Post 9/11

http://www.blather.net/shitegeist/2007/05/its_all_gone_grant_morrison_or_how_heroe.htm

"Episode after episode the show, visually and narratively, pushes the boundaries of its genre"


http://www.juancole.com/2007/05/cole-on-heroes-and-culture-wars-my.html

What explains the show's popularity, especially with younger viewers? I think it is that, like the Fox thriller "24," "Heroes" is a response to Sept. 11 and the rise of international terrorism. But while "24" skews to the right politically, "Heroes" seems like a left-wing response to those events.

First paragraph

“We’ve always been waiting for female superheroes. Because women want to be them and men want to do them.”

Although the past 50 years show the increasing number of women going out to work, and feminism rising to bring equality, why are women still portrayed as a “sex object.” Although this quote in the one hand says that women are portrayed as role models and idols for the rest of the female society, it yet again shows the stereotypical view of a women. Is this still the case with the superhero genre. Originally superheroes was a male dominated genre, the hero being a strong, powerful man, and female characters were simply subordinate and inferior. However, Heroes seems to represent women more equally, the protagonist: Claire, who is central to all the other characters and the main plot, taking the lead role.

Detailed Essay Plan

How is the Masculinity and Femininity of characters portrayed in superheroes, with close reference to "Heroes"

First paragraph:

Start with the quote – “We’ve always been waiting for female superheroes. Because women want to be them and men want to do them”

Explain the quote, contradicting itself, in one aspect female superheroes are portrayed as an idol or role model for other women, however the quote also reinforces the stereotypical view of women being a “sex object” The fact that men want to “do” women (sex) shows that there is no progress in the representation of women, and shows no respect towards them.

Is this still the case with superheroes? Originally superhero genre – male dominated. The hero was a strong male character, and if there was a female character she was represented as subordinate and inferior to the man (also had no superpowers)

-However, in women seem to be represented more equally such as wonder woman and in Heroes, the main character is Claire, who is central to all the other characters and the main plot.

Second Paragraph:

What is a superhero? What are the conventions, and what it takes to be a superhero?

Originally: wore a cape

Outfit – tightly fitted/skin tight.

Secret identity, therefore they have a second character – eg Clark Kent and superman.

Heroes does not conform to these common traits: None of the characters wear any time of costumes, no second name.

However, they do try to hide their ability as they are afraid they will be taken away, and “tested” on like an animals.

Similar to Smallville, superman is not shown in the stereotypical manner, and portrayed as “normal” which all the characters want to be.

Eg nikki, Nathan and Claire trying to hide and fight against their abilities, and lead a “normal” life.

This may indicated a change in the genre, superhero was seen as more of a fantasy, fairytale, in which enabled the audience to create a form of escapism.

However, now the superheroes portrayed – sci fri. thriller ( eg the murders in Heroes by sylar)

Third Paragraph

History of superheroes

Originated from comics e.g. dc comics created the first – superman.

First comic/first superhero firm. Examples.

The Golden Age of superheroes –

Why/When did they become increasingly popular =

World War Two – rise of superheroes. Presented a tale of good vs evil, and therefore created patriotically themed superheroes as they needed a hero – to be saved.

A form of escapism during the hardship of war.

Also during the second world war women started working and took on the roles of men. Therefore they obtained more freedom of will.

This was also reflected in the comics – 1941 – Wonder Woman made her first appearance.

It soon become the second best selling comic in the DC line of superhero characters.

Fourth paragraph

Various representations of characters and gender roles – presented in superheroes.

Originally men had always been portrayed as macho and masculine.

“masculinity is a socially constructed performance” (on paper)

Men feel the need to be masculine (– large, bigger than a female, powerful) in order to take on the role of a breadwinner and support the women.

e.g. Superman – high angle shot used to reinforce the superiority, and male dominance of the characters.

Commonly women were shown as passive, weak and emotional. No superpowers.

Just the typical role “a bit of skirt” (essay)

They were not regarded as important either, main focus on the male character.

“they were overshadowed by the apparent visibility of young men” (book)

Fifth Paragraph

Explain the theorists that you need to talk about.

