One Direction or Wrong Direction? Problematic Idolization of Male Media Stars

One Direction is one of the most popular bands of the decade, their success largely driven by their fiercely dedicated adolescent female fan base (along with personal contributions to their YouTube views). This makes 1D just one in a long line of dreamy male pop stars, ranging back to Brown & colleagues' 1993 ethnography (where girls talked about Bon Jovi), to be idolized by adolescent girls around the world.

Earlier this year, the very earth upon which Directioners had stood since the band's 2010 X-Factor debut shook: Zayn Malik left the band for good, citing stress as the cause. The video featured above illustrates the passionate attachment 1D fans felt toward the 22 year old superstar and the rattling effect of his departure. It's obvious that, as Karniol (2001) observed, adolescent girls transitioning into their sexuality still choose feminine male media stars to idolize.

Every time a male athlete faces a scandal, there seems to be concern about the message that their actions send the boys and young men who idolize them, particularly on sports talk shows like ESPN's Sportscenter. Amid the band's shake-up, rumors of other, more concerning explanations for the Zayn's departure emerged, namely drug & alcohol abuse and a nascent cheating scandal. Regardless of the truth of these claims, their circulation means that there are certainly fans out there who took those explanations to heart. A couple of months after Zayn left 1D, it was announced that Louis Tomlinson would be having a baby with a random stylist from LA outside of a committed relationship. In the wake of these events, there seems to be little concern expressed about what sort of message this sends to young Directioners and the news seems to be presented in celebratory tone, excitedly looking forward to the future, rather than concerned. 

The idolization and lack of criticism of One Direction seems potentially problematic, as Brown, Halpern and L'Engel (2004) found that young girls tend to look to media as a sexual super peer for information about relationships, particularly sexual ones. It seems that, for all of the effort put into criticizing the behavior of irresponsible athletes for the sake of young boys, parents and media alike ought to turn a critical eye to a critical eye to the figures that young girls care about most.

References:

1. Brown, J. D., Halpern, C. T., & L'Engle, K. L. (2005). Mass media as a sexual super peer for early maturing girls. Journal of Adolescent Health, 36(5), 420-427. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.06.003 
2. Brown, J. D., White, A. B., & Nikopoulou, L. (1993). Disinterest, intrigue, resistance: Early adolescent girls' use of sexual media content. In B. S. Greenberg, J. D. Brown & N. Buerkel-Rothfuss (Eds.), Media, sex and the adolescent (pp. 177-195). Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press.
3. Karniol, R. (2001). Adolescent females’ idolization of male media stars as transition into sexuality. Sex Roles, 44(1/2), 61-77.

Sexually explicit Family

With adolescents having unlimited exposure to media, it has become almost impossible to hide sexually explicit material. One can now access almost anything they want to on the television with premium channels, on the internet, on Instagram, snapchat and so much more. Adolescents have sexually explicit material at their fingertips if they wanted. However, the effects of exposure to this type of media are still widely unknown. This may be why it is such a large debate today.

In this clip of modern family, Phil is trying to sell a house to a young couple. However, the family is not happy with the statue right across the street. It turns out other families in the neighborhood feel the same way.  The statue is titled, "Marble with Wood". The name is automatically inappropriate because Phil mentions it is only made with marble. The statue can be seen around the neighborhood and more specifically, from the window of the house Phil is trying to sell.

The parents in this clip, as well as many researchers, believe that such exposure should be limited to adolescents. One mother in Modern Family states, "I don't feel comfortable letting my kids play out here," because she doesn't want them to be exposed to an inappropriate statue or see anything they have not been taught about yet. One of the adolescent boys states that it makes him feel worse about his own body- which makes his mother feel bad. In Peter and Valkburg's study it is even stated that "The obtrusive visual character of sexually explicit material may intensify the experiential states that accompany the use of such material (378). This can relate to the statue and the feeling that the boy has after looking at it.  Each parent has a different reason but most feel as though the exposure needs to be mediated immediately and that the statue needs to be removed.

