Blog Entry 5--- Final Draft

Women in the Media: From Exploitation to Empowerment ‘Politicking the Personal’

An Annotated Bibliography 

Caplan, Pat. "Sex, Sexuality and Gender." The Cultural Construction of Sexuality.

Inglaterra: Roudledge, 1995. Print.

Pat Caplan is an anthropologist, whom, with the help of several contributors, composed a book about the anthropological context of sexuality. The book contains articles about sexuality in relation to society and gender and the social constructs that is instilled in society. The articles in this book contain diversity in both subject matter and theoretical concerns all emerging from the common theme of sexuality in relation to gender, sex, class, kinship, state and symbolic systems. Specifically, I focused my research on the first three articles of the book, that in-depth take a look at sexuality in Western society. Featured in seminars, this book on sexuality focuses on both the empirical and theoretical viewpoints of sexuality. 

This book is credible for the information regarding the topic of sexuality is written and researched by anthropologists---anthropologists whom of which, studied the context of sexuality from more than one viewpoint; empirical and theoretical. Featured in seminars at Goldsmiths’ College, this book discusses the construct of sexuality without focusing on the erotic nature of ‘sex’--- the anthropologists research is subjected to how and why sexuality in constructed the way it is. In discussing sexuality in relation to power, class, and gender, this book historically and unbiasedly gives readers insight into the construction of sexuality and it’s effects on present-day society. Researched and written by anthropologists from both the empirical and theoretical viewpoint---this book contains facts and theories about the construction of sexuality, moreover, making it credible. 

Jackson, Stevi, and Sue Scott. Feminism and Sexuality: A Reader. New York: Columbia University Pres, 1996. Print.

This book focuses on popular feminists debates regarding women sexuality. I used this book to gather research on feminists perspectives of women’s sexuality in relation to the media. It is common thought that feminists are “against” the embrace of a women’s sexuality---specifically, being looked at as ‘sexy’; however this book offers different sides to the sexuality debate. This book relates the evolution of women’s sexuality to social constructs---both present day and historically. Although this book is premise for feminists debates, the feminists mentioned found common ground in the idea of women, ‘Politicking the Personal’ > a campaign tactic used for women to embrace their sexuality in patriarchal societies. Offering insight and research from the Women’s Liberation Movement, this book takes a look at the evolution of women’s sexuality---from exploitation to empowerment. ‘Politicking the Personal’ suggests that it is a woman’s right to politic and embrace her sexuality----not that of society, more specifically men. 

This book is credible for its context on the evolution of women’s sexuality is historical. Taking a look into the different eras in which women’s sexuality was repressed and oppressed, research using this book allowed me to compare the evolution of women’s sexuality to the empowering factor of our sexuality to-date and in the media. This book looks at feminism and sexuality relatively---and in later sections comparatively. My research focused on the historical context of the evolution of women’s sexuality. This book was useful in allowing me to compare the politics of women’s sexuality with the exploiting nature of it, yielding ‘From Exploitation to Empowerment: Politicking the Personal.’ 

Knowles, Beyonce. “Year of 4”. 2011. Web. 28 February 2012. Documentary. 

Year of 4 is a documentary following international superstar, Beyonce Knowles. During the recording of her fourth solo album, 4, MTV cameras follow Beyonce on her day-to-day ventures; focusing on the many aspects of her career that go unnoticed. From executive board meetings, to the sampling of her album, Beyonce offers an intimate perspective to viewers in allowing them to see candid moments and glimpses of her personal life. In this medium, Beyonce is using the media as a way to interconnect with her fans through the sincerity of her artistry. Year of 4 gives viewers an in-depth look at the woman behind and very much in control of her production. Late nights and early mornings are just a glimpse of what the documentary offers, while highlighting the stature and drive possessed by the Grammy award winning female performer. Candidly, this documentary gives a first-hand account on Beyonce, coming from the source herself. 

