Author: Alexandra Abney

Colorblind Casting: Is it as Inclusive as it Seems?

Colorblind Casting: Is it as Inclusive as it Seems?

Posted by | Apr 28, 2017 | , , , |

It is no secret that mainstream media suffers from the severe overemphasis of the white male point of view. Since the dawning of mass media, that seemed to be the only experience taken seriously and fully expressed. It is from this lack of representation that brought about the popular concept of colorblind, or “non-traditional”, casting. Ideally, with colorblind casting race would not be a factor of casting at all. Performers would be placed based on talent, not aesthetic. Of course, we do not live in an ideal world. Many of the reasons why it was conceptualized are the same...

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The Toxic Gay Best Friend

The Toxic Gay Best Friend

Posted by | Mar 31, 2017 | , , , |

You know Gay Best Friend? Oh come on, everyone knows Gay Best Friend. GBF is: white, conventionally attractive, a young adult, male, cis-gender, sassy, dramatic, feminine and, of course, gay. But not like, gay-ish like bisexual (liking two binary genders) or pansexual (attraction unaffected by gender identity). GBF is gay; he is only ever attracted to members of the same gender. Not that you would ever see GBF with a serious partner. He is always around to listen to his female best friend’s problems and love life but never seems to have any serious complications with his own. GBF...

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Literal Gender Performativity

Literal Gender Performativity

Posted by | Mar 11, 2017 | , , , |

Performativity of gender – a stylized repetition of acts, behaviors and mannerisms that is to mime the dominant societal conventions of gender In recent years, it has become more established in mainstream society that gender is a construct- a form of self-expression that is independent from biological sex. According to author and philosopher Judith Butler, gender is performative. It displays a series of social cues that easily alerts others as to personal gender identification. It allows society to use the labels that so many are comfortable using because they’re simple. It is not necessarily a performance, but it is...

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Social Evolution of Disney

Social Evolution of Disney

Posted by | Feb 17, 2017 | , |

Disney is one the America’s most beloved brands. Grown adults get in passionate debates about which animated film from their childhood is best. People hoard the VHS for the nostalgia it brings. Disney Channel shows like Lizzy McGuire, Even Stevens, The Suite Life of Zach and Cody, and many more are still loved by the kids who grew up with them. Disney has been a prominent brand in America for a long time: since 1923, in fact. Since it’s been around for so long, some of their older products certainly reflect the opinions of their times. While there is...

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