Media Influence
Although the two articles that we read for today were written on two topics that appeared to lack any real links or similarities between them, as one focuses on the "herstory" (a term which I love) of the "Black Lives Matter" slogan, and the other focuses on the idea of Enlightened Sexism, and fantasies of power, I think that the connection that exists between the two of them comes from the negative impacts of the media on each.
In her piece, Garza discusses the origin of the phrase, where it has gone, and why. She acknowledges it as "an affirmation of Black folks' contributions to this society, or in humanity, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression" coming from the injustices that have impacted black people has a whole group. In reading this it is clear that the slogan comes from entirely good intentions, simply reminding the world of the importance of black people just as any other race. Still, however, as this slogan grew in popularity, the media managed to twist it so as to make it seem that it came about in a negative nature. People began to say "All Lives Matter" and "Blue Lives Matter" making it appear that the original was signifying that other lives were less important. Rooting from the impacts of race, gender, and socioeconomic class on the patriarchy and hegemony that dictate our society, as well as the issue of narrow nationalism and divisions between allies.
The main topic of Douglass's book, Enlightened Sexism, revolves similarly around the influence of the media. She discusses several "fantasies of power" that have occurred throughout our more recent history, such as female's taking on more prominent roles in the government, the workforce, and in the world of celebrities as well; however, criticizes how false of celebrations these are because there is still so much left to accomplish. It works around the response to "gender regime," more specifically in the media. Enlightened Sexism focuses the reality of how the media contradicts women in their ability to have respect and love, achievement and relationships, and work and family. The standards that exist are overwhelming and honestly just impossible. It impacts the generations currently living through it, but more importantly the millennials. The media simply has too large of an impact on how we believe we are supposed to be, act, and appear, and it is hurting us as a society.
In her piece, Garza discusses the origin of the phrase, where it has gone, and why. She acknowledges it as "an affirmation of Black folks' contributions to this society, or in humanity, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression" coming from the injustices that have impacted black people has a whole group. In reading this it is clear that the slogan comes from entirely good intentions, simply reminding the world of the importance of black people just as any other race. Still, however, as this slogan grew in popularity, the media managed to twist it so as to make it seem that it came about in a negative nature. People began to say "All Lives Matter" and "Blue Lives Matter" making it appear that the original was signifying that other lives were less important. Rooting from the impacts of race, gender, and socioeconomic class on the patriarchy and hegemony that dictate our society, as well as the issue of narrow nationalism and divisions between allies.
The main topic of Douglass's book, Enlightened Sexism, revolves similarly around the influence of the media. She discusses several "fantasies of power" that have occurred throughout our more recent history, such as female's taking on more prominent roles in the government, the workforce, and in the world of celebrities as well; however, criticizes how false of celebrations these are because there is still so much left to accomplish. It works around the response to "gender regime," more specifically in the media. Enlightened Sexism focuses the reality of how the media contradicts women in their ability to have respect and love, achievement and relationships, and work and family. The standards that exist are overwhelming and honestly just impossible. It impacts the generations currently living through it, but more importantly the millennials. The media simply has too large of an impact on how we believe we are supposed to be, act, and appear, and it is hurting us as a society.
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