Morrisey |1 Jada S Morrisey Professor Malcolm Campbell English 1103 February 5, 2013

Topic Proposal: How has Feminism change the way people are seen and viewed in the Media?

Introduction/Overview Feminism is intrinsically controversial; therefore there are many ways of approaching the definition of it. These can include the self-definition of individuals, groups or projects as feminist; treating reducing gender inequality as equivalent to feminist; and treating promoting the interests of women as equivalent to feminist. However, when some think of feminism, they often have a misrepresented idea based on common stereotypes that were placed in people minds during the late 19th century (The First Wave of Feminism). For instance, some people believe that feminism only liberates women at the expense of men, and all feminists are just out to emasculate the men in their society and take over the world. When actually feminism isnt about emasculating men, or politically making a point, (although in some ways it can be), its more about breaking down the standards which society has put in place for both women and men. In my essay, I will be examining, and researching how the evolution of feminism has effect the transformation of the media. Analyzing different forms of media such a websites from the internet (including social site), magazines, books, radio broadcasts, television (series shows, and commercials), newspapers, and films. Then I will take my analysis and then compare them to the media during the First Wave of Feminism (19th century-Early 20th Century), the Second Wave of Feminism (1960s-Late 1980s), the Third Wave of Feminism (Late 1990s-Present), and

Morrisey |2 in between each time period. My priorities for this essay is to demonstrate, and bring attention to how quickly the media has created standards and identities for females and males; and discuss possible suggestions for stopping or re-structuring those identities (assuming that they are not already). Initial Inquiry Question(s) As a result of feminism, what kinds of changes have been made within the media? Assuming the media continues as it is, what could be possible results of our society? How has sexism evolved within the media? Twitter & Facebook: How has feminism played a part in how users interact on these types of social media sites? True Beauty or Stereotype (Female & Male)? How has feminism changed the way that celebrities are portrayed in the media? From Marilyn Monroe to Nicki Minaj. My Interest in this Topic My reason for leading my topic towards this path is because I have always had a passion for Gender Equality and Women Studies. From as early as the Egyptian times women have always been considered 2nd class citizens; sexual objects; the other sex; and just in general not worth a second opinion. Myself, being a female, I take that very personally. Unlike a lot of women in our country I never forget about the women who came before me so that I may have the life that I have now. I can get a decent education (just like everyone else); I can vote (just like everyone else); I can get a job, and have equal pay (just like everyone else); I can own a car, and a house (just like everyone else); I have the right to my own money (just like everyone else); I

Morrisey |3 can marry, and date whoever I wanna (just like everyone else); and I dont have to depend on some power hungry, egotistic, male to have any of those things! I take a high interest in things that I am grateful, and I am so extremely grateful those women who have been on this earth before me and fought for the rights that I have today. Although most of them did not live to see this day and age, I know that they would be proud of what women are getting accomplished today. In the words of Sarah Dessen, a famous Author (who writes books for young women), Your past is always your past. Even if you forget it, it remembers you. Next Steps I have lots of reading to do; I have already started collecting research, and checked out books from the library. I am also watching videos to do some of my research, like comparing the way Women and Men are portrayed in movies from the 1900s to some that were newly released in 2012. Some self-explanatory research, from my watchful eye. Creating a timeline of major events. Going to class, I have a Womens and Gender Studies class on Wednesday, and some of the things that we discuss in class are also some of the topics I want to discuss in my paper. Start on my paper, Im working with my introduction now; hopefully next week Ill be finishing it up.