But yes, there is one male character who makes a claim that "Porn belongs on a big screen in the bedroom or in the bathroom." It is interesting that everyone has a different view on when and who should watch porn. Gender and age seem to be a big drive in this research.  

Peter, J., & Valkenburg, P.M.(2010). Processes underlying the effects of adolescents'  use of sexually explicit Internet material: The role of perceived realism. Communication Research, 37(3), 375-399. doi: 10.1177/0093650210362464

Jenny Humphrey's Big "Mistake"

Gossip Girl is a classic teen drama, chronicling the lives of extremely privileged Upper East Side teens throughout their high school and college years.  This show is one that many real-life teens have turned to not only for idolization of the characters, but also for advice and guidance (in relationship terms).  I myself have watched every episode (some of them twice), and know that between my sisters, friends, and I, we all have looked to the characters and “learned” from them and their mistakes and experiences in some way or another. 

One thing that I think Gossip Girl does really well is portray virginity loss in multiple different contexts and settings.  When looking back, the characters all lose their virginities in different ways, and experience various outcomes/consequences afterwards.  Most notably, Jenny Humphrey’s experience is one that I believe a lot of viewers can learn from.  Jenny is Dan’s younger sister, and is constantly trying to fit in with the “it” crowd.  After stirring up drama with Blair (the queen bee), Jenny is confronted by her and yelled at.  Feeling distressed and vulnerable, she makes a decision in the heat of the moment to lose her virginity to Chuck (a notorious womanizer and Blair’s lover).  

Afterwards, Jenny feels regret and is upset, as this interaction clearly meant nothing to Chuck and was not at all special. 

It’s interesting because Jenny’s experience really contradicts, while at the same time plays into, what Maura Kelly describes in her article “Virginity Loss Narratives in ‘Teen Drama’ Television Programs” as the “urgency script.”  The urgency script portrays virginity loss as “not only a highly enjoyable activity but as necessary to affirm a gendered identity as a sexually sought-after individual, to be perceived by others as desirable, and to achieve social status” (Kelly, 482).  Clearly, Jenny decides to lose her virginity for these reasons (higher social status, “cool” factor, everyone is doing it, etc.) and acted on the urgency script.  But what happens afterward is something that is not normally associated with the urgency script.  Consequences.  Instead of feeling cooler, older and more experienced, Jenny feels deep regret, calling the whole thing “a mistake.”  A week later, she even ends up moving to a different city (with her mother), walking away from her NYC glamorized lifestyle.  Obviously, there are other reasons for this, but this situation was the final straw.  What Jenny truly sees virginity as is a gift, and an experience that should be special and with the right person, which Kelly describes as a component of the “abstinence script” (Kelly, 482).

I think that this portrayal of sex is so important because we generally don’t see as many consequences shown on television.  While in real life, many girls and guys lose their virginities while happily in a relationship with someone they trust, there are also a large number of people who don’t decide to experience sex this way their first time.  So, having this kind of portrayal for viewers can be extremely beneficial.  According to Eyal and Kunkel in their study, “Viewing negative outcomes of premarital sexual intercourse leads to more negative attitudes toward premarital sex and to more negative moral judgments of the characters who engage in this behavior” (Eyal & Kunkel, 175).  This is vital in that seeing these kinds of situations and how they play out can bring to viewers' attention aspects of sex that they hadn’t previously considered.  To conclude, not everyone’s “first time” is perfect, as much of the media leads us to believe.  Jenny’s experience is one that young girls/boys can look to and learn from to better understand the risks/consequences associated with losing one’s virginity in this way.         

Citations:

1. Eyal, K., & Kunkel, D. (2008). The effects of sex in television drama shows on emerging adults' sexual attitudes and moral judgments. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 52(2), 161-181. doi: 10.1080/08838150801991757
2. Kelly, M. (2010). Virginity loss narratives in “teen drama” television programs. Journal of Sex Research, 47(5), 479-489. doi: 10.1080/00224490903132044
3. Schwartz, J. (Writer). (2010, May 17). Last Tango, Then Paris [Television series episode]. In Gossip Girl. New York: Warner Bros. Television Distribution.

