Gender Biases Discussion Question -Sources provided

Using the readings and media from the week, explain how society creates different conditions for men and women.  Identify and explain at least two ways in which society is structured such that men and women are treated differently and explain why this treatment is just or unjust.  What is a potential feminist ethical response to this situation and which of the thinkers from the week relate to your justification for the response?

Multimedia

1. dsnook. (2009, Feb. 23). Gender stereotypes in media [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nIXUjzyMe0
   • This video is a collection of clips from various media that display gender stereotypes. Think about how women and men are portrayed in these commercials and films as you view these examples. Are they fair representations? Transcript
2. HAWCA. (2011, Oct. 3). Dark flowers: The story of self-immolation in Afghanistan [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x8_-GMvWwU
   • This video is a short documentary about women who light themselves on fire (or are lit on fire by others) in order to escape their marriages or other abusive relationships. This relates to the practical ethical issues of equality and women’s rights that are important parts of this week’s activities.
3. jeeprollover. (2011, Oct. 26). Reinforcing gender stereotypes through advertising [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZIpifzykIg
   • This video is a collection of clips from various media that display gender stereotypes. Think about how women and men are portrayed in these commercials and films as you view these examples. Are they fair representations? Transcript
4. jonesyy217. (2011, Dec. 12). Female stereotypes in Disney films [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-57zKcmrT6M
   • This video is a collection of clips from various Disney films that display gender stereotypes. Think about how women and men are portrayed in these commercials and films as you view these examples. Are they fair representations of women? How might these films influence young boys and girls and their thinking about the roles of men and women in society?
5. Mayfield Sociology. (2012, April 14). Top 9 racist Disney characters [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFo5dXkCvas
   • This video presents various racial stereotypes that have been portrayed in Disney films. Think about how children might be influenced by these films in ways that influence the ways that they perceive people of various ethnicities.
6. TED. (2013, Jan. 18). Colin Stokes: How movies teach manhood [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueOqYebVhtc&feature=youtu.be
   • In this TED talk, Colin Stokes examines how media and films represent manhood and the outcomes that result from these representations. Transcript
7. TEDxYouth. (2013, Jan. 20). The sexy lie: Caroline Heldman at TEDxYouth@SanDiego [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMS4VJKekW8
   • In this TED talk, Caroline Heldman analyzes how women are portrayed and judged in society according to their looks and she examines how this form of social judgment influences young girls and women.
8. The Representation Project. (2012, Dec. 21). Sexism in news media in 2012 [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py5X_biBOYk
   • This compilation of clips displays inherent sexism in the news media as women are often judged by their age and looks rather than their intelligence and political acumen.
9. VICE. (2012, Aug. 21). Prostitutes of god (documentary) [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GFaN9-1iz0
   • This documentary examines a group of prostitutes in India who have been born into prostitution and dedicated to a fertility goddess. As you watch this film, think about how social ideals and structures often lock women into certain predefined categories.