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