Representations of women

Laura mulvey – the male gaze

Although women taking on similar roles to men, still wearing skimpy revealing clothing, fitting into the expected images – what the audience want.

They want a set genre and need they expectations to be met.

Cortese – perfect provocateur.

This was not only for women, but also accounted for men, and the new expected image of men shown. (similar to casino royale – and the fact that superheroes have always worn skin tight clothing)

Women shown as two ends of the spectrum –

Madonna – Claire – Thelma

Whore – Nikki – Louise

Sixth paragraph

Is this still represented in superheroes?

Women have progressed in the sense that they are also the main characters and have similar superpowers to male characters.

Taking on the role of men (men facing a masculinity crisis)

They are able to take on the similar roles to men – could indicate a decline in “masculinity”

However these characters still represented as sex objects.

Wonder woman – “infected with the need to conform to certain images of beauty” – Germaine Greer (ibid.: 23-24)

Thelma and Louise – taking on mans role. Road trip seen as a typical mans film.

Thelma – goofy housewife, married to a controlling husband. madonna

Louise – young, free single and more outgoing. – whore

Seventh Paragraph

Further indicated in Heroes

Claire is the main character, she is central to the plot and all the other characters, showing that she is the main focus and has taken over the male role.

Shown as a superhero, throughout the seasons sylar is after her power, showing that she is vital and the strongest character. Also characters such as Suresh reveal that they “need” Claire in order to live (her regenerating blood)

Fighting against men as well.

Saves the man from a burning fire, showing that she is the only character to have a “masculine” role as she partakes in physical strength e.g. running into the fire, and carrying the man out. Also enduring the pain of the fire – similar to superman (typical scene of him pushing an airplane)

On the other hand they are still shown as weak – “save the cheerleader” the tagline of the show indicated that she needs proctected – connotes she is weak and vulnerable. Needs support from a man.

Also shows the female character in a typical American stereotype of a cheerleader – also with blonde hair.

“shocking lack of women” –

Get the quote of women being under represented – more men are generally shown on tv.

Nikki conforms to the stereotype of women represented as “whores”

She is strips on camera – for money. Showing she has become desperate and in need of support. Is not financially able to support herself and her son.

Eighth Paragraph

This is similar to men

Men in older films were shown as more muscular – bulging biceps (popeye)

Emphasizing the fact that they can “abuse their power” over women and other characters for example the villain.

(Bryson, Valerie (1999) “Feminist debates” pg 37

Conversely, heroes does not conform to these traits of superheroes – characters such as Hiro is similar to “lame” characters like “Brother power of the geek” – not very strong, weak little man.

However Hiro is still a powerful character, fighting with the sword – phallic symbol to indicate his strength even though he looks like a “geek”

Peter Petrelli – is a nurse – showing the masculinity of men is difference. Had is declined. (

The new man)

.....

http://www.thefword.org.uk/features/2006/02/deconstructing_masculinity

"masculinity is rarely deconstructed in the same way as femininity"

"Masculinity must be deconstructed if it is to change"

.. historical stuff...

http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/g/goldenag.htm

During the 1940's there was a boom in the number of comics and superheroes. The success of Superman caused a number of companies to jump on the band-wagon and create their own crimefighting heroes, and then when America joined the War there was clearly perceived to be a need for patriotic heroes fighting the evil Axis force


Historical - superheroes become more popular during the war, as it indicated they needed to be saved, also showing unity within America.
Similar to Heroes, during the election, when Nathan Petrelli is running for congress, shows a very patriotic ideology.