First Got Horny 2 U

SNL's leading ladies divulged some very personal information about their first parasocial relationships in a music video last week, First Got Horny 2 U. In the hilarious skit, the women tell viewers about their first celebrity crushes who first "ignited [their] flames, who opened [their] eyes, and who first taught [them] how to be truly horny." Watch it here.

Karniol (2001) discusses the importance of adolescent females forming parasocial relationships with  inaccessible celebrities. She points out that "finding a love-object toward whom one can safely direct newly-acquired cravings" is both very important and very safe if manifested in parasocial relationships (Karniol, 2001, pg. 62). Practicing relationships and feelings of longing seems to be a health aspect of adolescence.

"You lit a spark inside of me, you set my teeny tiny boobies free. We never met, and we never will, but I thank you still. Cause I first got horny to you."

Karniol points out the importance of adolescent females' perpetuating their new desires into bedroom decor, that "posters of pop stars that are hung in one's bedroom," allowing them to "cope with newly developing feelings at the point of transition to sexuality" (Karniol, 2001, pg. 62, 74). SNL writers apparently remember these kinds of feelings from their own adolescence.

"I was in 7th grade watching TRL when I had a feeling I had never felt. It was Carson Daley in enormous jeans and the blackest nails I'd ever seen. I got up on the couch and I knocked my first one out."

Further, because young girls get to practice their sexual feelings through these parasocial relationships, it only makes sense that they would begin to learn new things about themselves and their sexuality. SNL points out a key factor in exploring sexuality through media figures - learning of sexual feelings, such as homosexuality, that may only be seen through media and not in the home or real life activities.

"1996, I first heard Mbop. Started getting sweaty in my thermal top. Taylor Hanson's lip and his long blonde hair, the most gorgeous woman anywhere. And that's how I could tell that I was gay as hell."

Idolization and parasocial relationship creation of adolescent girls can have many positive outcomes, of which can be hard to find in SNL's skit. Experimenting relationships with potential types of men or women that could bring this new sexual feeling is a physically and emotionally safe way to learn about oneself before joining the real and risky world of dating.

Karniol, R. (2001). Adolescent females' idolization of male media stars as a transition into sexuality. Sex Roles, 44(1/2), 61-77.

Realistic depictions

   On June 26, 2015 gay marriage was made legal by all 50 states. Over the past several decades, the media has been huge source of information of this transformation for the LGBT community. Even though society has made huge strides in becoming more accepting, coming out to family and friends as homosexual remains an extremely monumental and sometimes traumatic moment for many. In the article Information-Seeking Practices during the Sexual Development of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals: The Influence and Effects of Coming Out in a Mediated Environment, authors reveal that the media has been a primary source of information for those in the LGBT community (Bond et al 2008). Frequently, teenagers struggling to define their sexuality, and as discussed in the article, they look more to the media for information on the coming-out process more than interpersonal relationships. That being said, it is important that the media not only offer as many realistic depictions as possible but also characters whom LGBT adolescents can relate to.

             The popular show Glee does a successful job of casting homosexual characters and sharing their experiences coming out. Kurt Hummel possesses many stereotypical gay qualities; his coming out is no surprise to his peers and viewers. Kurt shares a special moment with father upon revealing his sexuality; despite the fear in Kurt’s eyes, his father’s response is “I know. I’ve known since you were three … I love you just as much.” The two hug, and viewers’ see the relief in Kurt’s eyes.

On the other hand, Santana Lopez starts dating a fellow cheerleader, which is a slight surprise as she has previously dated men. Santana expresses her struggle with sexuality to her grandmother, telling her that she no longer wants to keep this secret. Santana is shocked and distraught when her grandmother responds,  “everyone has secrets, Santana. They are called secrets for a reason. I want you to leave this house and I never want to see you again. Go, now!”