Year of 4 aired on MTV Summer of 2011. The ethics and credibility of MTV in respect to Beyonce is without question, being that MTV is a media source that covers music and entertainment---objectively. The documentary gives objective coverage in allowing Beyonce to tell her own story. This enables me with the ability to gather research from the contended side, straight from Beyonce herself. In this, I do not have to worry about ethics, more specifically slander, for Beyonce is speaking for herself. In this, Beyonce is essentially able to use the media in the same way that they use her---as a source to reveal information at her own expense. This source is useful in contending media-exploitation, for it allows Beyonce to use her own voice and essentially provides an outlet in which she can communicate to viewers.  This documentary is useful for it is being told from the perspective of Beyonce. It is relevant being that she is one of the biggest female international superstars in the world. With that, I am able to unbiasedly gather information and analyze the role of media exploitation in relation to her being a woman in entertainment. 

Lady Gaga. “The Art of Fame”. 60 Minutes. By: Anderson Cooper. 2010. Web. 28 February 2012. Documentary. 

60 Minutes correspondent, Anderson Cooper may have been in over his head before going in to interview renowned international superstar, Lady Gaga. Before the interview begins, commentary on Gaga seems to be that of an exploiting nature. Playing devil’s advocate, correspondent, Anderson Cooper familiarizes viewers with the popular opinion concerning and surrounding the superstar, in hopes that the conclusion of the interview will also be accompanied with empathy and a better understanding of Gaga and her artistry. 60 Minutes follows Lady Gaga around all over London and New York---giving viewers an inside look into her life. This interview is relevant for it goes beyond Gaga’s music and offers her shared insight on the mastering, ‘The Art of Fame’. This interview sets up my inquiry question in proposing the idea that it is possible for celebrities and public figures to exploit the media just as the media has exploited them.

60 Minutes is credible for its documentary covers public figures from all aspects of our culture. The nature of the interview is intimate and inviting, allowing viewers the opportunity in better understanding Lady Gaga. Gaga’s interview is filmed in many different places, a park in London, a bar/pub in its outskirts,  her old apartment in NYC, etc. The setting of the interview is important in allowing Gaga to be of her own element and establishing a comfort level between the celebrity and the public. In this, Gaga is able to use the media and direct control over the aspects of her life she wishes to reveal. This is a primary account of media-exploitation from the contended side. 

Lin, Chyong-Ling. “Comparing Society’s Awareness of Women: Media-Portrayed Idealized Images and Physical Attractiveness. Journal of Business Ethics; Nov., 2009, Vol. 90    Ebsco. Research-Article. Web. 26 February 2012. 

This article focuses on the role of femininity in relation to advertising. The article reveals how advertising depictions create diverse personal needs and changes attitudes on self-image and personal preferences. The cumulative effect in advertising greatly impacts the society and culture at large. Experts on feminist movements argue that advertising depictions and expressions of female roles are concrete symbols of objectification and representative of male desire; women in turn appear to be more restricted under societal expectation than men. This source is an account of media-exploitation in the form of advertising.

This scholarly article is credible in that its research database is subjected to just that of women exploitation in the media. The article offers an interesting and statistical view of the effects advertising and the media can have over role-identity in our culture. This is relevant to The Art of Fame for it gives the contending side something to counter. Femininity depictions in advertising affects gender recognition and forces women to adjust their social behavior to satisfy society’s expectations. This is fuel behind media’s exploitation of women. 

Lopez, Jennifer. Behind The Music. 2010. VH1. Web. 28 February 2012. Documentary. 

Jennifer Lopez’s Behind The Music gives viewers a look at the superstar “behind the music”. This documentary is intimate and self-narrated by Jennifer Lopez. The documentary focuses on all aspects of Jennifer Lopez’s personal life and career; creating a balance equally distributing attention upon her life. In this, Jennifer Lopez’s speaks of her mother and how although she and her sisters were raised differently from her brothers, her mother always instilled the notion that as a woman she could do and be anything she wanted to be. Jennifer Lopez also talks about how she deals with fame and exactly how much control she has over the media and her life. Jennifer Lopez speaks candidly in the interview about her life and career. 

Jennifer Lopez’s Behind The Music interview is credible in that it gives Jennifer Lopez a direct outlet to the public. It allows her leeway to focus on and speak on all aspects of her life. Lopez takes this opportunity to spin the control of media-exploitation. In the interview, Jennifer Lopez is able to give the truth behind stories that were generated through tabloids. This source is a primary account on Jennifer Lopez’s life. 

