Romeo Fotso UID: 113054952
Sexuality is usually seen as one’s own personal sexual interests. It can range from a variety of different choices, but the two most discussed about are heterosexuals and homosexuals. It is open to whatever the individual sees fit and can be expected to develop with age. Usually debated within societies, especially within western cultures, as to what sexual acts are deemed appropriate and what are unacceptable. o For example: Sex with foreign objects vs. Sex with solely body parts Sexuality can relate with one’s idea of gender as well. This is in the sense that different sexualities can affect a person’s concept of what a certain gender is. A heterosexual male is going to have and different idea of what a man is versus a homosexual male.
Gender is defined as how people of a certain sex are expected to perform or act (Manly men, Girly girls). These roles are usually assigned towards people at birth along with their sex. Although most societies only accept the binary genders of male and female, those who don’t identify with their assigned gender are regarded as transgender. They could consider themselves males or females even though societies don’t consider themselves as such.
Over the last couple decades media has taken major steps in deciding how we regard Sexuality and Gender for us, such as:
1. Demonstrating how women and men are supposed to appear. Always sexualizing women as feeble and fit, highlighting their breasts and backsides as their best features. While portraying men as callous and powerful, always there to flex their muscles at any given moment. 2. Always appealing to the heterosexual ideal these women’s appearances are only supposed to serve men and vice versa. Ensuring that they don’t ever promote any other sexualities or genders. 3. Using gender roles to present themes such as women being only in dependent roles, such as spouses or mothers. While men are able to do anything they deem fit. 4. Strengthening already set stereotypes by enforcing sexual content. Displaying women as nothing but objects of pleasure reinforces preconceived notions that men have power over women. “Particularly for boys, using internet to find explicit sexual content emerged as a powerful indicator of all attitudes and stereotypes.”(Bogt, Engles, Bogers, Klooserman, 2010)
”Finally, they are shown in traditionally feminine (i.e., stereotyped) roles. Women are portrayed as nonprofessionals, homemakers, wives or parents, and sexual gatekeepers.” (Collins,2011)
“Women are often sexualized—typically by showing them in scanty or provocative clothing”(Collins, 2011)
Race, mostly in western culture, has affected the severity of which sexuality and gender roles are regarded. Depending on the race the music video portrays, the level of which sexual themes and gender roles are enforced change drastically. Studies have shown that African Americans programs, specifically music videos, have sexualized Women the most (Turner, 2011). “The first test compared the number of the sexual acts included on the Sexual Behavior subscale in music videos classified in African American genres (Rap, R&B, Mixed Rap/R&B) with videos classified in White genres (Rock, Country). An independent-samples t-test comparing the mean number of sexual acts per video found a significant difference between the two groups…”(Turner, 2011) “…an unequal sexual reality between African Americans and Whites and an unequal gender role arrangement between men and women is depicted in music videos.”(Turner, 2011)
Strong Independent Dominate Assertive Leaders Unchallenged Adventurous Cherished Righteous
Sexual objects Erotic Servants Decoration Weak Needy Attractive Lost Followers Nurturing Aroused
These images of Sexuality and gender are still so popular because they feed into already set notions. People are attracted to these sexual objectifications of women, so much so that women tend to emulate what they see on screen. All we can do is hope for a future in which adolescents are so fooled by corporations that use sex to sell music.
“These findings, when examined under the purview of the social cognitive theory, indicate that African American women are most likely to model the deleterious behaviors portrayed in music videos” (Turner, 2011).
Citations: Bogt, T., Engles, R., Bogers, S., & Kloosterman, M. (2010). Shake It Baby, Shake It�: Media Preferences, Sexual Attitudes and Gender Stereotypes Among Adolescents. Sex Roles, 63(844-859), 844-859. Collins, R. (2011). Content Analysis of Gender Roles in Media: Where Are We Now and Where Should We Go?. Sex Roles, 64, 290-298. Takezawa, Y. (2006). Race Should Be Discussed And Understood Across The Globe. Anthropology News, 47(3), 6-7. Turner, J. (2011). Sex and the Spectacle of Music Videos: An Examination of the Portrayal of Race and Sexuality in Music Videos. Sex Roles, 64, 173-191.
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