Media''s Superheroines: A Battle for Representation
How Superheroes can Inspire Athleticism in Kids
Kids love superheroes. From Spiderman to Wonder Woman, these characters are beloved by children all over the world. But what is it about superheroes that captivates kids so much? According to the speaker in the video, it’s not just the cool costumes and powers that draw kids in - it’s the idea that anyone can be a superhero if they work hard and believe in themselves.
The speaker shares a personal example of how his daughter’s love of superheroes has inspired her athleticism. She idolizes superheroes who are strong, agile, and powerful, and she wants to be like them. As a result, she has taken up sports like gymnastics and rock climbing, which require strength, agility, and determination.
But it’s not just physical activity that superheroes inspire. The speaker notes that superheroes also teach important lessons about toughness, teamwork, and perseverance. When kids see their favorite heroes face tough challenges and overcome them with courage and determination, they learn that they too can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Of course, it’s not just superheroes who can inspire kids to be active and healthy. Any positive role model, whether it’s a parent, teacher, or athlete, can encourage kids to be their best selves. But there’s something special about superheroes that captures kids’ imaginations and inspires them to dream big.
In the next section of this post, we’ll look at some of the specific ways that superheroes can inspire kids to be more active and healthy, and we’ll share some tips for parents on how to encourage their kids to hug a superhero-inspired lifestyle.
Media Studies and Public Pedagogy
The speaker also discusses the concept of media studies and how it relates to public pedagogy. He defines media studies as the process of analyzing media messages and how they affect our society, culture, and individuals. Public pedagogy, on the other hand, refers to the ways in which we learn through media, whether we are aware of it or not.
He explains that media studies is important because media is so pervasive in our society that we often don’t even realize how much it is influencing us. For example, he mentions how superheroes are often portrayed in media as being white and male, which can reinforce harmful stereotypes and limit the imaginations of young people who are exposed to these messages.
The speaker also notes that media studies can help us become more critical consumers of media by teaching us to question the messages we are receiving and think about the impact they are having on us and our society. He suggests that media literacy should be taught in schools as a way to enable young people to become more informed and responsible media consumers.
Overall, the speaker emphasizes the importance of media studies and public pedagogy in helping us understand and navigate the complex media landscape in which we live. By becoming more aware of the messages we are receiving and how they are shaping our beliefs and values, we can become more thoughtful and engaged members of our society.
Six companies control 90% of American media, and this creates a problem of information distribution.
The speaker in the video also discusses the concerning fact that just six companies control 90% of American media. This means that a handful of corporations are responsible for distributing the vast majority of information that people consume through television, movies, and news outlets. The speaker argues that this lack of diversity and competition in the media landscape can lead to a homogenization of perspectives, as these companies prioritize profits over meaningful content and representation.
The speaker cites examples of how this concentration of media ownership can be problematic, such as the lack of coverage of important global issues and the promotion of harmful stereotypes in movies and television shows. Additionally, the speaker discusses how social media algorithms can further exacerbate the issue by only showing users content that aligns with their preexisting beliefs, creating echo chambers that reinforce certain viewpoints and ignore others.
Overall, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of who controls the media and what their motivations are, and urges viewers to seek out diverse sources of information to broaden their perspectives and challenge their assumptions.
The Walt Disney Company Controls What People Think About
The speaker in the video mentions that The Walt Disney Company has 100% penetration in society, which means that its products are ubiquitous and touch every aspect of life. The company controls not only what people watch but also what they think about. The speaker argues that this level of control is concerning because it means that conversations are being steered and shaped in a particular direction.
The Walt Disney Company is known for its family-friendly content and has built an empire on this image. However, the speaker argues that this wholesome image hides the fact that the company is still a business that is interested in making a profit. As such, the company uses its media to push certain products and ideas that are designed to generate revenue.
For example, Disney’s movies and merchandise are often centered around a specific message or theme that the company wants to promote. The speaker argues that this kind of messaging is not just limited to Disney but is prevalent across all media industries. As a result, people are often exposed to a narrow range of perspectives and ideas, which can limit their understanding of the world around them.
Overall, the speaker in the video believes that The Walt Disney Company’s level of control over media is problematic because it limits people’s ability to think critically and engage in meaningful conversations. While media can be a powerful tool for education and entertainment, it should not be used as a means of controlling what people think and how they perceive the world.
Disney’s Failure to Market Female Superheroes
The Walt Disney Company, which has a significant impact on public pedagogy, controls what people think about and controls conversations. Disney has acquired major media companies like LucasFilm and Marvel and has the power to influence the representation of characters in their films and shows. However, the company fails to market female superheroes adequately.
The speaker points out that Disney’s marketing strategy focuses on male characters, even when it comes to franchises with female leads. For example, when Disney released the movie “Brave,” they marketed it as a movie about a mother-daughter relationship rather than a female-led action movie. Similarly, when Marvel released the movie “Black Widow,” they marketed it as a movie about family rather than a female-led superhero movie.