***Photos courtesy of Tumblr****

Blog Entry 4- Final Draft

In conclusion, I believe that as women, it is our personal responsibility to ensure our own empowerment through media's attention on our sexuality. At the end of the day, the media is transactional, and its job is to give society and our culture what it wants---however, that just happens to be at the expense of our sexuality (but it doesn't have to be). Being a young woman myself, I am aware that embrace of one's sexuality and determinism is scary---it takes courage to be able to determine the altitude of your sexuality and establish your sexual identity in correlation with the mind, body and soul---however, it can and should be done.

Fear, I would say is the number one thing prohibiting women to freely express their sexuality and to identify themselves as 'sexy'.  The sexuality of a woman is not just the sex appeal of a woman, but the celebratory factor of our being. Women are sexy---this is no secret, it is the embrace, expression and empowerment from being sexy that is shunned and exploited in the media. I believe this fear is derived from society's expectations and limitations on what women should and should not do. However, if as women, we play into these stereotypes, we are then only limiting ourselves. I consider a woman's sexuality the 'elephant in the room'---everyone (society) is very aware of women, in general, however no one wants or is bold enough to express and talk about it. It is not just anyone's responsibility to express, determine and celebrate the sexuality of women, but our, as women, personal responsibility to ourselves to embrace and empower ourselves through the celebrating of being a woman.

In researching, the contending sides of my line of inquiry intersected, further affirming 'From Exploitation to Empowerment: Politicking the Personal.' I learned that the evolution of a woman's sexuality (from repression to celebration) began in the Victorian era (Women and Sexuality pg. 48). Ironically, the details of lingerie brand/store Victoria Secret is said to be inspired by the Victorian era---from the detail in the store, to the detail in a 'bio-fit' bra---evidence of the evolution of women's sexuality > from exploitation to empowerment. In further research, I learned of the Women's Liberation Movement and it's active responsibility of literally 'Politicking the Personal' for women, working to gain rights and freedoms that were already granted to men. Women's Liberation Movement is responsible for the advocation and encouragement for women, everywhere, to liberate themselves---through freedom of expression (sexuality).

Before venturing research, I had already made the assumption that the media was responsible for exploiting and objectifying women in a embarrassing way---and that there was nothing women, personally could do to refute this. However, post-research, I realize that through embracing media attention, we as women can empower ourselves and take back control of our lives by 'Politicking the Personal'. In finding freedom and empowerment in embracing our sexuality as women, we are then able to contend the stereotypes and stigmas attached to us as women---it takes courage and confidence to celebrate being a woman. If we, as women, cannot tend to our personal responsibility of empowering and celebrating being a woman, we cannot expect the media or society to do it for us either. It is our job as women, to define and express our sexy.

Blog Entry 3- Final Draft

In Chyong-Ling Lin's article, 'Comparing Society's Awareness of Women' he speaks of how the media's depiction of women objectify's and instills long-lasting effects on society. Recognized as the cumulative or "Pygmalion" effect, media's exploiting depiction of women greatly impacts the society and culture at large and challenges the 'feminine identity'. In his article, Lin explains that the negative impact of current femininity depictions affect both gender recognition and force women to hide good personal characteristics in order to adjust their social behavior to satisfy society.

Women in the media easily become targets of exploitation whenever they are not empowering themselves through embracing their sexuality. The "sexuality" of women is not just restricted to her 'sexual' nature, but her, our, overall allure---our mannerisms, our etiquette, our dress---everything that embodies a woman tied into her,our, identity becomes her, our, 'sexuality'. Women in the media, public figures, have a personal responsibility of embracing their sexuality and in-turn empowering women in society. As our only advocates in the media, it is the responsibility of women (public figures) in the media to embrace the attention emphasized on their sexuality and manipulate it in a manner that empowers women everywhere---making us feel proud to be confident, strong and sexy as women.

