Reflection of Presentation

My topic of the presentation is how Ellen DeGeneres challenges the stereotypes of gay people in media. I introduced Ellen DeGeneres about her life stories and how she suffered and become successful. Many people discriminate homosexual people and think that women cannot be successful on TV. However, she broke the stereotype that how people think about women and homosexual. First of all, she is the first female comedian that went on the Johnny Carson show. Secondly, she is one of few hosts that announced their sexual preference in the public. Finally, I talked about some philanthropy that she has done. Unlike other people, she cares about people whom living in pain. I think she is the model of modern women.

I think this presentation was okay. I could do better, because I printed out the notes for the speech, but I forgot to take it to the class. Ellen DeGeneres has always been my favorite host since I came to the states. Although I know she is Lesbian, it does not affect her position in my heart. I was really touched when I read her biography. It was a bit hard to find resource to connect with Ellen DeGeneres and the stereotypes. However, I learned a lot from this presentation and I was inspired by her. For example, I used to think all the women are look like what the media has been talking about, they are beautiful long blonde hair, dependent. But now i know women could have their own dream too, they can be independent and successful as well. Just like a man.

Gender Roles in Advertising

Based on this image, we can see there is a ballet dancer dancing next to a car. Obviously, this advertising is about selling cars.  However, there is a question for this advertising: why they put a ballet dancer next to a car instead of a men or something else. As we know, cars are " man’s " things. A car usually is a symbol of masculine, power and speed. None of these words are feminine. However, from this image I noticed some thing connected with that ballet dancer and the car. Usually, the designers make cars look very masculine, because the most buyers are men. Although, this car has an arc lined front light. Therefor, I assume the designer wants to use the dolce of the ballet dancer to present another side of this car, which is the characteristic softness in solidness. Also, this increased the chances of females to buy this car, not all men are the controllers in the family. The meta- message of this advertising could also be seen the designer is trying to tell the buyer this car is just as beautiful and elegant like the ballet dancer. If you buy this car, there might be many beautiful women will chase you. In my opinion, I think this is a very good combination, not only showing the solidness of the car, but also the softness, it makes you to have the desire to buy this car.

The Reflection of “ Are Men and Women Equal?”

Kaidi Wu

110.03

Apr 2, 2012

The Reflection of “ Are Men and Women Equal?”

            Women’s movement has been around for decades. However, women still have a long way to go until they fully benefit the equality not only in workplace, but also in society. In the videos, the host and those guests were mainly talking about the inequality between men and women in the workplace. According to the research, in the top senior leadership position women are in a very poorly situation, which they only earn 18 percent of total. Although, the situation of women seems better than it in the past, women have got the rights to vote, women are still facing other differences compare to men. Kendra G, who is an author, points out that woman should stand out for themselves. The fear of speak for their rights is one of the reasons that slowing down the women’s movement. However, the younger generations of women expect to get equal paid and they are more likely to speak out for themselves. In addition, the law and policies, which were issued by the government, will also help women to get equal pay.

            Women have always been seen as a role of doing housework, taking care of the family, but noting with business. It took women 72 years to get the rights to vote; it proves that things can be changed, same as people’s mind. However, the most important thing is that women need to speak out for themselves；therefor, people can hear their needs. The reason why women are still facing the inequality in many place is that most of them are afraid of telling what they deserve. Fortunately, the laws are helping women to defense their rights. In short, in order to benefit more and to be equaled as men, women should let people to hear their voice, because they have many supporters that they don’t know.