Moreover, the speaker notes that Disney has acquired the rights to various female superheroes like She-Hulk, Ms. Marvel, and Spider-Woman. However, these characters are not given the same treatment and attention as their male counterparts. For instance, Black Widow, a popular female superhero, did not get her own solo movie until 2021, despite being a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2010.
Disney’s failure to market female superheroes reinforces the gender stereotypes that have been prevalent in the media for decades. It sends the message that female superheroes are not as important or interesting as their male counterparts. This message is especially damaging to young girls who are interested in superheroes but cannot find female characters to identify with.
In conclusion, Disney’s lack of effort in promoting female superheroes is a significant problem that needs to be addressed. The company has the power to change the narrative and promote gender equality in media, but it is failing to do so.
Black Widow, a Marvel Character, is Erased from Merchandise and Replaced by Male Figures
The speaker also talks about how the Walt Disney Company does not market female superheroes. He specifically mentions Black Widow, a character from Marvel, and how she is often erased from merchandise and replaced by male figures. Black Widow is played by Scarlett Johansson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but despite her popularity, she does not receive the same level of merchandising as male superheroes.
The speaker discusses how this erasure of Black Widow from merchandise reflects a larger problem of gender inequality in the media industry. He argues that the Walt Disney Company has a responsibility to represent all people in their media and merchandise, and by failing to do so, they are perpetuating harmful stereotypes and biases.
This erasure of Black Widow from merchandise is not an isolated incident. The speaker points out that female superheroes are often left out of merchandise or given less prominence than their male counterparts. This reinforces the idea that women are not as important or powerful as men, and it sends a harmful message to young girls who look up to these characters.
Overall, the erasure of Black Widow from merchandise is just one example of the larger problem of gender inequality in the media industry. The speaker argues that companies like the Walt Disney Company have a responsibility to do better and to represent all people in their media and merchandise.
Lack of Female Representation in Comic Book Films
The speaker notes that out of the thirty feature-length comic book films set to be released over the next five years, only two will have a female lead. This lack of representation is concerning, as it perpetuates the idea that female superheroes are not as valuable as their male counterparts. Additionally, when female superheroes are included, they are often sexualized or portrayed as secondary characters.
One example of this is Black Widow, a character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite being a fan favorite and a founding member of the Avengers, Black Widow has yet to have her own solo film. Furthermore, when merchandise for Avengers: Endgame was released, Black Widow was often left out or replaced with male characters, erasing her from the narrative.
This lack of representation not only affects how girls and women see themselves, but it also reinforces harmful gender stereotypes. When young girls are not exposed to strong female role models in media, it can lead to a lack of confidence and ambition later in life.
It is important for media companies to prioritize diversity and representation in their content. This includes featuring more female superheroes and giving them the same attention and marketing as male characters. Only then can we begin to break down the harmful gender norms that permeate our society.
Society has failed children, and we must stop making it so that the only female superheroes appear on merchandise marketed to girls
The speaker argues that society has failed children by limiting their exposure to female superheroes. He contends that it is a problem when the only female superheroes appear on merchandise marketed to girls. This reinforces the idea that girls are the only ones who can be interested in female superheroes. It also perpetuates the notion that female superheroes are inferior to male superheroes.
The speaker believes that it is essential to create a society that recognizes the value of female superheroes. He urges companies to create merchandise that includes female superheroes in non-gendered categories. He points out that young girls and boys would benefit from seeing more female superheroes in mainstream media. This would help them to realize that female superheroes are just as capable and powerful as their male counterparts.
The speaker asserts that this change can only happen if society as a whole recognizes the problem and works to fix it. We must all demand better representation of female superheroes and push back against companies that perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes. Only then can we hope to create a world where all children have equal access to positive role models, regardless of their gender.
Conclusion
In today’s society, media plays a significant role in shaping our beliefs and values. However, as we have seen, media is not a neutral force but is controlled by a few powerful corporations with their own agenda. This has a profound impact on how we see the world and our place in it.
As consumers of media, it is essential to be aware of the ways in which media shapes our perceptions and beliefs. We must also question why certain stories are told and others are not, and who is benefiting from these stories. We must ask ourselves whether the stories we see in the media reflect our diverse society and whether they challenge or reinforce gender and racial stereotypes.
It is particularly important to pay attention to the representation of female characters in media, especially in the superhero genre. The lack of representation of women in lead roles and the under-representation of female superheroes in merchandise marketed to children sends a harmful message to young girls about their worth and potential. It is crucial to create media that is inclusive and diverse, and that represents all members of our society.
In conclusion, the media is a powerful tool that can be used for both good and bad. As consumers, we have the power to choose what media we consume and to demand media that reflects our values and beliefs. It is up to us to hold media corporations accountable for their actions and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable media landscape.
