representationofwomeninmedia

[representationofwomeninmedia]

A transgender woman is just as much of a woman as a cis women. But does our society see it that way? Specifically do men see it that way. See in our society we have this thing called a heteronormative matrix. “What is a heteronormative matrix?”, you may ask. To break it down in its simplest form within this matrix being a “man” is being attracted to woman and reproducing with a woman. To be a woman in this matrix, it’s being attracted to a man and reproducing with a man. Anyone who fall outside of this matrix isn't considered to be “normal”. But what is normal? Well, in our society for woman; being “normal” means being straight and cis. So, what happens when you're neither of  these? Well, for starters you are rarely represented in the media. When reading Redefining Realness Julian says, “While it is important that the public encounters and understands transgender identities and the various experiences with discrimination that transgender women of color face on a regular basis, it is also important to understand that not all transwomen have the same experience or relationship to their transgender identity” (Glover 2016). One of the biggest issues is lack of understanding which is then followed by ignorance.  Are their cis women who are against this transgendered women? Of course, however a majority of the backlash transgender women receive is from cis men. See the issue is they understand. And that lack of understanding is what  leads to their ignorance. It leads to their transphobia. It cause them to try and and tell transgender women that they're not “really a woman”. I have always strongly believe in everyone is entitled to their own opinions. However, when ones “opinion” is actually one person trying to hurt someone else with their words and ignorance, that is the issue. Now, the representation of transgender women in the media has definitely gotten better over the years. But we’re not quite where we need to be. There has been more negative representation of transgender women than positive. “Negative or problematic representation may sensationalize or exploit transgender people. Comical caricatures of transvestites and cross-dressers are common” (Phillips, 22), “as are depictions of transgender people as criminals” (Shelley, 25) “as well as "sex workers, mentally ill ... and as unlovable" (Davis, 8, pp. 16–17). “Additionally, information provided in media about transgender people may frequently be inaccurate, incomplete, or biased or ignore historical context (Chiland,  4; Shelley, 25). If we are going to represent these women we need to represent them correctly. We do so by educating ourselves. How can we represent someone we don't understand? Are we representing them or our own ideas and opinions of them. And it’s pretty clear what those opinions are based on the negative representations that are seen in the media. We cannot represent a group of people based off of our own opinions. We must represent them authentically.

[representationofwomeninmedia]

In trans women’s eyes, I see a wisdom that can only come from having to fight for your right to be recognized as female, a raw strength that only comes from unabashedly asserting your right to be feminine in an inhospitable world.

Julia Serano

[representationofwomeninmedia]

Stop what you’re doing. Go to google images, and search “beautiful women”. What is the majority of what you see? “Media, as a social institution that is largely White-owned and controlled, has historically been and remains rooted in oppressive racial ideology” (Cammarota, 2011; Chidester, 2008; Moshin & Jackson, 2011; Projansky & Ono, 1999; Watts, 2005). In this context, “Whites became the gazers, those who controlled what was seen and how it was seen,” while people of color, “became the ‘looked at,’ not ‘the lookers’” (Yancy & Ryser, 2008, p. 732). Within our society what is considered beautiful is associated with “White”. It’s seen all over social media, movies, etc. Then when Black and Brown women are represented in media, many times it is exploiting their bodies. This is oftentimes done through their appearance in music videos as dancers, models, etc. In "Where My Girls At?": Negotiating Black Womanhood in Music Videos Rana says, “African American women have a significant presence in hip-hop, and in black popular culture, and in music videos, where they appear as dancers; models; and significantly, as performers” (Emrson 2002). This has become the norm within our society. People need to understand that Black and Brown Women are more than just their bodies; especially men. Black and Brown women are just recently becoming more represented in media (in a positive way), but us as a society are not where we need to be. 

[representationofwomeninmedia]

Why can't all different types of women be considered beautiful? Why can't we all be considered possible love interests?

Margaret Cho

[representationofwomeninmedia]

Laverne Cox & Caityln Jenner

[representationofwomeninmedia]

Dear Beautiful Black Queens… Never underestimate the beauty of just being YOU. Being your authentic self is powerful, sexy, and courageous!

Stephanie Lahart

[representationofwomeninmedia]

Everyone is both sexes in varying degrees. I am more of a woman than a man.

Christine Jorgensen

[representationofwomeninmedia]