Santana’s experience coming out to her family is the complete opposite of Kurt’s. According to Bond et al., this media depiction reflects the reality for many LGBT adolescents “These conversations can be difficult, especially if the family atmosphere is homophobic or aversive to intimate conversation” (Bond et al 2008). Santana's experience shows just that. Through these two characters, Glee does a successful job of showing two drastically different experiences individuals undergo when sharing their sexuality.

            Glee does a fantastic job of representing two homosexual students who struggle to share their sexuality with their family members. No experience is exactly the same as another, but Glee shares at least two. Although the law and Supreme Court have made strides toward a more accepting community, this experience remains traumatic for many adolescents as not all who surround them will embrace the idea. Other television shows and media outlets should follow in Glee's footsteps in order to help those struggling with this type of situation and in order to keep up with our transforming and more accepting nation.

S&M in The City

Sex and The City often explores unchartered territories of sex, and it was not surprising when they featured BDSM in season 2 episode 12. The beginning of the episode starts with Carrie narrating how in NYC every restaurant is trying to be the next big thing as the camera pans over a seemingly normal restaurant. Carrie keeps talking about NYC's desire to adapt to new creative things and then the camera shows a women tied up being whipped by a man. The latest, new restaurant in NYC is a BDSM restaurant where the waiters wear barely-there leather and ball gags. Samantha’s PR agency was managing the PR for the opening night of the restaurant, and it is often Samantha who gets the girls into slippery sexual situations like this. As the waiter comes over, the girls discuss this idea of having fetishes so openly discussed and serving you food. While Samantha defends the restaurant by arguing everyone has a fetish and that this restaurant is just being more open about, she whips the waiter as he stops by the table.

 Episode of Sex and The City Here

    With such representations of BDSM you could argue that it is mainstreaming kink, but if you truly look at the portrayal, is it just acknowledging that it exists and not really normalizing it? Carrie talked about how in NYC restaurants needed to stay trendy, and this new S&M restaurant was trying to do that. By using the dangerous, outside the law, and taboo nature of BDSM, the restaurant is trying to attract people to come because it is such a rogue concept for a restaurant. This specific interaction with BDSM in a popular TV show does not show that BDSM is being normalized in culture. I think it shows the acknowledgment of its existence, but it turns it into a theatrical event rather than a fetish. Of course Samantha defends it as a sexual expression of freedom, but realistically the restaurant is using BDSM as a means to attract customers and make more money.

    The representation of how the girls interact with the waiter is interesting as well. Carrie uses her humor to try and deflect the idea that a man is serving her cosmos wearing nothing but leather underwear. Miranda and Charlotte don’t understand who would work in such a place, and Samantha endorses any type of sexual expression and believes it is healthy. The girls mainly focus on the clothes and the whipping, which are the common mainstream associations with BDSM. These different ways of looking at BDSM show that it is not normalized in mainstream media. In the Mainstreaming Kink article, Weiss discussed how “exposure to BDSM does not make its way fully into American sexualization. Bits of S&M move into mainstream but other bits stand on the outside.” 

    The show does not focus on branding or cutting or other more intense aspects of BDSM, instead it equates it to an idea of liberated fetish. It is clear that the girls are uneasy with the ideas of fetishes, and that while they were exposed to it for a couple of drinks, they were not normalized the different aspects of BDSM. In the end of the scene at the restaurant Samantha gives Carrie her top hat and whip to bring to her boyfriend, and when she arrives at his door he seems stunned and she has to reassure him that it is a joke. While it was in the 90’s I think this show captured how society tends to look at BDSM as a broad fetish where we have assumptions of whips and chains, but in reality the public isn’t informed on the topic and it is still considered a wild taboo.

Citations


Weiss, M. D. (2006). Mainstreaming kink: The politics of BDSM representation in US popular media. Journal of homosexuality, 50(2-3), 103-132.
 
“La Douleur Exquise!” Sex and the City: The Complete Second Season. Writ Darren Star, Michael Patrick King, and Candace Bushnell. Dir. Susan Seidelman. HBO DVD, 1998. DVD.

