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.