Having previously referred to a number of the images referenced in this lecture in my A Level Art essay, I was familiar with some of themes discussed. However, this lecture went into greater depth, linking these images not only to 'traditional' gender stereotypes perpetuated by art and film, but how these continue to shape outdated views shared through social media.
Hans Memling Vanity c.1485
Alexandre Cabanel Birth of Venus 1863
YSL Opium, Sophie Dahl 2000
Titian Venus of Urbino 1538
Edouard Manet Olympia 1863
Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres La Grande Odalisque 1814
Barbara Kruger Your Gaze Hits the Side of My Face 1981
Sarah Lucas Eating a Banana 1990
Caroline Lucas MP 2013
At the end of the lecture, we were shown a video i which a female journalist subjects male members of the public to some of the examples reported to the Everyday Sexism Project.
What shocked me more than the instances of sexism shown (I have witnessed many similar scenarios) was the number of abusive comments aimed towards the journalist. The responses ranged from accusing women of over reacting to sexual 'banter', commending the male subjects for reacting positively to the comments made towards them, and even being 'outraged' or 'offended' by her behaviour; seemingly missing the point that women find this kind of behavior offensive too.
I found a number of similar comments beneath a Guardian article highlighting sexist behaviour on display at Universities during freshers week. Some of the examples mentioned included drinking games involving finishing the sentence 'it's only rape if...', and several misogynistic chants. The comments work to belittle the girls who complain by branding them as 'boring' or lacking a sense of humour, a tactic which effectively silences victims and allows such behaviour to continue and become normal.
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