Women have been subjected to the ‘male gaze’ since the dawn of mankind. The term “male gaze” describes how women are frequently portrayed as objects of male desire in visual media, such as movies, advertisements, and photography. It’s a perspective that emphasizes the sexual attractiveness and objectification of women, often presenting them through the eyes of a heterosexual male viewer. This concept has been extensively discussed in feminist theory and has sparked conversations about representation, power dynamics, and gender equality in media.
The male gaze, however, has an impact on more than just how women and girls are portrayed in media. Instead, it encapsulates the experience of being viewed in this way for all girls and women as a whole, as well as the female characters on film and the audience.
It’s argued that women’s perceptions of themselves and their self-worth are influenced by the male gaze. It has as much to do with the way women are socialised to occupy these supportive roles in reality as it does with the effects of seeing other women cast in them. How women regard their bodies, abilities, and place in the world—as well as that of other women is shaped by the pressure to conform to this patriarchal paradigm, or to just accept it.
Exhibit 1: Jorja Smith
As of recently, there have been live performance videos of Jorja confidently wearing her new weight gain, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, she has been faced with constant body-shaming and rude remarks regarding her looks, specifically from the male audience. However, this was not the case during her 2016 debut as an artist. Jorja was welcomed in an instant. Not only for her vocals but also because of her desirability. So much so that her beauty was mostly the topic of discussion as opposed to her music. Jorja is very aware of the image she possesses and has previously stated “Some people don’t even know I make music” which emphasizes the issue of women being objectified even more.
Exhibit 2: Plastic Surgery in Popular Culture
In the 2010s celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj were setting a new standard for an exaggerated aesthetic aka “BBL” (Brazilian Butt Lift). A cosmetic procedure that involves transferring fat from other areas of the body to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks. Additionally, this procedure has become increasingly popular amongst women throughout the years, despite the risks it holds.
Popular culture, specifically hip hop made it known that having this type of body shape was required to succeed in entertainment. As we link the two realms of industry and feminism together, it’s fair to recognize clear peer pressure to withhold these standards amongst women in media results from the male gaze. Some may argue that this can be seen as an investment for the betterment of their career. However, considering the high risk involved with having BBL surgery, not to mention the highest mortality rate of any cosmetic surgery in the world, this can also be seen as sadistic.
References
Mamona, S. (2023) It’s 2023 so why are people still body shaming Jorja Smith?, Glamour UK. Available at: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/jorja-smith-bodyshaming (Accessed: 04 December 2023).