I contend the notion that femininity identity depicted in the media is solely objectifying and that it instills long-lasting effects on society. Although there are some areas in media in which women are exploited and objectified, there are also areas in the media in which women and our sexuality is embraced, celebrated and empowering. This job and personal responsibility is best executed by female entertainers---who are constantly subjected and criticized by the media, however, still continuing to challenge the exploiting nature of the media by embracing the very thing (sexuality) the media exploits in women. This, in-turn shifts the negative "long-lasting" effects of exploitation to empowerment, moreover challenging society's views of women. Having women public figures as role models, advocating the embrace of a woman's sexuality, women, like myself, are encouraged to make our own place in society and not allowing the media or society to determine our worth, rights or values.

In Stevi Jackson and Sue Scott's, Women and Sexuality, women have always been victims of repression and oppression. Belonging to patriarchal societies that believed a woman's duties to be solely domestic---cook, clean, have babies---, women had no rights, nor place in society. It was not until later, that women began to advocate for their rights' and find their place in society. In today's media driven culture, it is almost expected of female entertainers to advocate the power of/in being a woman. Singer/Superstar/Businesswoman Beyonce Knowles recently transitioned from being solely a singer to being a businesses(woman)---releasing herself from under the management of her father, Beyonce is now responsible for all aspects of her career. Being a career woman, wife, and mother---focused in the media---Beyonce shows women everywhere that it is possible to accomplish and do anything we want. She also challenges the objectifying depiction of women in both the media and society. Beyonce comments on her transition in saying, "It was very risk for me to step out of my own, being a young woman, I want to set the example that its possible for us to own our own business and own our own record labels and sometimes we don't reach for the stars; sometimes we are satisfied with what people tell us we're supposed to be satisfied with and I'm just not going for it."

I disagree with the idea that media's exploiting depiction of women in the media integrates long-lasting effects on society---forcing women to conform to society's expectations. Just like I mentioned previously with Victoria Secret ads, there is a way in which we, as women, can use the media to empower ourselves---but it is our personal responsibility to embrace our sexuality and right to claim it. The exploiting depiction of women in the media can and will destroy us if we are not bold and courageous enough to embrace and empower ourselves. As exemplified, sensational superstar and businesswoman, Beyonce, does not allow her sexuality or gender to define the terms of her success or career---that of which she controls and defines. The embracing of a woman's sexuality has no long-lasting effect on a woman's place in society---or capability in performing in society. As women, if we can embrace and empower ourselves, we can strive to do anything. "From Exploitation to Empowerment: Politicking the Personal" reiterates the notion that a woman's awareness of her sexuality and determinism helps her re-gain and keep control of her life and rights. A woman's sexuality does not make her any more or less than what she is. In conclusion, we, as women, cannot control the obsessive nature of media and society's  interest in our sexuality---it is up to us, as women, to embrace our sexuality and the power in being a woman > from exploitation to empowerment.

Blog Entry 2- Final Draft

In researching women in the media: from exploitation to empowerment, I stumbled across the repetend of "politicking the personal" specifically in Stevi Jackson and Sue Scott's, Women and Sexuality. Speaking on feminists debate issues regarding women sexuality, 'Politicking the Personal'  gained momentum in the way in which women openly and honestly expressed their anxieties and grievances on the repression of their sexuality---establishing common ground amongst all women. Sharing similar anxieties which were noted to be more than personal, 'Politicking the Personal' acknowledged the repression of a woman's sexuality to be derived from the social situation in which they find themselves. The characteristics of the patriarchal societies in which women sexuality was first repressed were noticeable forms of the oppression of women and their rights'.

The purpose of "politicking the personal" was first designed to pool experiences and establish common ground amongst all women and use this as basis of political analysis and action. "Politicking the personal" allows women to come together and find empowerment through discussing and expressing their sexuality; this is recognizable through ads such as Victoria's Secret. "Politicking the personal" is a clever way of women using the embrace of their sexuality to challenge societal views and stereotypes of women. Metaphorically, "politicking the personal" opens up discussion for what is known to be 'private' and 'taboo' in society; a woman's sexuality. I'd like to think of Victoria's Secret as a campaign ad, and cleverly their slogan being, 'Politicking the Personal'. 

