Posts

Beauty Beyond Borders: The Globalisation of Female Ideals

Image
In the age of globalisation, beauty standards have woven a complex tapestry influenced by various cultures, often dominated by Western cisnormative ideals—light-skinned, slender, and conventionally attractive. These standards have become an almost universal benchmark, compelling many to chase an often unattainable image. The documentary The Illusionists (2015) highlights the global impact of these ideals, particularly in Asian cultures where lighter skin and larger eyes are sought after. Skin-lightening products and cosmetic procedures such as double eye-lid surgery have surged in popularity as women strive to meet these expectations, believing that such alterations are necessary for beauty and social acceptance. Reflecting on my own experience studying makeup artistry, I recall being taught techniques aimed at altering features to fit these ideals. We practiced achieving “almond eyes” and “oval faces,” with one class specifically focusing on “Asian eyes” to make them appear more almo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Reimagining Masculinity: The Rise of Positive Masculinity in Popular Culture

Image
In recent years, the conversation around masculinity has shifted significantly, moving from traditional notions of toxic masculinity to exploring the concept of positive masculinity. This shift is particularly relevant for those of us navigating our identities in a world that often enforces rigid gender norms. Positive masculinity promotes traits like empathy, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence, challenging the stereotype that men must always be stoic and dominant. As someone who identifies as gender non-conforming and is on testosterone, I find it refreshing to see media representations that highlight a more holistic approach to manhood. Television shows like Ted Lasso exemplify positive masculinity through characters who prioritize kindness, teamwork, and mental health awareness. Ted’s open emotional expression and supportive relationships with his teammates provide a counter-narrative to traditional male archetypes.  Social media also plays a crucial role in redefining m...
Post a Comment
Read more

Is It a Boy? Is It a Girl?: Finding Queer Identity in The Mighty Boosh

Image
As a teenager, The Mighty Boosh had a profound impact on me, shaping both my sense of humor and style. The show's eccentric characters and surreal storylines encouraged me to embrace my individuality and express myself creatively. I found inspiration in the vibrant fashion choices of characters like Noel Fielding's Vince Noir, often adopting bold patterns, vintage clothing, and eccentric accessories that reflected my personality. The show’s playful absurdity also influenced my behavior, fostering a sense of whimsy and adventure in my daily life. I loved quoting lines from the series, especially “Is it a boy, is it a girl? Oh I'm not sure if I mind,” which resonates with me and highlights the fluidity of identity. This experience can be understood through Eve Sedgwick's  exploration of homosociality and the playful subversion of gender norms in popular culture. The eccentricity of characters in The Mighty Boosh provides a platform for challenging traditional expectati...
Post a Comment
Read more

What's in a Razor? Do Razors Really Need a Gender?

Image
In today’s class, we explored gendered advertising, which got me thinking about “men’s” and “women’s” razors. What makes a razor gendered? Is it the color or the general vibe? Women’s razors are often pink with soft, cushioned pads, while men’s are often black, grey, and/or blue, with a strong, sleek design. Image from www.shavemob.com I remember asking a friend why razors needed to be gender-specific, and their response was, “Men have coarser hair.” That explanation didn’t sit right with me. After coming out as trans, I found myself facing the same question when offered a free razor: one for women and one for men. My hair was thickening due to testosterone, and I was growing facial hair—did that mean I should switch to the men’s razor now? The answer turned out to be simpler than I thought. Razors for men are designed for the face, while women’s razors are geared for body shaving, like legs. So the real question isn’t about gender but about which part of the body the razor is intended...
Post a Comment
Read more

What Came First? The Neuroqueer or the Influencer?

Image
In class, we discussed whether neoliberalism and contemporary pop culture empower individuals to express their authentic gender identities. Most classmates voted no, yet my journey suggests otherwise. Influencers like ALOK Vemmon have inspired me to embrace my authentic self, while platforms like TikTok validate late-life ADHD and autism diagnoses. Critics often view trans and gender non-conforming individuals as products of social media trends, but representation matters; you cannot be what you cannot see. This raises important questions: If neoliberalism doesn’t empower authenticity, yet I feel empowered, what does that mean for our identities? Nick Walker describes neuroqueering as an active process—doing something to explore and express identity, like through art or performance. This verb-like quality invites us to redefine our neurodivergent experiences. In navigating these complexities, we find empowerment through the connections we build online, even in a world often dominated b...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gendered Aggression in Gaming: My Experience in Online Spaces

