To what extent does Hairspray follow the stereotypical representations of females?
Hairspray is a Teen musical based in the small town of Baltimore in 1962. The film followers a larger than life character Tracy in her journey to becoming a Dancer on the Corny Collins Show. While dealing with her own issues such as copping with the constant let down by a Miss Hairspray hopeful she also takes it upon herself to help stop segregation between all Black and White students. In my essay I will be exploring To what extent does Hairspray follow the stereotypical representations of females.
There are many different representations some of which are challenged and others are reinforced. There is a career driven female who only sees herself in the picture and makes sure her daughter is picture perfect and nothing is seen without a camera. The stubborn daughter who wants everything her way and no one will take her crown away from her. A shy away at home mother who believes the world wont except her for her size and her larger than life daughter who believes the 60’s brings change and that segregation should no longer exist.
The musical gives a look upon the 60’s and its development. How the 60’s was a turn of old conventions that were challenged and old attitudes that had faded into the decade. Before the 60’s women’s life had been difficult feeling as though it was their duty to stay at home to clean and look after the children. Wanting to be treated as equal as men women felt it was time to come of the closet and show what they were made of. As well as this going on Black American had endured segregation in almost every area of life and this film portrays the change and development in which America had upon all people. All though this was happening prior to the 50’s and 60’s the film also shows the development of today’s society and how equal everyone has become.
In many films women are either the ‘Virgin or the Whore’ and this film to the audience portrays how things were and how they changed for the better. And the moral of the story in that no matter what you look like whether your big, small Black or White everyone is equal and should be treated the same. Being based in a High School this film relates to pupils and should give a message on be happy with whom you are, with a sing and a dance for effect.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Historical Text
GREASE
This scene of the film is shown when Sandy the angelic figure in the film becomes almost as femme fatal with tight leather clothes and deep red lipstick to accentuate the fullness of her lips and the dark makeup around her eyes gives her a mysterious and devious look about her.
The background is a contrast to her character for everything is bright and loud where as she is in dark leather, almost as though she has become dark and sinister . The look upon each male character gives emphasis on how much her apperance has changed. That a woman has to conform into a sex object to attract the opposite sex. Its almost saying that within that era a woman couldn't be innocent and sweet because it wouldn't get her far with men .Being based in a high school i can link this to Hairspray in the contrast of representations. Grease and Hairspray have roughly been based in the same era Grease being the late 50's and Hairspray in the early 60's. When looking through the film i had noticed the lack of Black representation in there being non. Which shows that only in the 60's black people was given the right to do as same as white but with much limitation.
When looking at Danny who first wears a white cardigan which shows his innocence but when seeing Sandy he removes it revealing a black t shirt which could misconstrued as his darker side becoming 'alive'.
Danny on all fours shows his weakness for Sandy in that he finds her irrasitable emphasising to the audience that this is the way to get men, by dressing promiscious. All through this scene she seems to be teasing and taunting Danny, all through the ride. The location of where this scene is set is such a contrast to what they are dressed as, for its a childs atmosphere in where children not so much as adults will enjoy the ride. This shows that although they appear to be adults and mature they still are kids for they have just finished High School. This is a big contrast to Hairspray in how they dress and act, for although all characters are roughly the same age between 16-18 they act in such different ways. This could show the progression through the years in that woman started seeing that they didnt have to dress differently if they didnt conform to the sexy female because they could still get far. Tracy and Link are examples of this for Tracy is large and dresses simple but was still able to get the popular guy. This give the message now to the audience that you can be yourself and dont have to change.
This scene of the film is shown when Sandy the angelic figure in the film becomes almost as femme fatal with tight leather clothes and deep red lipstick to accentuate the fullness of her lips and the dark makeup around her eyes gives her a mysterious and devious look about her.
The background is a contrast to her character for everything is bright and loud where as she is in dark leather, almost as though she has become dark and sinister . The look upon each male character gives emphasis on how much her apperance has changed. That a woman has to conform into a sex object to attract the opposite sex. Its almost saying that within that era a woman couldn't be innocent and sweet because it wouldn't get her far with men .Being based in a high school i can link this to Hairspray in the contrast of representations. Grease and Hairspray have roughly been based in the same era Grease being the late 50's and Hairspray in the early 60's. When looking through the film i had noticed the lack of Black representation in there being non. Which shows that only in the 60's black people was given the right to do as same as white but with much limitation.