Historical Texts

Superman: The movie. 1978.
Based on the DC comics character: Superman
Directed by Richard Donner.
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Budget: 55 million (est)

Superman: Shown are very masculine and strong.
High angle shot used to portray superman as superior and strong.
Lois Lane: dies in the end - weak subirdinate character - falls in love with the hero.
Superman wears tight clothing - could indicate female gaze - showing the male character as a sex object (casino royale)
Baudrillard (in Seduction, 1990) - "Men, too, are seducers - a male version of the perfect provocateur. The ideal man in ads in young, handsome, clean cut and sexually alluring."
Anthony Cortese - "Women are often shown as the "perfect provocateur" (Ibid.: 54):
Cortese - "Today's man has pumped his pecs and shoulders and exhibits well-defined abs..." (Ibid.: 58)


WonderWoman - 1976
Fictional DC Comics superheroine
Created by: William Moulton Marston
First appearance: 1941
Abilities: Speed, superhuman strength, flight, regeneration (similar to claire)
ability to descern truth, resistance to magic.
Wearing skimy clothing to show shes still shown as a sex object - conforming to the stereotype.


Lois and Clark - The New Adventures of Superman
First aired on ABC between 1993 - 1997.
More focus placed on the relationship on Clark Kent and Lois Lane, rather than Clarks alter ego.
Reinforces the gender roles of the two main characters. Clark being the hero, and Lois falling in love with superman and often being saved by him. Not shown to have a powerful role.


Thelma and Louise
Released in 1991
By Ridlet Scott
Written by: Callie Khouri
Thelma - passive housewife, married to a controlling husband
Louise - single, strong minded woman, who has had her own past.
Breaking the stereotype of men taking a road trip.
Shows the changing role of women.

grades

I think my grade was fair, because to be honest i know that i havent put in all my effort and i need to concentrate more in lessons. I definately know that i can get a higher grade, therefore i need to concentrate on my work in lessons, and not let myself get distracted... and Make sure i get to work straight away.

10 key words!

Even though i have got the key words from the pack, i'll just repeat the work!!!


American Dream - refering to contradictions and conflicts in society.
conflict with culture of individualism.
corporate life
Fears of all kind - terrorism.
-Heroes - crisis of identity, have to be seen as "normal"


Laura Mulvey - Male Gaze, the portrayal of women, and the judgements made about them.
Women are often seen as passive and weak.
-Apparent as nikki has an alter ego, which is fighting back showing a more dominant character.


New Man - A more caring, and gentle role of a man, often as a father and husband who is able to show feelings.

-Male characters such as peter have issues with their identity, and what is expected of them and what they want to do.


Prime time is the time between 7.30 - 10.30 which has the largest number of viewers on tv.

-Extremely important as Heroes is aired on BBC2 at 9pm. Not only could this explain the popularity, however younger audiences also watch it.


Syntagm - a combination of signs that forms a chain of meaning. A certain symbol that has been recurring through out the season. Build up of tension as neither the audience nor the characters know the meaning.


Genre theory - Richard Dyer 1973, genres are pleasurable because they offer escapist fantasies into fictional worlds which remove the boredom and pressures of reality.
In a sense Heroes does the opposite because it is bringing topical issues to light, eg terrorism.



Sexism - discrimination on the basis of sex pften against women.
-both female characters nikki and claire face this.


Patriarchy - male domination where women are percieved as subordinate.
-similar to heroes the female characters are defined with the relation of a man.
Claire and her father or boyfriend.

Links....

Sigmund Freud
Penis envy - women wanting male roles eg taking on masculine roles...
Freud has also come under fire from many feminist critics. Although Freud was an early champion of both sexual freedom and education for women (Freud, "Civilized Sexual Morality and Modern Nervousness"), some feminists have argued that at worst his views of women's sexual development set the progress of women in Western culture back decades, and that at best they lent themselves to the ideology of female inferiority. Believing as he did that women are a kind of mutilated male, who must learn to accept their "deformity" (the "lack" of a penis) and submit to some imagined biological imperative, he contributed to the vocabulary of misogyny. Terms such as "penis envy" and "castration anxiety" contributed to discouraging women from entering any field dominated by men, until the 1970s.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy
Fantasy genre refering to superhuman powers and the role of heroes.


http://superheroes%20reflect%20society/

Stuff....

http://www.mediaed.org.uk/posted_documents/womenrep.html

The influence of female filmmakers does have an effect on the representation of women in films, it is clear that women avoid the representations of gender associated with Laura Mulvey’s theory of the ‘male gaze’ and strive for equality for women within their work. However, this idea of a ‘female gaze’ is limited due to the prevailing patriarchy within the film industry, which is evident in the state of women’s employment in the business.