Image
When I first entered the world of online gaming, I expected camaraderie and fun, but quickly encountered hostility. Using a feminine username and my voice in MMO and co-op games, I became a target of swearing and attacks from male players. My friend advised me to adopt a neutral or masculine username, which underscored the gendered dynamics at play. I was often harassed and forced to leave my team, with the solution becoming not to speak or reveal any femininity. This experience reflects the concept of hegemonic masculinity (Connell, 1995), where traditional masculine traits are privileged and reinforced, often at the expense of women and gender-diverse individuals. In gaming culture, this manifests as a hostile environment where femininity is ridiculed, and aggression is normalized. Women are frequently treated as intruders, facing hostility for existing in a space historically created for and dominated by men. Connell, R.W.: (1995). Masculinities
Post a Comment
Read more

Elvis’s Guide to Courting Your Ideal Queen: Tudor Edition

Image
While watching Priscilla 2023 film, I noticed some familiar techniques employed by our "King of Rock & Roll" in courting, shaping and maintaining his Queen of Graceland: Priscilla 1.  Scout for Your Potential Queen: Just like Henry VIII sent out advisors to find suitable brides, have your entourage search for young women who fit your vision of perfection. Cailee Spaeny in  Priscilla .  Photo: Sabrina Lantos Elvis’s entourage played a role in bringing Priscilla to him, much like historical courtiers seeking out a future queen. Choose Youth and Innocence: Look for someone young and impressionable. Kings like Charles I preferred brides who were compliant and moldable to fit their desires. Priscilla was just a teenager when Elvis courted her, reflecting a pattern of seeking youthful innocence. Control Her Family Dynamics: Negotiate with her family to secure your interests. Kings ensured loyalty through strategic marriages, so make sure her family is on your side. Elvis es...
Post a Comment
Read more

Expanding the Lens: Is the Male Gaze Still the Whole Story?

Image
You may have heard about Laura Mulvey’s (1975) "male gaze" and how it highlights the objectification of women in visual media. But, as our understanding of gender, race, and identity deepens, it begs the question: is the male gaze still the thing to focus on, or do we need to evolve the conversation? Mulvey’s point remains valid, especially in mainstream media where women are still sexualized for male pleasure. But when we consider intersections—like race, queerness, class—things get more complicated. Queer and trans bodies, for instance, are either fetishized or erased completely, and this extends beyond just gender dynamics. We also have the white gaze, hetero gaze, class gaze, and cis gaze at play (to name a few), all reinforcing different kinds of power and exclusion. Does widening the gaze dilute Mulvey’s argument? Not at all. It adds depth to it. In fact, acknowledging these multiple lenses gives us a more authentic understanding of how people experience representation...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Allure of Toxic Love: Red Flags and Glamour in Sabrina Carpenter’s 'Please Please Please'

Image
In “Please Please Please,” Sabrina Carpenter exudes old Hollywood glamour with her bold lipstick, bouncing blonde hair, and lingerie-as-clothing aesthetic. It’s an alluring visual that immediately captivates us, especially as she exits the holding cell, applying lipstick with a flick of confidence. Yet, what’s concerning is her immediate fixation on Barry Keoghan’s “bad boy” character, rather than acknowledging the legal consequences she faces. Beneath this gloss and beauty, Sabrina’s character becomes progressively aware that something is off, yet she clings to the hope of a different outcome. The red lingerie she wears becomes a striking metaphor for the red flags she chooses to overlook. As the violence and criminality unfold around her, the message is clear: just look away from the danger, and everything will seem fine. What resonates with me beyond the video is the troubling narrative of women assuming caretaker roles in toxic relationships. Throughout, Sabrina tends to her partn...
Post a Comment
Read more

Motherly Blues: 'What? I Read it in the Paper'

Image
While watching Puberty Blues (1981), I was struck by a recurring theme that resonates deeply with my own childhood experiences as a teenager in Australia. In one scene, Debbie (our teenage protagonist) is picked up by two guys in their car to go to the movies, but her mother, Mrs. Vickers, warns her not to sit in the aisle, fearing she might get " jabbed by a pusher with heaven knows what ." This moment brought back vivid memories of my own mother’s similar warnings. When my sister walked near Kings Cross in Sydney in the late 1990s, Mum cautioned her about drug dealers who might jab her with heroin and turn her into a prostitute. In the early 2000s, while hanging out with friends along a suburban bike track in Melbourne, I received similar warnings about strange men who could stab me with a knife. I hear both Debbie’s and my own mother’s voices echoing, " What? I read it in the paper ," to affirm their concerns. Screenshot from Puberty Blues (1981) As teenagers, t...
1 comment
Read more