The male gaze is a form of stereotype that is associated with modern day paintings and commercialism of hundreds of products. The male gaze refers to the way that the world views women in a masculine point of view, as simple objects to pleasure men. The term was first coined by Laura Mulvey in 1975 describing this phenomenon in three aspects - person behind the camera, characters in the painting or film, and the spectator viewing the painting. As discussed in class, the effect of the male gaze in pervasive in all art and popular culture. For instance, John Berger’s “Ways of Seeing” displays the male gaze in each painting especially in “Reclining Bacchante” by Trutat. In this, all three aspects of the painting are visible. The person behind the painting is painting a woman that is vain, the way she is posed is to expose her genitalia to the spectator. Next, the woman herself is placed as available and attempting to please the specter - primarily men. The man that is looking at her is paid no attention, she’s there to pleasure the spectator of the painting. The male gaze is portrayed for the men to be pleasured by the women in the paintings. Women are simple objects to be looked at and decorated for the pleasure of men. Even though these paintings are hundreds of years old, the same idea is prevalent in today’s commercials. Women represented by agencies such as Victoria’s Secret are placed and modeled in a similar gaze - to pursue the spectator. They are showcased in lingerie that is revealing and meant for men and women - for men, it’s to be admired, and for women, is to pursue the same looks.
Patriarchy is type of structure that worships men and their superiority over women. There are generally traditional gender roles assigned to men and women. Men are supposed to be, as Bell Hooks describes them, “Patriarchy demands of men that they become and remain emotional cripples. Since it is a system that denies men full access to their freedom of will, it is difficult for any man of any class to rebel against patriarchy, to be disloyal to the patriarchal parent, be that parent male or female,” (27). There’s this intense pressure for men to be “strong,” while women are intended to be emotional and caring without any intellect. In the past, this notion was more prominent in a society that portrayed men as the head of the household. However, even in the present, there are traditional gender roles that are taken up throughout society. For instance, when I was a child, my brother and I used to play sports together - however, my grandparents did not approve of me doing track or playing lacrosse simply because I was a girl. However, my parents pushed past their criticism and allowed us to express ourselves the way we’ve always wanted to - which led us to be emotional equivalents. All in all, the notion of patriarchy is still visible in today’s generation. For instance, when President Donald Trump signed the gag rule, there was a similar pattern of patriarchy. The image of President Trump signing the “global gag rule” order, he’s surrounded by men with power that are making the decisions for all women. These instances of men making decisions that impact only women implies that women do not get a say in this matter. Largely this decision impacts women without any women present in the office to help explain the meaning of such a large legal order. As the instability in political regime increases, this notion of patriarchy is being instilled in the hearts of Americans that have worked hard to create an equal and graceful environment.
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| "The Global Gag Rule - President Donald Trump" |
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| "Reclining Bacchante" - Trutat |
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