More internet links...

http://mediagoldfish.blogspot.com/

Another blog that has looked at the conventions of superheroes.
Characters often have a back-story which explains their upbringing or how they got their powers in a short format. This provides us with a good idea of what sort of character they are, it also links the hero with the arch-nemesis, who are usually friends in the beginning.
Their appearance is very important to how we view the character. Heroes usually have big muscular physiques, chiseled features, bigger eyes, they are essentially the perfect human.
Names also guide our conception of a character. Heroes often have alliterative names, such as Peter Parker and Clark Kent. (In heroes - Peter Petrelli)
The arch-nemesis, however, is often not muscular and attractive, their eyes are smaller, they have wicked grins, they are often not human like creatures, features are distorted (particularly the head) and they are often dressed and speak in a much more sophisticated fashion than the hero.
Of course the defining feature of a superhero/villain is the costume. Not only the physical costume, but the alter-ego. A superheroes costume usually consists of a tight fitting number, that has some resemblance to their super-name.

The storyline of most superhero narratives are as follows. Establishing story, relates the characters to each other and explains how they got their superpowers. The love interest is usually introduced here too. The Hero goes out and saves someone, sparking a reaction from the nemesis. They attempt to kill the hero, someone he knows, or the entire world. The superhero tracks him down and tries to put a stop to the evil. The plan backfires and the hero is caught, on the brink of death or simply losing the fight. The villain reveals his plan to the hero in a laborious monologue. The hero over comes his problem, defeating the villain and stopping the evil plan. The villain may either escape, or be arrested, they rarely die. The story finishes with a scene with the superhero, with the love interest/collegue, talking and having a happy time.

Blog buddy meeting

What we discussed:

We found it hard to make links at first as our studies are not that similar. However, we managed to find some common areas of research that would be relevant to use both:
- Identity,
- Gender roles
- Genre theory

1) Identity:
In both of our studies the theme of identity is a key element. We will be looking at how identity is shaped in the texts.
For instance, ‘HSM’ identity is a major theme that runs throughout the film as the main characters Troy and Gabriella struggle to find their identities due to peer pressure etc .
In ‘Heroes’ identity also plays a major part as the heroes have dual identities.


2) Gender roles:
What are they?
What are audience expectations of these?
Why are they used?
Do our texts conform/reject them? Why?

3) Genre theory:
Find theorists that can be applied to both of our studies.

Blog buddy research...

American Dream...

"Our challenge is to create an America that lives up to the principles and ideals of our Founding Fathers."

The "Founding Fathers" being Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln & Theodore Roosevelt.

In the Declaration of Independence, America's Founding Fathers laid out very clearly for us the true meaning of the American Dream ...
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"

It is clear that the "american dream" had become materialistic and there seems to be a "sign of moral decay"

Statistics:
90% feel uncertain about their future peace and security.
66% believe society is becoming much more materialistic.
50% believe Americans have lost the opportunity for the American Dream.
71% believe major change is necessary to regain American prosperity.

http://www.todaysamericandream.com/

Today the "American Dream" is often associated with immigrants as it is seen as the "land of oppurtunity" where people are able to make something of their lives. the immigrants are commonly from South Asia, and Latin America.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Dream


Ronnys' Research:

American Dream: a cultural myth based on the belief that the USA is a land of promise and opportunity where anyone who works hard can achieve all the good things in life, notably love, esteem and wealth.

The origins of the myth lie with the American Declaration of Independence which emphasises the equality of all humanity and the right to ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’. At the time this document many wealthy American colonial citizens were slave owners.

Belief in the American Dream can leas to a conflict between the desire for wealth and material happiness and the means by which this ideal is achieved.
The realities of US society are far from those of the idealised version and are sometimes called the American nightmare.

The myth of the American Dream is important because it forms the background ideology of media products from across all genres but in particular of film and television productions.

Books...