When looking at Danny who first wears a white cardigan which shows his innocence but when seeing Sandy he removes it revealing a black t shirt which could misconstrued as his darker side becoming 'alive'.
Danny on all fours shows his weakness for Sandy in that he finds her irrasitable emphasising to the audience that this is the way to get men, by dressing promiscious. All through this scene she seems to be teasing and taunting Danny, all through the ride. The location of where this scene is set is such a contrast to what they are dressed as, for its a childs atmosphere in where children not so much as adults will enjoy the ride. This shows that although they appear to be adults and mature they still are kids for they have just finished High School. This is a big contrast to Hairspray in how they dress and act, for although all characters are roughly the same age between 16-18 they act in such different ways. This could show the progression through the years in that woman started seeing that they didnt have to dress differently if they didnt conform to the sexy female because they could still get far. Tracy and Link are examples of this for Tracy is large and dresses simple but was still able to get the popular guy. This give the message now to the audience that you can be yourself and dont have to change.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Essay Sections
My independent study is going to be focusing on the extent of which Hairspray follows the stereotypical representations of females. My study will be looking upon how a contemporary film such as Hairspray follows the traditional stereotypical roles played by women. The reason for choosing this film was because it’s a good example of the many stereotypes of which woman are labelled as, how there environment has effected their personality which then in turn has made them a stereotype. How the 60’s was a turn of old conventions that were challenged and old attitudes that had faded with the decade. Change had become accepted whether you were black or white or where big or small. There is an array of characters in which are in contrast to one another. A tall slim blonde independent woman Velma thrives on her ability to bring others self esteems down which then gives her the power over others. One of those characters is Edna a shy away work at home mum that lacks in confidence due to her size, and only then gets the courage to face the world, in when her daughter Tracy persuades her that the 60’s is the era of change. Before the 60’s a woman’s life had been difficult, deprived of basic rights, stuck at home being made to feel trapped cleaning and looking after the children also discriminated against in the workplace. Then, the 1960s came along with it, the thought that women could have a say in their government, that they could perhaps leave the home without feeling guilty about leaving their children alone, and that they could receive a job and earn wages like men. As well as this prior to the 1950s and 1960s, black Americans had endured separation in almost every area of life. Having separate schools, transportation, restaurants, parks even drinking fountains.
Others texts I will be look at are High School Musical and Mama Mia.
High School Musical based in a high school is very similar to Hairspray following the lives of teenagers and how they all interact with each other. Film still follows certain traits of stereotypes. Gabriella, Troy etc ....Sharpay the stereotypical spoilt blonde always wanting everything and throwing a tantrum if she can’t have it. This shows that traditional values faded and that everyone who appears different has equal opportunities like the rest.
Mama Mia the mothers role is contrast to Hairspray Velma, the 60’s to be wealthy and glamorous, being a single mother work came first where as Mama Mia being a single mother and running a business she still finds time for her daughter. Although in that position women can still be very maternal towards their children and still have a successful career. That times have changed and single mothers do to well in work can still have a family and do well.
Characters
Tracy Turnblad: An optimistic, overweight teenage girl who loves to dance, Tracy's colour-blindness unwittingly leads her to becoming an active supporter for the integration of The Corny Collins Show.
Edna Turnblad: Tracy's mother, an asocial shut-in ashamed of her plus-sized figure.
Velma Von Tussle: The manager of station WYZT, the racist former beauty queen Velma is primarily interested in keeping her daughter Amber in the spotlight and The Corny Collins Show segregated.
Penny Pingleton: Tracy's best friend, a nerdy sheltered girl who falls in love with Seaweed, despite her racist and stern mother, Prudy.
"Motormouth" Maybelle: A Baltimore Rhythm and Blues radio disc jockey who hosts "Negro Day" on The Corny Collins Show, Maybelle also runs a record shop on North Avenue.
Amber Von Tussle: Velma's bratty daughter and the lead female dancer on The Corny Collins Show, Amber becomes Tracy's enemy when Tracy threatens both Amber's shot at the "Miss Teenage Hairspray" crown and Amber's relationship with her boyfriend Link.
