Saturday, February 9, 2013

Families encouragement of the feminine image


Relating to the Bartky writing and the creation of the idealized feminine image in our society and how we learn these behaviors from our families. “ A women must learn the proper manipulation of a large number of devices- the blow dryer, styling brush, curling iron, hot curlers, wire curlers, eye-liner, lip liner, lipstick brush, eyelash curler, mascara brush…” Most women are relatively competent in using these tools. Bartky suggests that we learn these behaviors through the number of magazines we are exposed to, but what encourages us to be drawn to these magazines? Part of it is society and part of it is our families. I have very solid memories of watching my mother and seeing her use these tools, from watching her I felt a desire to learn how to use the products and somehow become more of a female this way. Also, I have experienced and have heard other’s stories of the aunt that comments on your appearance. “When are you going to start wearing make up?” sort of questions, that make you wonder if you need to know. Through the desire of seeing someone use these products and other family members making you feel you need to be, girls start to look for how to figure it out. Which leads them to fashion magazines and the many modification that are encouraged in the magazines.
Joan Welch

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