How Movies Reflect Children, Essay Example

Colin Stokes begins his speech off in a candid while engaging fashion. Stokes compares the classic narrative of “The Wizard of Oz” with the modern, yet still rather old, Star Wars. Particularly, he discussed the two subtle texts much prefer his kids to walk down the yellow brick way rather than save the global alongside Luke Skywalker. In his short talk, he brings together movies and gender enculturation, especially in the definition of masculinity, in a light hearted but very intriguing manner. The objective of this article is to look into two themes Colin brought up to light and connect them to a Singaporean context. In this paper, I will also include an investigation on whether these themes are relevant in a Singaporean context

About relationships

The first main theme of Stokes brought-up was about the relationships. Particularly, how movies often fail to completely and properly explain gender roles within a relationship. As an overall cultural influence way one of the major modes of gender movies and socialization as a medium that essentially plays a strong role in defining culture, too, has a significant role in teaching gender. However, Stokes debates that existing movies are severely behind in defining how relationships works. Stokes tried to blatantly highlight what was lacking in most movies-female interaction by using the “Bechdel Test”.

Even though it might seem very amusing at first, the test results in a sad truth that most movies hardly show females fairly. Also these movies also subtly encourages the male centeredness of the community. While non-romantic relationships and friendships between males are always showed as deep and more meaningful, ties of such kind are hardly if not, not portrayed between female. Although Stokes halted his analysis of this matter there, there are much more of this that he didn’t have much more time to discuss about. Such twisted review of relationships in clearly showing a message, either subtly or overtly, to the young generations who are watching it. It might not be the only reason that leads up to the oppression to the better gender or devaluation of a relationship with female, it clearly shows that it is playing a role to spread such ideas.

Stoke seen at the international Hollywood film, “Argo”, that was, also, showed in Singapore. In Hollywood, major of the debates were amongst males and pretty much the whole emphasis of the movie was on male. Women did not played a big role, if not insignificant roles. Therefore, Singaporeans are also left vulnerable to international influences. Global ideologies, concepts of gender bias and male notions are allowed to stream very freely into our local theaters.  As Singapore encirclements the globalization of information, together with its various benefits, there are certain downfalls and consequences as well.

Combating Patriarchy

One of the main theme that Colin emphasized would likely strike a chord with most. Stoke questioned the effectiveness of films in ridding the community from patriarchy if they were aiming just girls. While many movies such as various contemporary princess films, for example Tangled and Brave, always teaches and promotes young women how to defend against patriarchy. Colin talked about the irony that exist on the concept of girls. Stokes said that girl power is proliferated in a way that traditional notions of male or boy power has never changed

Stoke suggested that his ideal definition of manhood goes almost totally opposite to the hegemonic male identity. While it is definitely a noble direction to take, one has to admit the difficulty towards such a goal. From workplace gender discrimination to institutionalized policies perpetuating gender inequality, the journey is arduous indeed. However, amidst the glum atmosphere of such a prospect, the Singaporean context brings reasons for optimism. Although Singapore is not at the forefront of combatting patriarchy, there are many active local mediums which is subtly nudging in that direction. In context of this article, a look at the local media will uncover several promising findings.

Local Singaporean dramas has indeed moved in the direction where the definition of manhood is moving closer to the one Stoke proposed. In dramas such as the recent local primetime drama, C.L.I.F. 2, the father is taking on a very different role. The series portrayed a father with an autistic daughter encompassing virtues such as patience for his daughter and trust and respect for his wife. The portrayal might be subtle and the effects might be gradual but the progress is nonetheless present. With more males being portrayed in such a manner in their relationship with females, the gender enculturation process and the culture of the society will finally begin to path its way towards a truly egalitarian society while the definition of masculinity will allow and be complementary to the presence of a feminine figure.

In conclusion, Stoke brought up two very unique observation and interpretations of gender from movies. While one might not be able to see the immediate link to a Singaporean context, upon closer inspection, these general issues do in fact shed much light in our understanding of Singapore’s society and how it deals with gender