathizing for the poor 20-year-old who went through a premature painful break-up after a flash engagement with a co-TV star. More than that, Miley shows us how it is perfectly normal to wear virtually nothing on TV if you are depressed and rich. And there is Lady Gaga, the fascinating performer, entertainer, attention-drawer. Gaga actually possesses a strong gripping voice and a unique choreographic style. However, she teaches us a lesson that there have to be more ingredients to milliondollar success. Even true talents need the practical help of a good marketing strategy. Gaga grabs paparazzi’s attention with her avant-garde, even ridiculous fashion and make-up style. More importantly, Gaga’s songs emphasize the fact that women nowadays have only their relationship problems to think about.

50 years ago, women were told to set themselves free of soRose to fame as Country music’s princess, Taylor Swift is no stranger to anyone with a TV set. She appears as the rising star who has rescued the dying Country music in the sea of Pop, R&B and Hip Hop among youngsters. She shows us a how a mediocre voice, a simple set of 4 guitar chords and a few lines of female teenage break-up shout-outs can earn someone so many Gram-

14 | Current Media October 2013

cial norms, to engage in more serious debates and social topics. Today, we are getting a contrasting message. Does this marriage between female superficiality and the endless pursuit of homogenous fashion mean we are being set back in time in terms of social progress? Perhaps the future won’t be so bleak if you look further than the Billboard charts.

MOVIE

5movies

everywoman shouldwatch - written by Ha Bui -

It is resentful, yet way too common, for female characters to be depicted in such an offensively stereotyped and superficial way in movies, if there is any trace of their presence at all. Women mostly play two roles: either a perfect home-maker with a husband and a bunch of children to take care of or a single workaholic who is constantly exhausted. Fortunately, quite a number of movies have proved that it is possible for female protagonists in films to be portrayed as successful, intelligent, funny, and free-spirited. The movies below all share something in common which are exceptional female characters and exquisite stories.

brave (2012) The very first vibrant, headstrong and hostile female protagonist of Pixar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Merida of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Braveâ&#x20AC;? is expected and set up to be married off and become a typical perfect princess by her dictated mother yet her mere desires are to adventurously race across the beautiful highland of Scotland with her magnificent horse and to play archery and sword. Due to this major conflict, Merida has accidentally put a curse on her own mother and turned her into a wild bear. However, during the course of the film, with her sense of adventure and the softness of her heart, Merida has found a way to face her reckless act; tried to make it right and simultaneously learnt about the meaning of bravery and discovered her own fate. Current Media October 2013 | 15

Gone with the Wind (1939)

Scarlett O’Hara of “Gone with the Wind” is nothing like a typical refined and delicate Georgia flower. She inherits some real hard-headedness and wild instincts from her strong father. Despite social restrictions back at the time during the American Civil War, Scarlett is bold, arrogant, rude, yet modern, wilful and free-spirited. She is a woman who is independent and determined with her own economic situation and proves to possess an exceptional talent for leadership and business after the ugly collapse of the Depression. She is a woman who wants to control her own sexual pleasures and fantasies so much she narcissistically achieve everything possible to provoke the

admiration of any young man in the neighbourhood and even secretly covets her sweetest friend’s husband. She is a woman who is so tremendously rational that she does not care about concepts like kindness or honours or others’ feelings; she sees no other choices other than the ones she goes with in the first place. She is a woman who is so self-centred and manipulative that she bans her third husband from their married bed just to protect her tiny waist from childbirth. Not exactly the woman to aspire to be but Scarlett is definitely a character worth learning from.

amelie (2001) Amelie is a young, innocent, and naive girl living in a fantasy world of Paris. She grew up all lonely due to her mother’s death and the lack of affection from her father. One might easily assume that with such difficult childhood, she could not care less about others’ happiness. Fortunately, Amelie, with her own sense of justice, overcomes her early hardship and decides to help those around find cheer and joy and ultimately, discovers love along the way. Another aspect of “Amelie” that intrigues audience is that its innocent and naive female protagonist falls head over heels with her handsome loner first and then actively pursuits and wins over his heart instead of waiting for him to eventually come along. The movie draws a perfect picture of how a freespirited, warm-hearted, charming girl spreads smiles and joy around. 16 | Current Media October 2013

Before Sunrise (1995)

Celine of “Before Sunrise” is a young, adventurous, somewhat naive yet witty and highly intelligent woman in her early 20s. In the movie, Celine is a romantic even though her parents’ intense relationship immensely frustrates her. There is always hope that Celine embraces and treasures. She exhibits her amusement towards the positive and full-of-energy vision about her future coming from a travelling fortune teller. She is enchanted by the dazzling poem from a begger on the street.

Even she claims to be against religions by any means, she is pleased with the idea of people gathering together to seek answers to life’s great mysteries. She longs for a special someone that she can understand and share something with. In “Before Sunrise”, Celine mostly idolizes romantic ideas and an optimistic future. However, her intelligence, sense of humor and adventure definitely make her different from typical women who have been portrayed in cinema.