'Politicking the Personal' suggests that women become empowered through embracing their sexuality by means of determining the boundaries and nature of their own 'desires'. By acknowledging their sexuality, women redefine and re-construct women's confidence through empowering ads such as Victoria's Secret. Psychoanalysis, Jacques Lacan, emphasizes the cultural and linguistic structures women are 'positioned' in assist in them becoming "sexed subjects"; moreover, embracing the representation of femininity in their sexual identity can be seen as a 'precarious' accomplishment---possible but 'risky' (Women and Sexuality pg. 30) . In turn, what is essentially being said is that if women can use the cultural context of which they belong to advocate the empowering nature of sexual embrace, they are then able to shift societal views from exploitation. In today's media, women are depicted in ads and "objectified" by profitable use of their attractiveness---however, by manipulating the media's attention of a woman's sexuality in an empowering way, such as Victoria's Secret, women are able to "regain" a place in society and determine their sexuality on their own terms. 'Politicking the personal' gives a woman right to express her sexuality.

Victoria's Secret ads contend and challenge media exploitation by changing it into empowerment for women. Victoria Secret ads use women's sexuality to empower the "intimacies" of being a woman. Modeling and advertising lingerie, bras and panties (women essentials) gives women the confidence of embracing their sexuality, as oppose to objectification. We, women, are the primary focus of these ads---we aren't just selling lingerie, but confidence. Some feminists may argue the brand of Victoria Secret  being vulgar and exploiting to women; this is partly due to them being unaware of what the brand and it's labels stand for. Victoria Secret angel, Candice Swanepol comments in saying, "To be a bombshell means to be unapologetically sexy; and just as a woman to know how to use what we have." Contrary to what some feminists may argue, the last thing Victoria’s Secret is, is exploiting to women. The foundation of Victoria’s Secret has essentially taken the taboo sexiness and confidence of a woman and turned it into something women everywhere can be proud to represent and possess. The inner-confidence and glow that is represented in women is due to their ability to feel beautiful and comfortable with their bodies and sexuality---unapologetically. In great depths, feminists could probably agree with Adriana Lima when she says that wearing intimates make women feel “powerful and feminine”.

As a woman, I agree with embracing media attention on our sexuality to empower ourselves. Regardless of if we as women, take ownership and pride in embracing our sexuality or not, we cannot control the media's emphasis on it---so we might as well manipulate the media's attention to our advantage by allowing it to make us feel empowered not embarrassed. One of the most important thing in being a woman is ownership of sexuality; feeling empowered enough to do, say and wear what you want. It is our personal responsibility to embrace our sexuality whether it's through "politicking the personal" or challenging societal views upon women---or both. Feeling confident in expressing my sexuality as a woman allows me to feel empowered and challenge the subjective view on women in society. Embracing our sexuality as women, contends the stereotypic nature society places on women. Advocating a woman's sexuality is all about the celebration of being a woman. For as long as women will shy away from embracing and empowering ourselves, the media will exploit and take away our "right" to define our sexuality. It's our job as women to define our sexy.

Blog Entry 1- Final Draft

After completing additional research and broadening my line of inquiry, I have successfully chosen a topic of which both interests me and should interest you as well. 'From Exploitation to Empowerment': Politicking the Personal > Women in the media. In the beginning stages of my research, I was certain of what topic I wanted to explore, however , I was vague in my line of inquiry. I dibbled and dabbled in different areas, but tried to interrelate them all---the problem however was lack of in-depth research, coherence and relativity. Finally, I have chosen a topic, cohesive with my research, line of inquiry and most importantly my interest. The topic of a woman's sexuality.

