Visual Communication of Gender Communication

Visual Communication of Gender Communication

All of how our visual seeps into our consciousness creating rituals through which we communicate. Over time, as we know, those rituals, words, phrases, visuals can change as well as be reinforced.

Take a look at this article from the Washington Post. What is equality and what is political correctness and then what is plain old silly?

Jon Stewart also tackled this point recently with a discussion on the new surgeon general and the gun lobby. This is important for the visual perspective but it raises an important question:

Is couching something in the "proper" gender and political frame taking advantage of our ethical selves when creates not equality but commerce? Commodification . . .

So what ideas does this lead to . . .

Visual analysis

Read:  Be familiar with Goffman's concepts of ritual display, function ranking, relative size, feminine touch and rituals of subordination. Journal: Select two of Goffman’s categories listed above and find examples of them in a media artifact (keep your final project in mind!) Do the writing now so you don't have to do it later.

Outline for Final Project:

I. Thesis statement: In one sentence state an argument about whether the artifact challenges or reinforces (or some of each) gender stereotypes and how it does so. Perhaps the best way to word your thesis is to argue that the artifact you have chose challenges the prevailing patriarchy or supports it or both.

II-IV.  In a full sentence, state the three arguments you will use to support your thesis.

Under these arguments, explain how you will them by using:

      a. Mythological archetypes

      b. Semiotics or narrative criticism

      c. Visual communication or gendered verbal and/or nonverbal communication

      d.  Feminist theory and the Men's Movement

These means of analysis should be integrated with your arguments.  You must use a, b, c and d.

V. 10 citations in MLA or APA style.

Assume one page for your thesis and introduction and 1-2 pages for each kind of analysis one page for a conclusion for an average of 7-10 pages. This excludes your bib page. (Assume 250 words per page; I will.)

Then you will take the essence of this paper and condense it into a 2:00 to 2:30 IMovie.

First draft of paper due: April 15

Return drafts: April 22 (review Feminist theory and the Men's Movement)

Final paper due: April 29

IMovies due for class to watch: Final time (with pizza)