Author: Deltagare i Agemi

Media industries have branched into  the digital world of social media where they exist in the user interface on the basis of their spontaneous content generation in the form of videos and social media posts. An industry that influence multitudes of people should be accountable for the content it produces. Bechdel test was created in 1985 to evaluate the portrayal of women in fiction and piece of art. I would like to research and create a test similar to Bechdel test that would evaluate portrayal of all the genders in media rather than just women.

I would like to discuss how gender stereotypes are implemented within society, for example women are more associated with gossip, and this is still replicated today in the media, through magazines such as Women’s Weekly, and TV shows like Loose Women (UK). I would be interested to learn how such stereotypes came to be, and why men would typically never be associated with such things. I believe it is also important to mention how clothing is often discussed when it comes to women, e.g the media focuses heavily on what Kate Middleton, or Theresa May wear; however men are more noted on the actual work they have done, when it comes to women this often takes second place.

When watching Italian television – and when stumbling across YouTube videos on clips from Latin American TV shows – there is something that strikes me constantly.

Men are generally dressed up formally and elegantly (as you would expect a presenter to appear on the screen), whilst women are usually asked to wear very skimpy, sensual and provocative outfits that make all their curves stand out.

It would be interesting to understand and discuss the reasons why women on Latin programmes have to often noticeably exhibit their (objectively) seductive bodies, as if it is a ‘must’ feature to have in order to appear on television, whilst men do not undergo this strict physical selection (at least, not as often).

How has the rise of social media allowed women to make a space for themselves in the world of media and make their voices heard? How does social media lend itself to a more diverse media and, at the same time, what limitations do minority voices face in social media?

Kate English

Hi, my name is Kate. I live in Charlottesville, Virginia (in America), and I’m in my third year studying Media, Communications, and Cultural Studies at Newcastle University. I really enjoy researching gender and how it affects us on a daily basis, so I think this program will be fun!

In my spare time, I love to cook and bake, read, and sing. I joined the A Capella society at university last year and it’s quickly become my favorite hobby. I’ve spent most of my summer working at a gelato shop in town – it’s not a thrilling job, but the perk of having free access to gelato almost makes up for it. I’m really passionate about photography, so I’ve tried to get out and take photos as often as I can.

I’m excited to meet everyone!