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IDENTITY-RELATED REPRESENTATIONS

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This research aims to carry out an in-depth analysis of identity-related representations,

focusing on how race and gender are portrayed in two distinct photographs taken from the

media. In the first picture, three persons are depicted: two men and one woman, all dressed in

clothes considered to be more formal while standing in what seems to be an art studio. The

composition screams refinement and prestige, as one man arrogantly leans on a table while

the other two sit stylishly in the picture's background. The word "Dior" is decorated over the

background, giving the impression of luxury and exquisite style. The second picture shows a

man dressed formally and authoritatively, sitting on a bed surrounded by numerous pillows

and sheets of pure white. He is wearing a shirt and tie, symbols of formality and authority.

While this scene plays, the text states, "Show her it's a man's world." This reinforces the

traditional gender roles women are expected to fulfill in society.

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To analyze these images, we will use the theoretical frameworks presented in "Killing

Us Softly 4" by Jean Kilbourne, which focuses on gender portrayal, and "Tough Guise 2" by

Jackson Katz, which explores representations of masculinity. Both of these books were

written to investigate representations of masculinity. The subjects of these two works depict

women and men and the construction of masculinity. Jean Kilbourne is responsible for the

writing of both of these compositions. We will discuss how these pictures perpetuate gender-
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based stereotypes and strengthen the power dynamics related to this particular set of

prejudices.

The first picture presents a portrayal of three people who are dressed nicely and

are in an art studio. This image emphasizes refinement and prestige. One of the men is

leaning on a table, while the other two sit on either side of him, and this posture of the figures

forms a hierarchical structure in the picture. This positioning insinuates a power dynamic,

with the man leaning assuming a dominant role compared to the other individuals.

Additionally, the backdrop of the art studio is ornamented with a prominent "Dior"

inscription, further emphasizing ideas of privilege and riches. Utilizing the analytic

framework presented in "Killing Us Softly 4," we examine the role that gender representation

plays in depicting this scene (Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising's Image of Women). The work

of Jean Kilbourne sheds light on the objectification of women in advertising, which is a form

of detrimental gender stereotyping because it emphasizes women's outward appearance.

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Given the situation, the woman's position with the two men may be considered subordinate

and subservient. This interpretation would imply that she is an accessory to their status rather

than an equal participant. This objectification upholds conventional patriarchal norms, which

contributes to maintaining an unhealthy power dynamic. The striking lack of racial diversity

among the persons seen in the image raises additional concerns regarding issues of

representation and diversity. The lack of racial diversity in the media may be a factor in

minorities' underrepresentation, which further marginalizes people of color and encourages

the spread of racial stereotypes. For a deeper understanding of this image, we can investigate

the concept of intersectionality, which refers to how gender and race interact to shape

individuals' experiences and social positions. The photograph promotes the intersectional

dynamic of white privilege by depicting a racially homogenous group in a position of

privilege. These portrayals can perpetuate the erasure of varied voices and experiences,

perpetuating societal power disparities along racial lines.

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The second picture shows a man reclining on a bed, exuding a sense of contentment

and pride. Several pillows surround him, and the linens are pure white color. His appearance,

exemplified by wearing a shirt and tie, exudes an impression of solemnity and authority. The

presence of a woman who is serving him food while they are both lying in bed together

reinforces the traditional gender standards, which assign the role of the dominant figure to the

man and the role of the subordinate figure to the woman. The writing that reads "show her it's

a man's world" can be found in the lower right-hand corner of the photograph. This wording

amplifies and emphasizes the gender power dynamic that is represented. This phrase conveys

that males hold powerful societal positions, while women are expected to comply with men's

needs and wishes, reinforcing regressive gender norms. This idea is conveyed by the phrase,
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"Men inherently hold dominant positions in society." The propagation of damaging

masculinity norms is helped by the promotion of male entitlement and the subjection of

women. With the help of the conceptual framework presented in "Tough Guise 2," we can

investigate this image's role in perpetuating harmful masculine standards (Tough Guise 2:

Violence, Manhood & American Culture). The study by Jackson Katz looks into how media

representations of men influence people's perception of being a man. The fact that the man in

this image appears to be in a position of comfort and control supports the idea that dominance

and power are essential elements of what it means to be a "real man." By depicting males this

way, the idea that authority and privilege are associated with masculinity and that women are

to be objectified as inferior is reinforced. The image also reinforces the notion of toxic

masculinity, as can be seen, if we see it from an intersectional lens. This idea holds that

dominance, emotionlessness, and violence are qualities that males should display. This

constrictive view of masculinity not only harms women by maintaining gender inequality but

also places pressure on men to live up to an unreachable ideal, which restricts their capacity

for emotional expression and harms their health.

A review of these two media representations within the context of "Killing Us Softly 4" and

"Tough Guise 2" gives light on the widespread presence of erroneous depictions of gender

roles in popular culture. The old patriarchal values are reinforced in Image 1, which casts the

woman as an accessory to the two strong men. Concerns about over-representation and

inclusion in the media are also raised due to the lack of racial diversity. Image 2, on the other

hand, upholds traditional notions of masculinity by placing the male in a position of authority

while the woman acts subservient to him. These portrayals help perpetuate harmful

preconceptions and power dynamics based on gender, which is a contributing factor. It is

necessary to take a critical stance toward images in the media and to fight against the

propagation of damaging standards. The media has the potential to play a significant part in
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demolishing traditional stereotypes and developing a society that is more accepting of people

of different racial and gender identities by promoting representations that are more fair and

diverse in these areas.

As media consumers with discriminating tastes, we must be aware of these

depictions and push for more progressive and inclusive storylines that highlight various

human experiences and identities. The only way to progress toward a more just and equitable

society is first to recognize the harmful images of particular groups and individuals and then

work to dispel those depictions. Additionally, the promotion of media that recognizes

intersectionality and challenges outdated gender and racial conventions has the potential to

result in a media environment that is both more inclusive and more powerful. This might be if

intersectionality is acknowledged and old gender and racial conventions are challenged. If we

succeed in doing this, we will have laid the groundwork for a society that respects diversity

and fosters genuine equality for all its members.

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Works Cited

1. Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising's Image of Women." Killing Us Softly 4,

www.killingussoftly4.org. Accessed 27 July 2023.

2. "Tough Guise 2: Violence, Manhood & American Culture." Tough Guise 2,

www.toughguise2.org. Accessed 27 July 2023.