Gendered Tv Femininity Analysis

Women have been creating art for just as long, and just as much, as men, though it would not seem that way to the plain eye. The reason for this is simply that many art forms that are associated with women are not valued, and therefore not discussed, nor encouraged, allowing them to slip through the cracks. Those who do enjoy women-centered art forms are often chastised for enjoying what is considered the lowest art. In his article Gendered Television: Femininity, author John Fiske discusses the viewers of female art forms, in particular daytime dramas, and explains how the viewer is impacted, and in turn, impacts the value of the art. His claims are not wildly agreed upon by all, as some argue that daytime dramas – or soap operas – further perpetrate the patriarchal society it appears to contradict. Other controversial art forms, such as romance novels written by female novelists, are also explored to understand what it will take to make art …show more content…
For populations which are generally overrepresented in popular culture (such as straight, white, middle-clsas men), there isn’t as much of a need to stretch to connect the media seen to their lives. However, for other populations that have been ignored and systematically oppressed, meaning brings a new light and appreciation to the art forms. By shunning women-centred media, we are discouraging girls and women from being active members of their society. We are demeaning those forms which allow a sanctuary, a sense of community, of learning and of peace from ridicule. Fiske stated that "..negotiating a feminine terrain where feminine meanings can be made and circulated, they keep patriarchy under constant interrogation, they legitimate feminine values and thus produce self-esteem for the women who live by them" (Fiske, 199). The audience has the power to make the change of what is valued, and it is time that we