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.