In 1973 Laura Mulvey created The 'Male Gaze Theory' It occurs when the audience are put into the perspective of a heterosexual man, they would then watch the woman simply walking in a music video, but it would be captured in a sexual way that pleases the male. Many people believe that it is wrong that the woman is portrayed in this way, and that it is wrong for the feminine rights, but then others believes it makes them feel more sexy and womanly in themselves.
What are some of the issues involved in discussing "the gaze"?
the objectification of women-- seen as objects
the commonalaity of female nudity -- display implies subordination
internalization of the gaze, changes women's perceptions of themselves and makes them think of themselves as objects
shift to objectification as a source of pleasure (for both the looker and the looked-at)
men as the dominant group have been the looker (the subjects; women the objects)
ties back to another aspect of teh feminist critique of Freud-- the degree to which Freudian theory iis based on visual dynamics
(http://virtual.clemson.edu/caah/women/flc436/mulvey.html)
Mr Brightside - The Killers is a video that shows huge connection and implications of the 'Gaze Theory' they show 'sexual precaustions' and flirtatious movement, to gain the men's attention. Throughout the video the woman are all over the men, whilst they just sit there willingly. This relates to the 'objectification of women' which shows them being 'used' as such, portraying their vunerability.
You see the men's reaction is very versatile, they suddenly adapt to the prominent behaviour of the woman, but still act very relaxed. The womans bulshy behaviour makes them feel dominant, and important. At the same time they are still very stunned by the behaviour of the woman in the video, all just sitting there 'gazing' at one point, as if they are the auidence of a show.
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