The light-bulb finally went off once I started asking myself "Why?" I already knew what interested me, women's sexuality, but I was not aware of "why". Rhetorically, I pondered the "why" factor of such a taboo subject. Why did I care about women's sexuality? Why does it matter, a woman's sexuality? Why would anyone else care about a woman's sexuality? Why is a woman's sexuality important? As I sat in countless English classes, ignoring the significance of asking the "why" question, I was also ignoring the premise of my interest: why did I, a woman, care about women sexuality? More specifically, why would anyone else care about a woman's sexuality? After the "why" question, naturally came the how and the who. How does a woman's sexuality effect society? How is the depiction of a woman's sexuality exploiting to women? How does the depiction of a woman's sexuality in the media effect the stereotypes society place's on women? The "who" factor. Who cares about a woman's sexuality? Who is responsible for depicting a woman's sexuality? Who is the woman behind her sexuality? Who's responsibility is it to depict, advocate and empower the sexuality of a woman? And just like God and later after, Thomas Edison, an inner-voice said, "Let there be light" and my line of inquiry was born.

Specifically, my line of inquiry explores women empowerment through the embrace of their sexuality. My research question: Exploiting or Embraced, soon became Exploiting or Celebrated, to becoming 'From Exploiting to Empowered': Politicking the Personal.' Who knew prepositions could serve a purpose outside of the classroom; in this case the preposition "from" consciously shifts the power of the media in depicting and exploiting a woman's sexuality to the power of women who empower themselves and others through embracing their sexuality. It is a woman's personal responsibility to advocate and own the rights to her sexuality; if she does not embrace the media attention on her sexuality, she allows them to exploit the attention of her sexuality.

It is no secret that women in the media are constant victims/targets of media exploitation, infamously through their sexuality. From advertising to tabloid magazines, the media is responsible for the exploitation of women and prevaricating notion of women's right, or lack thereof. It is the personal responsibility of women, to embrace the empowering nature emphasized on our sexuality and allow it to empower our place in society and in the media---only then are we able to freely and openly express ourselves and advocate the empowering confidence of being a woman. If not, we grant the media and youth culture access to exploiting our sexuality due to the 'embarrassment' or 'fear' of speaking and advocating openly and honestly our sexuality. The purpose of my research was to address the taboo subject of women's sexuality. By embracing ads such as Victoria's Secret, women are able to define and determine their sexuality by their own terms.

My research explored the two contending sides of women in the media: exploitation and empowerment.  As noted in Chyong-Ling's article, Comparing Society's Awareness of Women: Media-Portrayed Idealized Images and Physical Attractiveness; women are easily seen as objects in advertising. Their depiction in ads gives them no place in society, other than the market of attractiveness through their beauty and/or physicality. This in turn places "idealism" and "stereotypes" on women in society; how they should or should not act, their job/responsibility and their subordination. However, the contending side of women in the media: exploitation, is empowerment. 'From Exploitation to Empowerment: Politicking the Personal' advocates a woman's right to freely and openly embrace her sexuality (Women and Sexuality, pg 9). In a woman's embrace of her sexuality, she is able to re-gain control of both her body and life by challenging society's views and determinism upon her sexuality. A recognizable form of women empowered through the embracing of their sexuality in the media is Victoria's Secret. By embracing women's sexuality, we are able to take control, advocate women empowerment and shift the view of women sexuality and empowerment.

As a woman, I feel it is very important that we, as women, do not "shy" away from embracing our sexuality. For as long as we shy away from empowering ourselves through sexual embrace, we allow room for the media to exploit and objectify our place in society in the media; suggesting we are nothing more than mere ideas of objects of affection and desire. It is the personal responsibility of women to identify with and determine their sexuality, if not someone else [media] will.

Blog Entry 4---Draft 3

In exploring the role media plays in exploiting women, I've learned that it takes a certain 'type' of woman to brave this kind of criticism and ridicule throughout her everyday life. From criticism, to slander, the media can be harsh, but it is the public that is even harsher. With subjective opinions and views' on the lives of women in the spotlight, we, the public, almost make it our 'right' to criticize or pass judgement on the 'choices' these women make---we contend the notion of being too 'harsh' with exploitation being something they've bargained for, given them leading their lives' publicly. However, I've learned that no matter what choice these women may make, it's their choice---as a culture, we must respect the privacy and choices of these women. It's quite commendable, the bravery and courage it takes to live your life against it all. By 'it', I mean our culture.

