Although this particular post may be some what choppy, I wanted to take
the time, to write this post on a film that I had the opportunity to watch in
class; "Killing Us Softly", by Jean Kilbourne.
For those of you who do not know this film, I will start to introduce
you to the host and brain behind the operation, Jean Kilbourne herself;
Jean Kilbourne is today recognized for her work
with the image of women portrayed in advertising and the media. She started her
studies in the late 1960's and covered many issues that women deal with such as
eating disorders, addiction, violence, and several health issues; these studies
brought her to the creation of her powerful journey to encourage the necessary
education in these areas in connection to the portrayals of females in the
media and society.
I
wanted to discuss the general theme of this film and the few versions of this
particular film that she has done. I came home from class after watching this
film; I would be lying if I didn’t say
that a majority of the comments
and images from the film stayed in my mind on the ride home, but also left several luring lines bobbing around my brain.
and images from the film stayed in my mind on the ride home, but also left several luring lines bobbing around my brain.
I
could not sit and let these thoughts rattle, so I felt I needed to take the
opportunity to share this startling and ever so encouraging video with you, I
state "startling" in a positive way- if that is possible?
I say startling mostly because; I was not
expecting this type of message to be portrayed in such a way that Jean herself
laid out the message. Although I feel that Jean personally did a fabulous job
interpreting the importance of her reasoning behind creating this film I feel
most of the statements made as well as real life examples both in video and
photo shown spoke for themselves.
I was specifically touched by this film and several clips from other videos that she has done because of her voice and heart of passion. Everything that she states, and shares is also felt. Jean touches upon very interesting points but also brings up several interesting questions; for example,
“Is the reasoning for increased sexual violence towards females of all ages a cause to the inappropriate images we are surrounded by today?”
Also, “How can a women win in a world full of Marketing- because that is what we live in? How can a women be thin but not too thin and not to fat? Eat whatever she may but not gain an ounce, be confident but constantly put down?”
She also brings about the several directions that
women are specifically forced to be in today, she touches on issues such as
women in the workforce, financial abilities and control but also control over
themselves- the need for women to be displayed as emotional monsters and care
takers but also as beauty perfectionists in a unrealistic manor. I drew upon
questions for myself such as, “How can women be proud of themselves and be
balanced emotionally when everything in todays world helps us to hate
ourselves. I feel constantly challenged by the messages that the media and
society feed to my mind!”
My favorite section of this film, was the part
when she states a comment that Cindy Crawford has made herself; stating; “I
wish I myself, looked like Cindy Crawford” as she goes into detail of the
dynamics and details of the world of Photoshop and lies advertising takes to
make a quick dollar.
I had to take the time to write
this post; specifically because in the very beginning of this particular film,
she addressed a conflict I have seen repeatedly in previous posts. Jean has
stated that there are many people that state things such as, “ I am not
affected by the media, I turn my mind off to those silly things”. But as Jean explains
the media is a quiet enemy because no matter how strong someone may be mentally
being surrounded and bombarded with false images of advertisements and such
can, will and do affect us all subliminally. There is no way to fight that. Not
even if you are Jean Kilbourne herself. If you ask her, she seems to be fairly
confident with that if you educate yourself enough on this specific †topic you
will be a much stronger individually.
I wanted to know what your views of
this issue? Do you think that you are undefeated or are you strong enough to
block these impetuous negative messages fed to us by society and the media?
Let me know what you think, I would
love to hear some more opinions!
Here are several other clips of
Jean Kilbourne’s work;
There is not much for me to say
other than having to jot this down and wanting to share this powering movement;
It speaks not only for itself but I feel it is so strong you may even find our
mind speaking its own opinions as well;
There are several videos of Jean Kilbourne, please feel free
to view as many as you may like- They are all interesting! http://www.makers.com/jean-kilbourne
No comments:
Post a Comment