Essay on a Gendered Role Scavenger Hunt

Gender refers to the characteristics that a culture associates to a given sexuality. It also defines the role of a male or female in society. On the other hand, sex refers to the biological aspects that distinguish between a man and a woman, such as their body parts and genetic composition. Much as the two terms refer to different aspects of a human, they are closely related and they may be used exchangeable. In most communities, the sexuality of an individual determines the kinds of chores that he or she performs. It also determines the position that the person occupies in a social structure. Over the years, femininity has been degraded. Female fork are expected to submit to their counterparts (Glantz, 2013). However, the millennial women are trying to break this detrimental practice. During the scavenger hunt, material that showed their efforts to break from the existing stereotype were identified.

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The music video I Luh ya Papi by Jennifer Lopez is unique. It breaks a common trend in the entertainment industry. In most cases, men objectify women. However, in her film she does the reverse. She introduces the film with a discussion between her music director, who is a man, and her female dancers. The man suggests that they adopt a fun and colorful theme for the song. He also proposes that the shooting takes place at a waterpark, carnivore, or a zoo. His suggests represent the societys stereotype of femininity. Women are assumed to be weaker hence submissive. The community does not allow them to be fierce. Instead, they are expected to act in manners that are aimed at pleasing the male ego.

However, Jennifer Lopez and her dancers decide to break the monotony. As such, they make a film where men assume roles that are traditionally assigned to women. The males pose naked while the female dancers remain decently dressed. Aside from that, the menfolk are recorded while posing in seductive positions. Additionally, these models conduct a sexy carwash whereas the women watch and enjoy the scene. Notably, the feature is filmed by the pool and in a yacht.

The video is instrumental to the analysis of sex and gender in a modern society. It comes to attention that people assume that females exist for the sole purpose of ensuring that a mans needs are met. The women cook, clean, and satisfy the sexual desires of their counterparts. Biological aspects in either sex do not influence the roles. Instead, they have been assigned based on a communitys gender bias. The male is the alpha while a woman is given the role of a helper. Additionally, it becomes clear that individuals sometimes promote the existing gender roles without questioning or even realizing it. For instance, in clubs, the womenfolk dance while their partners sit and watch. Similarly, when couples go out, a boy is said to look good if he is dressed in a good suit while the girl is beautiful if she wears something revealing.

The community has also come up with several methods to reinforce male and female stereotypes. The most common avenue has been through media performances. Advertisements, books, music, and movies often dwell on a mans superiority. Musical lyrics are used to encourage females to be submissive (Glantz, 2013). More so, they discourage feminine independency by displaying independent women as sad, lonely, and miserable. Similarly, storybooks insist on girls beauty and a boys strength. As such, most individuals are brought up with a notion that a woman is valued based on her looks while a man is defined by his strength, wealth, and mental capacity.

However, there is hope. The music video signifies the existence of a resistance towards these stereotypes. The millennial women have decides to break free from gender related prisons. As such, a majority of them have assumed positions that were not traditionally defined as feminine. The female forks have risen to leadership positions. For instance, Hillary Clinton has contested for the presidential seat in the US twice. Additionally, they have started taking full times jobs in renowned careers. In fact, their efforts have led to the enactment of affirmative actions to facilitate their rise to managerial seats. It is important to note that in the previous era, womenfolk mainly stayed at home and took care of the children.

In conclusion, it is clear that the society has established stereotypes based on sex and gender. The notions are oppressive to women since they are viewed as lesser beings. It is also sad to realize that these degrading habits are perpetrated by both sexes. Additionally, the analysis has revealed that the media plays the greatest role in the spread and emphasis of these ideas. However, the music video, I Luh ya Papi by Jennifer Lopez indicates that there is hope for the liberation of women. It becomes clear that the female fork has the ability to stand up for it. People such as Hillary Clinton have shown that females can be as independent and strong as their counterparts are.

References

Glantz, J. (2013). Women in Popular Music Media: Empowered Or Exploited? The Spectrum: A Scholars Day Journal, 2(5). Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.brockport.edu/spectrum/vol2/iss1/5