good natured, such as Cher’ s attempt to play matchmaker and Shelley giving a makeover to the Zeta House girls. However, their plans often backfire and make them realise their mistakes. In Asian pop culture, this representation can also be seen in movies and TV shows. One of the actresses who is famous for this type of character is Nina Li. Her characters are mainly depicted as attractive yet unaware of it. Furthermore, slow motion is an effect that is added when“ dumb blonde” characters are making an entrance. It helps emphasise the body shape and appearance of the character.
There are two stereotypes of female representation that emphasise on the female role in family. The first one is“ The Wife”. The characters that fall into this category are supportive and subordinate. They devote their whole lives to their husbands. This type of representation has gradually decreased in western pop culture since 1960s, but it is still a very common depiction in Asian pop culture. Japanese movies such as Villon’ s Wife( 2009), A Loving Husband( 2016), and The Full-Time Wife Escapist( 2016) illustrate how female characters continue to be strongly linked to being a faithful wife.
The other stereotype which also revolves domesticity can be described as“ The Mother”. Although the two stereotypes are similar, the latter one is defined by the character’ s relationship with her children. In popular culture, family is shown to be a huge part in women’ s life. From the 1940s to 1960s, the idea that a woman could only be happy and have a fulfilled life if they had a successful marriage and perfect family started to spread in Western society. Children and motherhood have become symbols for females ever since. Characters like Mrs. Flax from Mermaids( 1990) and the mothers from Joy Luck Club( 1993) all focus on the connections with their children. In Asian popular culture, there are also numerous examples, such as Mrs. Law from Echoes of the Rainbow( 2010), Sister Peach from A Simple Life( 2011) and Kayo Nogami from Kabei-Our Mother( 2008). These characters are mother figures and they all selflessly sacrifice themselves for their children and family.
The last stereotype that will be discussed is that of the“ Femme Fatale” or“ Seductress.” The common features are that they are dangerously beautiful and mysterious, leading men into troubles and undesirable situations. The male characters are not blamed for the consequences since they are not sensible and cannot control themselves because of the“ Femme Fatale”. Examples such as Amy Dunne from Gone Girl( 2014), Selina Kyle from Batman Returns( 1994) and Catherine Tramell from Basic Instinct( 1992) represent female characters who are the antagonists of the story. They manipulate the male characters who are in power and take advantage of their relationship. For example, Catherine Tramell seduces the detective to get away with multiple murders, and Amy Dunne uses pregnancy to force her husband to pretend to be part of a happy couple. Some of the femme fatale characters are depicted as individuals with mental disorders or are even unearthly creatures such as vampires and enchantresses. One of the examples is the Japanese horror movie Audition( 1999), in which the female lead is portrayed as a psychopath.
Current Trends and Changes In the information age, we are surrounded by media. The way media represents gender can change our views subconsciously. Since it decides how we perceive the world, media can contribute to movements that advocate for gender equality. However, it can also hinder their progress.
Feminism has become one of the factors that has sped up the progress of changing female representation in pop culture. A lot of movie franchises such as DC Comics, Hunger Games and Star Wars have featured a story with a strong female lead that is not subordinate or inferior to other characters. Globalised companies like Disney have also seemed to follow the trend. The new princess era is composed of tough and self-sufficient female characters, such as Queen Elsa, Moana and Merida. Their stories have fewer romantic elements as well; therefore, their romantic relationships do not define their personalities and characters. Another notable example is the British long-running TV show, Doctor Who. The main protagonist, The Doctor, has always been played by a male actor who is a hero and the smartest being in the universe. However, in the coming season, the Doctor will be played by a female actress, showing how the feminist movement has affected the industry.
19 JANUARY 2018