Geena Davis and the Fight for Gender Equality in the Media

The 25th anniversary of Thelma & Louise sparked conversation about feminist films and female filmmakers. Geena Davis, one of the stars of the film, launched the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media in 2004. This institute which focuses on improving female roles in family entertainment makes its mission to "champion women and diverse voices in media." This institute is a great step in the right direction to address the lack of diverse voices in the media. Additionally, it combats the symbolic annihilation and silencing of marginalized groups. 

Harriet Tubman BioPic and Symbolic Annihilation

The story of Harriet Tubman is one that we all know, however, just until recently it had never been adapted into a film. Viola Davis and husband Julius Tennon have worked to get the story told. Davis has gone on record saying that the story has not been told because it is about a black woman. In the hierarchy of the heteropatriarchy black women are the low man on the totem pole. They are often symbolically annihilated erasing them from the public mind, and essential the public discourse which then sacrifices their well being because they aren't seen as having a voice. It is important that Davis and Tennon portray this story as authentically as possible to promote positive images of black women. 

Sexism and Ageism in Commercials

Today I saw a commercial for Olay Regenerist, an anti aging cream. The target demographic is women in their 40s and 50s. But in this commercial the actress using the cream is definitely in her twenties maybe very early thirties but nowhere near the age to be concerned about wrinkles. The blatant younger casting perpetuates the discrimination against aging women in the film industry. By eliminating aging or older women, that portion of society is symbolically annihilated. Their interests such as women's rights or gender inequality are ignored in the mainstream media and therefore deemed unimportant.

Met Gala & The Hegemony

The pre-show for the Met Gala consisted of four white critics who discussed the fashion choices that were made for and by celebrities and designers. These critics praised Taylor Swift for her peroxided hair and silver dress. Perhaps I have become bitter but I am tired of hearing about how amazing Taylor Swift is. Though I am a fan of some of her songs, her constant praise and media coverage cultivates the idea that traditionally white females (thin, blonde, superior, etc. ) are the norm and what young girls should strive for. Additionally the elitist aura surrounding the Met Gala perpetuates the concept of cultural class. Those who have money and control the political economy can purchase tickets to the gala and therefore effect cultural class perpetuating the hegemonic agenda.