1 Paragraph

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.