On Wednesday 10 May, Dr Brenda Murphy will talk about 'Media landscapes and expressions of self: striptease cultures and portrayal of bodies'. This event is part of Media and Appearance – for COST Action Appearance Matters – Task Group 10, and is organised by the Faculty for Social Wellbeing Research, Publications and Scholarship Committee at the University of Malta.
Dr Murphy's presentation will be held from 12:30 to 14:00 in Room 420 Humanities B – FEMA Building (FEMA420), University of Malta Msida Campus.
Dr Murphy's presentation will be held from 12:30 to 14:00 in Room 420 Humanities B – FEMA Building (FEMA420), University of Malta Msida Campus.
For reservations, contact Ms Lucienne Brincat by email on research.fsw@um.edu.mt or call +356 2340 3732.
Abstract
The media produces particular versions of the world. It also produces particular versions of bodies. These portrayals encompass and reproduce a particular ideology from which there is no escape (Horkheimer & Adorno). On any given day, place or space, it is easy to locate the 'striptease culture' (McNair) that has grown and become mainstream, as images of bodies become hypersexualised (Connell; Kimmel, Hearn & Connell), commodified (Bordo), produced and reproduced (cosmetically and technically) into spectacles of unattainable 'beauty ideals' (Wolf) and 'perfect bodies'.
The media, through its patriarchal production and portrayal of bodies, shapes, fuels and is actively and wholly culpable in producing poor wellbeing and unhealthy bodies and minds.
This presentation details a 3-part project that has been part of a COST Action called Appearance Matters. It will introduce the 3 projects undertaken by Task Group 10:
- Project 1 – Advertising and Portrayal: Appearance in advertising (Research)
Analysing dominant discursive practices in media production, and the subsequent globalization of body. the project also had a core element of audiovisual production as the media material examined was text-based i.e magazines, and magazine advertising. - Project 2 – Selfies: Self-Narrative (Research)
- Project 3 – Educational Animation (video only, not interactive) (Applied)
Web-based Animation (educational video) for children in target group 7-9 called 'Many Parts of Something Great' – for educators, parents, children