Sexy Inc: Our Children Under Influence

http://www.nfb.ca/film/sexy_inc/

This National Film Board of Canada documentary focusses alot on hyper-sexualization in the media. How sexual representation in the media, television, music videos, etc.. effect the youth today.

This film was viewed as a representation of second wave feminism because it portrayed sexual representation as being demeaning towards women. That women in the media portray themselves as promiscuous, or as a sexual object for men. Feminist viewers find this to be demeaning to women who are not like this at all.

Another issue that was raised in the making of this documentary is the idea that this demeaning portrayal of promiscuity represented in the meaning is influencing "tweens" but for the most part girls in a negative way. Influencing them to behave in ways they observe from media.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J3vgcE5i2o (Promiscuous Girl Video)

-This video was referred to in the documentary, and had teenage girls criticizing the video. They were disappointed of the idea of behind this song, that the girl is promiscuous or a "slut" and she sleeps around and its alright. They didn't believe that the idea being portrayed in this video was appropriate to deliver to the youth. That you no longer should be in love to have sex, that it is normal to just have casual sex with one or more strangers.

Sexy Inc also discussed the idea that the media be responsible for introducing sexual behavior to teenagers at an early age. An example was given about a young girl "sexting" online with a male saying inappropriate things back and fourth. Children are almost believing that they need to grow up much faster than they should and are behaving inappropriately for their age group.

Some feminists believe that sexual representation is empowering for women, but it still doesn't make it alright for the "tween" females today to behave the way they are observing and this is partly the fault of the media and partly the fault of the parents. In my opinion it is the responsibility of the parents to be aware of what their child is watching, wearing and doing.

Sexy Inc touched on a serious issue that needs to be thought more about..

Sex Assignment

People are expected to act in specific ways according to their gender. This is referred to as a gender role; ways men and woman are expected to behave.

It is thought that men are referred to as strong, aggressive and intelligent; and women are beautiful, caring and nurturing. But this isn't always the case, because now we have to take into account the homosexuals who do not necessarily follow these expected gender roles.

Gender Ideal Activity

*Please select some well-known person as representing the ideal each of femininity and masculinity. 3 reasons.

A woman thought of as feminine would be Marilyn Monroe she is very petit, wears dresses and girly clothing.
A man thought of as masculine would be Arnold Schwarzenager he is very muscular, has a deep voice.

However,

There are also men and women who do not follow these gender roles:

A man thought of to not act in a masculine manner but more feminine would be Michael Jackson, he was very petite, had a soft high pitched voice, and dressed very flashy.

A woman thought of to not act in a feminine manner but more masculine would be Rosie O'Donnell, she is not petit, she dresses more like a tom boy.

Sexual Diversity and Sexual Commonality in our Community

1) What are some features of sexual diversity in our community?

-->In our community there are many features of diversity.

-->Homosexuality is very different than the "norm" in our community.

-->The choice to have children is also different among members of each community. Any couple has the individual choice whether or not they want to conceive and raise a child.

-->Many people are secretive about their sex lives. But this is also diverse, one person may feel very uncomfortable discussing their sex lives with anyone; friend, family member, lover or stranger. Whereas another person may feel very openly comfortable with the idea of discussing their sex lives with another person.

-->The reason a person may to choose to have sex is very different. The reasons are endless, a person may have sex for fun or recreation. They might have sex to distract themselves. Have sex because they are in love. Have sex because they want to have a child.

2) What are some features of sexual commonality in our community?

--> Heterosexuality, it is very common in our community to see a man and woman together, unlike a man and man or woman and woman.

-->Having sex, it is very common that everyone will experience sex at some point in their lives.

-->The most common purpose for sex is procreation.