Earlier this morning, March 26, 2012, I was blogging on Tumblr, when I came across an interview from actress, Emma Watson. Commenting on the 'backlash' she received after choosing to chop all of her hair off, she says, "I had journalists asking me if this meant I was coming out, if I was a lesbian now. [rolls eyes] That haircut did make me realize how subjective everyone's opinion is. Some people were crazy for it and some people just thought I'd lost my shit. All I can do is follow my instincts, because I'll never please everyone." In reading this comment, I agreed and commended Emma on her bravery. She's right to follow her instincts and do exactly as she pleases---regardless of what people think. This resonates with the idea of art-directing your life and remaining 'authentic' in whatever it is you, [women] want to do.

Women alike with Emma Watson, who do exactly what they want to do unapologetically set examples for young women in our generation. Whether it's Lady Gaga wearing a 'meat-costume' to the VMA's, or Rihanna wearing close to nothing throughout her everyday life---these women are perfect role models in the sense that they ensure women everywhere that it's okay to be 'authentic'; if one day you wake up and don't want to wear pants, don't wear pants---that's okay. To me, this is much more commendable than placing restrictions on women and constraining them to what society thinks they should be.

Throughout my research and in watching interviews I've encountered the theme of women in contrast of being exploited, doing everything from a genuine and authentic place---true to themselves. Regardless of the 'exploiting' factor, these women take ownership and responsibility of every aspect of their lives. Although media exploitation of women impacts our culture with restrictions and opinions' on how and what a woman should be; it is the women subjected to exploitation who in-turn exploit the media by taking advantage, ownership and control of their lives---achieved by making authentic decisions that they believe in. 

Blog Entry 3---Draft 3

Lately, while exploring the role media plays in exploiting women, I've come into question how great the impact 'exploitation' actually plays into the lives of the subject---women celebrities. It's easy to ignore slander or being ridiculed and criticized in tabloid magazines; but what happens once things become too 'aggressive'? Can media exploitation be 'controlled' or brought to minimun exposure? When is enough, enough?

Recently, March 22, 2012, reality tv-star, Kim Kardashian was 'flour-bombed' (attack) during the red-carpet release of her new fragrance. According to ABC news, her attacker called her a "fur-hag"; ultimately blaming the attack on the fact that Kim Kardashian wears fur. In commenting on the incident, Kim released a statement saying: "We don't sell fur in our clothing, or in our clothing lines. What I choose to do in my personal time is my personal choice, and that's that."Although the 'flour-bomber' was identified as a woman who 'slipped past security', I can't help but to question the media's involvement in this 'provoked' attack---had they not played such an intricate role in the exploiting and exposing of Kim Kardashian's private affairs, maybe this could have been prevented. When will 'enough' be 'enough'?

Renowned superstar, Lady Gaga, seems to think there's an 'art' to this thing called 'fame'. One of her greatest artworks entitled, The Art of Fame, suggests that there is a way in-fact [women] celebrities can 'control' media exploitation (60 minutes). During her interview with Anderson Cooper, Lady Gaga explains, "As a part of my mastering The Art of Fame, part of that is getting people to pay attention to what you want them to and not pay attention to things you don't want them to pay attention to. The 'sociology' of fame and how to maintain a certain privacy without feeling like your withholding anything from your fans. My philosophy is that, if I am open with them about everything and yet I art-direct every moment of my life, I can maintain a sort of privacy---in a way, I maintain a certain soulfulness that I have yet to give."

From personal experience, I do agree with Lady Gaga with the 'sociology' or art-directing of certain aspects of your life---getting people to pay attention to the things that you want them to, while keeping that of sacredness, sacred. Art-directing aspects of your life, resonates with me in being the 'authenticity' of oneself---as a woman this can come in the form of wardrobe, attitude, relationship(s) etc. It's important first, that as a woman, regardless of exploitation or criticism that we remain true to ourselves---we must feel comfortable with all aspects of our lives regardless of what kind of exposure might come of it. As a woman, when we 'art-direct' or remain true to our authenticity, regardless of stigmas, restrictions and expectations---that are not our own---we may not necessarily be able to control or censor 'exploitation' but we can positively embrace the attention it brings; and continue in leading our lives exactly the way we'd like.