Before Sunset (2004)

In the sequence “Before Sunset”, young Celine has turned into a woman in her 30s who has endured many years of adult struggles. Many of her romantic thoughts seem to fade away due to lies, pain, and life experiences which have helped Celine develop a hard shell of cynicism and sarcasm. She does not talk about romanticism and future as much, she shares her experiences this time. Every time a positive hint about an aspect of life is dropped, she critically finds a way to crack it. Her neurosis is more visible. She does not engage in religious

conversations anymore. She does not believe in incarnation anymore. She does not believe in magic that helps two people find each other anymore. She evolves and changes immensely her point of view about life this time. She is matured and sadly admitted that magic, romanticism, and optimism have probably betrayed her in this world. Thus, it fascinates us to see that the charming, intelligent, cynical, and sarcastic Celine definitely does not fit any categories of typical female characters in film. Current Media October 2013 | 17

CAREER

Women D O N ’ T B E LO N G TO

THE OFFICE CORNER - written by Nhung Vu -

>>WORK SMART Don’t be too hardworking: To be successful, hardworking is not enough. You need to learn to build a good relationship with colleagues to work effectively in groups, maintaining analytical and strategic thinking. Don’t just finish your work: If you want to get a raise or promotion, go beyond your assigned task and do something outstanding. Ask for what you want: You have right to say to your boss: “I want…”. Don’t be afraid of talking about your difficulties. Men succeed because they are more emboldened in asking for benefits. Your opinions count: Many women avoid giving comments even when someone makes a mistake and they give that opportunity to men. If you keep silent, you will feel stressful. Be frank but polite when giving your comments.

>>THINK SMART Don’t underestimate planning: Success requires many steps. Be realistic when setting your goals to avoid disappointment. You need a good strategy that guides you step by step to success. Don’t be a “washing machine”: If you just work with the manual all the time, you will never make progress. Be active and creative by finding out other solutions to complete your work. Don’t forget to brainstorm numerous questions. Don’t let other people waste your time: It’s may be a stereotype: women love gossipping. However, when you are working at high frequency, don’t waste your time listening to nonsense stories. However, don’t rudely interrupt them or get angry, all you need is a polite rejection.

18 | Current Media October 2013

>>ACT SMART Be independent with your troubles: It’s wise to consult others when you are stuck in a big problem. However, don’t bother others with your little worries. Try to solve your problems independently first. Remember: too many cooks spoil the broth. Don’t try to win everyone’s affection: It feels good to be liked. However, by trying to make a good impression, you may be reliant on your colleagues’ supporto get a promotion or avoid being sacked. Have good relationships but don’t take advantage of them.

>>BUILD YOUR OWN BRAND Don’t underestimate your job or position: don’t feel ashamed if someone asks you “What do you do?”. Tell them how you love your job. Don’t freak out when receiving a difficult task: Challenge yourself and try your best. This is a good opportunity to maximize your potential and broaden your knowledge. It is also a shortcut to a promotion or a raise. Don’t neglect your appearance: It is important to look respectable and smart at work. You don’t have to be a fashionista to achieve this. Be simple and neat.

CAREER

Make the most of the moment - written by Career Centre -

areer Week 2013 encourages students to “Make the Most of the Moment”. This year student clubs will feature throughout Career Week. Clubs will assist Marketing with promotion, and will be offered a chance to develop an interesting, interactive workshop for students on the theme of “Make the Most of the Moment”. The Hanoi Career Team is working hard to develop this year’s program for Career Week which will assist students at RMIT to “Make the Most of the Moment”. This year the Career Week focuses on the skills students can learn during their time at RMIT. There will a program of workshops, events and presentations throughout the week which includes the Career Toolkit which is a new online information system to assist with your CV, interview techniques and your career planning.

So what are these skills that are so important to your future career? These skills include teamwork, conflict management, time management, leadership, interpersonal, communication, and problem solving skills. When an employer looks at CVs and interviews future employees, they screen for academic ability but soft skills provide the focus for their choice. These can be learnt and developed whilst at RMIT and during Career Week where many of the workshops will focus on assisting students and providing ideas on how best to go about this.

Academic skills are important, but when it comes to gaining employment when you graduate from RMIT, it is the soft skills that are the focus for many employers. This is an area that you need to be aware of during your studies. “Make the Most of the Moment”, refers to using all the opportunities you can whilst studying to increase the skills that will During two lunch times sessions there will make you employable and attractive be showing of the UK Apprentice which to employers when you apply for jobs. will include a discussion on how the participants used their skills to accomplish Joining clubs and doing volunteer work the tasks. for RMIT are great ways to increase your soft skills. Some students get part-time Networking skills are important for gainjobs and others volunteer for community ing employment after graduating. During organisations, these are also great ways studying at RMIT you will develop many to develop your soft skills. At RMIT, soft life long friendships and networks. Have skills usually form a part of the learn- you heard the expression “it is not what ing and assessment processes. Group you know, but who you know”? According assignments and real life simulations to one source, 70% of jobs in Australia are and case studies are great ways to im- never advertised, they are filled through prove your employability and make sure networks. Could this figure be similar in you are ready for working life. These Hanoi? During Career Week, there will can feature on your CV under extra cur- be a chance to practice, refine and dericula and course work related activities. velop your professional networking skills.

Social networking is becoming increasingly important. Presenting a personal professional image online is an important way to get your self noticed whilst social networking. Learn how to do this through attending a workshop on “Branding, your resume and your online image”. This year the Career Development and Employment Face book will also feature a week of competitions leading up to Career Week and continuing into Career Week with great prizes to be won. There will be panel sessions from degree programs including Economics and Finance, Professional Communications, Marketing, Commerce and Accounting. Here academics will host a panel where RMIT alumni and industry speakers provide insights into how to maximise your study at RMIT. There will also be panel session hosted by Information Technology, which will introduce their new Bachelor of Information Technology program which will be offered in Hanoi in 2014. All the exciting workshop presentations, lunchtime programs and panel sessions will culminate in the Career Expo on Friday when over 15 companies will be available to talk to students about their career opportunities. Hope to see all at this year Career Week. Current Media October 2013 | 19

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