Williams, Kevin (2003) : Understanding Media Theory. Great Britain, Arnold

Craig, Steve (1992) : Men, Masculinity and the Media. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Mackinnon, Kenneth (2003): Representing Men - Malesness and Masculinity in the Media. Great Britain, Arnold

Tolson, Andrew (1996) : Mediations. Great Britain, Arnold

...... (1994) : Study the Media. Great Britain, Arnold

Strinat, Dominic (1995) : An Introduction To Theories of Popular Culture. ... Routledge

Jurgens, Dan (1993) : World Without a Superman. USA, DC Comics.

Flowers, James R ( 2000) Comics Books and Superheroes. ... Facts on Demand Press.

Simpson, Paul (2004) Superheroes. London, Penguin Group.

Blog Buddies...

In my class: Ronny

A short summary of each study:
Ronnys' study is focused on the genre, and how the conventions have changed in teen musicals.

Areas of overlap between each study (texts, topics, issues, debates):
Although Ronny is looking at genre, both studies look into the American ideology, (musical and superheroes is based in America and has similar ideologies such as the portrayal of girls in highschool) and also being "united"
I will also be looking at how the conventions of superheroes has changed, eg superheroes are no longer wearing capes and masks which was much more typical before...

What you've each learned from looking at each other's study that might be useful:
I hadn't really looked at how the country may have influenced the text (until now) ..i think i had read that superheroes become more popular during or near to the war. Which could be important, as womens roles were also changing.

In the other class: Saz

Short summary of each study:
Saz is looking at the representation of women, focusing on issues such as sexism, and the portrayal of women as "whores".

Areas of overlap between each study ( texts, topics, issues debates):
We're both looking at representation, in particular women. I have also looked at characters who have been represented as both a "whore" and a "hero" Also the topic of dominance in society, and how women are often shown as subordinate to men, however even in Heroes, female characters are taking on more "masculine" roles.

What you've each learnt from looking at each other's study that might be useful:
I didnt know Sin City was a comic. Stuff about Frank Miller, who was widely recognised, and one of the most influential comics creator. This is useful, as superheroes originated from comics.

"Comic book masculinity and the new Black Superhero"

There have been recent studies looking into the masculinity, and particular heterosexual masculinty, and whether this forms a social construction. Masculinity is always portrayed as a stable gender, however similar to feminism, it is shown as a "masquerade" trying to hide certain agendas.

This could suggest an underlying, unstable level of gender identity, and is further emphasised by the dual characteristics, for example the extremes of "man and mouse." One side showing a muscles, sex appeal and social competences, and the other shown as skinny, weak and a social failure. However, these two oppositions may not be that different, as one defines the other.....

At its most obvious and symbolic level, comic book masculinity characterizes for young readers a model of gender behavior that has traditionally struggled to incorporate both sides of the masquerade, yet has recently slipped into the domain of the almost exclusively hypermasculine.

Classical comic book depictions of masculinity are perhaps the quintessential expression of our cultural beliefs about what it means to be a man. In general, masculinity is defined by what it is not, namely "feminine," and all its associated traits - hard not soft, strong not weak, reserved not emotional, active not passive.

One of the most obvious and central focal points for characterizing masculinity has been the male body. As an external signifier of masculinity, the body has come to represent all the conventions traditionally linked to assumptions of male superiority. "Of course," Susan Bordo has observed in her discussion of contemporary body images, "muscles have chiefly symbolized and continue to symbolize masculine power as physical strength, frequently operating as a means of coding the 'naturalness' of sexual difference"...

This myth of idealized masculinity which is still incredibly pervasive remains dependent upon the symbolic split between masculinity and femininity, between the hard male and the soft Other....


There's loads more on masculinity, and what defines it.. etc etc on the site....

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-54421509.html

"Ultimate Supervixen"

Supervixens -
Female superheroes are often represented as shrewish, malicious and sly, this iamge may be further emphasised as they are challenging the stereotype of women being a housewife and mother...
famous "supervixens" are:
Catwoman
Lara Croft
Xena
Buffy the vampire slayer

http://www.superherohype.com/news.php?id=2887
http://representationofwomensuperheroes.blogspot.com/

10 Key Words.... again!

Antagonist: The opposing figure in the narrative, for example the villian against the hero.
In this case, this is a villian Sylar!