Media Literacy Pitfall?

       In our class discussions about media literacy we have come to conclusions that learning media literacy for anyone at any stage of their life would be worth while. Pinkleton's The Role of Media Literacy in Shaping Adolescents' Understanding of and Responses to Sexual Portrayals in Mass Media supports this idea in that their study showed participants who had media literacy training better understood  media influences regarding  decision making about sex. They were also more likely to indicate that sexual depictions in the media are inaccurate and glamorized. They also were better equipped to resist peer pressure. All of these things inform our understanding of media literacy as a completely positive program.
        However, a study done by Kristen Harrison (who happens to be my instructor for COMM 482) shows something interesting and its implications dispute the effectiveness of media literacy. Her study deals with adolescents and body consciousness. The study shows that telling adolescents that the idealized imagery they are looking at has been retouched actually makes their body satisfaction worse. So, in their case, they expected that making children wiser to the game that media was playing in terms of retouching images would make children better media consumers and be better off for it. However, their increased media savvy made them even more self conscious than before.
          The implications of this study challenge our belief that media literacy is always beneficial. Though the study focuses on body image and media, I think it would be interesting to translate the themes of the study into a more sexual-focused media study. It also raises the interesting idea of questioning whether or not it is a good thing to make people wise to the game that media plays. The idea that people are better off remaining ignorant to deceptive media practices is an idea not often thrown around in an academic setting, but is nonetheless very interesting. This is a link to the Harrison study: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15213269.2013.770354

Sources: 

 Pinkleton, B. E., Austin, E. W., Chen, Y. C. Y., & Cohen, M. (2012). The role of media literacy in shaping adolescents' understanding of and responses to sexual portrayals in mass media. Journal of health communication, 17(4), 460-476.


    Harrison, K., & Hefner, V. (2014). Virtually perfect: Image retouching and adolescent body image. Media Psychology, 17(2), 134-153.    

The Power Struggle

We are living in the day and age in which power is everything. It ranges from the fight for an egalitarian society to the struggle over who is going to forfeit power to the other person and text first. Power is a fickle entity, sometimes willingly conceded in BDSM sexual encounters where submission can be enjoyed, and at other times heavily grappled over, such as who has the most say in a relationship. We also know that these many mixed variations of the concept of power are passed onto society through media representations.

In the show Sex and the City, Season 1, Episode 5: “The Power of Female Sex,” Carrie explores the control she is discovering she and her female friends possess over men in their ability to consent to sex. She, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha are discussing their opinions on the matter. Samantha knows that a significant amount of the power she possesses in the cutthroat world of PR In New York City comes from her sexual attractiveness, thus her opinion, “Women have the right to use every means at their disposal to achieve power.” Needless to say, Charlotte and Miranda dispute this, arguing that sleeping to the top is exploitation. Samantha’s argument appears to be the strongest, however, and the rest of the episode shows how the women benefit from using their sexual prowess.

Ward found, “Tentative evidence is building that greater television exposure is linked directly to viewers’ sexual behavior” (Ward, 2003). This creates some worries regarding the messages this episode is sending to its malleable viewers. Sex is presented as a game of power, with female’s only power in this world coming from her ability to please her male counterparts by either withholding or pleasuring. Findings also “reveal strong and consistent associations between exposure levels and viewers’ perceptions. Greater exposure to sexually oriented genres (e.g., soaps, music videos) has been linked to viewers’ assumptions and expectations about the prevalence of sex and of certain sexual behaviors frequently depicted on TV” (Ward, 2003). So what does this mean if adolescents take the messages presented in this episode to be reality? It would create an environment where power in relationships is skewed and where women view their sexuality as an object.

References

Ward, L. M. (2003). Understanding the role of entertainment media in the sexual socialization of American youth: A review of empirical research. Developmental Review, 23(3), 347-388. doi: 10.1016/s0273-2297(03)00013-3