All female characters have a job whether they are working from home or working on a TV show. But women had believed that you had to be middle class and wealthy to have the luxuries and pamper yourself. Edna is one such character and learns from her daughter that there is no reason to stay in, all women deserve to look good and feel good no matter what size they are.
There are two types of women, the stereotypical stay at home mum, that works at home and doesn’t show her face much, and is a very good mother or the single parent that has become very glamorous and successful but hasn’t a maternal instinct because her job was demanding.
Significant as too shows women’s rights developed and that women could get far career wise.
Others texts I will be look at are High School Musical and Mama Mia.
High School Musical based in a high school is very similar to Hairspray following the lives of teenagers and how they all interact with each other. Film still follows certain traits of stereotypes. Gabriella, Troy etc ....Sharpay the stereotypical spoilt blonde always wanting everything and throwing a tantrum if she can’t have it. This shows that traditional values faded and that everyone who appears different has equal opportunities like the rest.
Mama Mia the mothers role is contrast to Hairspray Velma, the 60’s to be wealthy and glamorous, being a single mother work came first where as Mama Mia being a single mother and running a business she still finds time for her daughter. Although in that position women can still be very maternal towards their children and still have a successful career. That times have changed and single mothers do to well in work can still have a family and do well.
Characters
Tracy Turnblad: An optimistic, overweight teenage girl who loves to dance, Tracy's colour-blindness unwittingly leads her to becoming an active supporter for the integration of The Corny Collins Show.
Edna Turnblad: Tracy's mother, an asocial shut-in ashamed of her plus-sized figure.
Velma Von Tussle: The manager of station WYZT, the racist former beauty queen Velma is primarily interested in keeping her daughter Amber in the spotlight and The Corny Collins Show segregated.
Penny Pingleton: Tracy's best friend, a nerdy sheltered girl who falls in love with Seaweed, despite her racist and stern mother, Prudy.
"Motormouth" Maybelle: A Baltimore Rhythm and Blues radio disc jockey who hosts "Negro Day" on The Corny Collins Show, Maybelle also runs a record shop on North Avenue.
Amber Von Tussle: Velma's bratty daughter and the lead female dancer on The Corny Collins Show, Amber becomes Tracy's enemy when Tracy threatens both Amber's shot at the "Miss Teenage Hairspray" crown and Amber's relationship with her boyfriend Link.
All female characters have a job whether they are working from home or working on a TV show. But women had believed that you had to be middle class and wealthy to have the luxuries and pamper yourself. Edna is one such character and learns from her daughter that there is no reason to stay in, all women deserve to look good and feel good no matter what size they are.
There are two types of women, the stereotypical stay at home mum, that works at home and doesn’t show her face much, and is a very good mother or the single parent that has become very glamorous and successful but hasn’t a maternal instinct because her job was demanding.
Significant as too shows women’s rights developed and that women could get far career wise.
Essay Plan
Paragraph 1:
Paragraph 2:
Paragraph 3:
Paragraph 4:
Conclusion:
How each female character is represented
Look at High School Musical (Film based in this day and age) and Mama Mia Looking at how females are represented now and then and if there is any change.
Challenge or Reinforce. Have the characters in all texts done this how are they doing this. (Mise-en-scene)Looking at Tracy (she crosses the boundaries)
Are these true representations, looking at the 60’s what where women like.
Paragraph 2:
Historical context, women’s rights and segregation and how these problems faded as the 60’s had developed.
A social performance, High school day to day life is it realistic.
Again look at HSM and Hairspray and are there representations of high school life different or similar. And how the times have changed.
Paragraph 3:
Look at how through the film the plot changes in that one girl trying to get into a show changes and how development and change had took place and expressing the need for the development and change to continue.
How does this affect the audience and emphasis their stereotypes.
Paragraph 4:
How is each character being represented is there a virgin and a whore Look at Edna and Velma and their contrasting characters.
Is this a fair representation of females, also look at the male characters and are their representations fair too or is there a difference.
The representations in the film Hairspray, do they shine on a positive influence on the audience, does this differ for HSM or do they hold the same basic principal.
Conclusion:
SUMARISE EVERYTHING
Going back to the question does Hairspray follow the stereotypical representations of women?
Argue both side (challenge and reinforce.)
Then what have I made my decision.
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