Barthes Rowland (1915 - 80): Explores the language of signs, and the meanings obtained from these. Looks at the denotations, connotations and myth which is applied to consumer objects around us.
This is relevant as in Heroes there is a reoccuring symbol, whihc we see however cant seem to figure out the mean. The symbol seems to connote death. Could also look at how certain characters or propps create certain meanings.

Caption: A brief text in order to give meaning the image or video.
This is done all the time in Heroes, as when the scene moves from one character to another, the name and location of each of them is shown on the corner of the screen.

Folk Devil: Group of people in society who do not follow the mainstream values and idealogy, and are seen as a threat, therefore creating a moral panic with the public.
The "heroes" seem to create a moral panic, as they are not seen to be normal and portrayed to be a threat. Hence the reason that the characters are trying to hide their identity.

Gender: Psychological and cultural view of behaviour expected with masculinity and femininity. This is transparent through the socialization and expectations of various societies. Some views challenge the stereotype of gender, for example the Spice girls were a role model of assertive and independant women. The traditional view of men was violent, aggressive, sexual promiscuity and drinking. However masculinity has now changed, where men are aslo seen as soft and can cry, showing emotions which was seen as a very feminine attitude.
Heroes: discussing what is expected of each of the characters, and whether they are fulfilling their gender roles.

Self Directed Research

I have done quite abit of work by myself, which wasnt even boring as i really like the topic that i am studying :D however i definately need to get some more research and also info that is directly linked to my question rather than just getting general information on Heroes. However these are some of the links which i thought were good.

http://www.mindreality.com/relationship-between-masculine-and-feminine
Seeing as my question focuses on the masculinity and femininity of characters, i thought i'd get some information that could actually define what is it.

http://www.heroesrevealed.com/tag/bbc2
Info on the channel and timings of the program, very relevant as it links to the target audience as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonder_Woman
Linking to other superheroes, found some stuff on wonder woman, but i need to get some more superheroes and actually compare both to see the similarities and differences.

http://the-new-f-word.blogspot.com/2006/12/feminist-critique-of-tv-show-heroes.html
Excellent essay on feminism in heroes, shows personal opinion but is very useful to pick up points. Again need to get some stuff on the male perspective to balance out the arguement.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=665854
I seem to have loads of stuff on the issue of the female characters so its definately time to get some views of the male characters. And also actually look at what makes the characters "masculine" and "feminine"

Self Evaluation

Attainment: B – i would say that I have generally done quite well, however more focus is needed on the coursework.
Effort: 2 – I put effort into most of the work, however some work on the blog can be tedious.
Punctuality: 1 – I make sure that I come to lessons on time, and I’ve attended all the lessons for both teachers (when I am in school)
Submission and quality of homework: 1 – I always hand in my homework the day it was due, and I put effort in all my homework, ensuring that both presentation and content of the work is at the best of my ability.
Ability to work independently: 1 – I think I work fairly well by myself, with out other students and the teacher, getting used to this especially as Mr Bush isn’t is lessons at times.
Quality of writing: 2 – most of my work is detailed, and is completed to the highest of my ability, however I could improve by taking more detailed notes in all the lessons, which would be more useful for revision.
Organisation of media Folder: 1 – all my media work is in a media folder, however haven’t received got a lot of handouts as we’ve been doing presentations in Mr Bush’s lessons.
Oral contributions in class: 2 – I contribute in Mr Bush’s lessons a lot ( I would say, especially certain discussions) however I could improve in Ms Jones’ lessons
Standard of module 5 blog: 2 – I’ve done all the homework and extra research as well, however I should use the del links more to find some more information.
Standard of module 6 blog: 3 - Limited work on the blog, only used it when doing a presentation.

Targets
www
Make sure that all my work is presented well, and is put into my media folder.
Put more effort in the work set on both blogs
ebi
Good contributions in lessons.
Learnt to work by myself better, but could also get work done faster.