In contemporary cultural studies, the “male gaze” is an important concept that attracts much attention. This theory was first proposed by feminist film theorist Laura Mulvey, revealing how women are often treated as passive objects of observation, while men hold the active viewing position(1975).
The male gaze exists not just in film and art, but is deeply embedded in our daily lives. It reflects the deeply rooted gender power relationships in patriarchal society. Under this gaze, women’s bodies are objectified, broken down into visual objects for male appreciation and consumption, losing their subjectivity and independence.
On social media, as a female user, I often see other women Posting that they are being stared at by men. I often felt powerless and worried by their fearful and careful words. If I encounter such things, of course, I hope to confront the other side, but at the same time, I will worry that my behavior will put me in danger if I provoke the other side. This paradox exists in almost every woman in my life.
The harm of this gaze is multifaceted. It not only limits women’s self-expression but also shapes narrow aesthetic standards, reducing women’s value to appearance and body shape. In social media, advertising, and entertainment industries, traces of the male gaze are everywhere. Women are often required to cater to this gaze, internalizing the role of being watched.
Breaking through the male gaze requires our joint efforts. This means re-examining gender stereotypes, respecting women’s rights as independent individuals, and rejecting ways of viewing that objectify women. It’s not just women, it’s the responsibility of everyone in society. Everyone should reflect on their viewing habits and respect others’ subjectivity and dignity.
References: Laura Mulvey, Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema, Screen, Volume 16, Issue 3, Autumn 1975, p. 6–18
I am very like that you use your own understanding to express some thoughts and ideas about the male gaze. In your blog, you mentioned that the male gaze limits women’s self-expression and reduces women’s value to their appearance and figure, which actually objectifies and sexualizes women and causes gender inequality. I think this view is reflected in many film and television media. In a 2019 study by the University of California, it was pointed out that the highest-grossing movies, About 31% of female roles are sexualized, while only 7.1% of male roles are sexualized. This set of data can very well reflect that under the gaze of men, women are depicted as “objects” to be watched, and the spread of female images in the media is further deepening and consolidating the social stereotype of women. So as your blog points out, breaking the male gaze requires attention and a concerted effort. I think you can add more concrete examples or data to your blog to make your blog more perfect.
Your blog really touched me, especially when you mentioned the powerlessness and paradox that women feel under male gaze, as I have also experienced being stared at by men. The sense of discomfort and tension from being forced to be exposed to others’ gaze is something that I will never forget. Your description accurately reveals the profound impact this situation has on women’s psychology and behavior. As for breaking the male gaze, I think we can also do it through education, promoting gender equality education in schools or communities to make more people aware of the power structure behind the “male gaze.” We can also provide more support for women in daily life by openly discussing and speaking out about it. Thanks for your sharing, I hope there will be more courageous people like you who can share their observations and insights to push society to pay attention to and reflect on the issue of male gaze.