Objects of desire?

The main problems with film portraying women as sex objects within film is because of the degrading pre-conceived judgment, that are later attached to women in society. The notion that women must be naked and become a meaningless source of eye-candy in order to get their way to the top (job-wise) is arguably strange & unfair. Is it truly serving a purpose and contributing to the narrative? Of course it is the choice of the actress: but clearly providing women with weak roles makes this more difficult to be considered equal to men. Women as sex objects in film influences immensely with how women are within society, as the worldwide box office reaching $28.1 billion, (according to the MPAA), in 2008 clearly says something, this shows how film is increasingly popular around the globe- compared to the 5.2% over 2007. Surely this message cause’s people to undermine women’s power and believe that women can only be inferior to men? However, female directors such as Karen Gaviola (Lost, CSI), Sharon Maguire (Bridget Jones’ Diary) Jane Campion (The piano), place women within a more central role, however, the male perspective out weighs the female embodiment. It seems that the fastest way to make money quickly is an action packed film with a lot of sex & violence and then the ‘damsel in distress’ is saved. The end. Where’s the art gone?

The soap opera of Religion and Entertainment

Cards on the table: religion and entertainment do not belong in the same sentence. Well, today’s an exception. The major religions in the world today in some form or another have different approaches to music: Islam for example forbids any form of music except for calls to prayers, particularly singing ‘A person who sings will be put in the group of those people on whom Allah will not look with grace, on the Day of Judgement.’ Whereas Christianity actually praises music: ‘make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.’ Psalms 33:1-4. This issue is undeniably a profound subject, which many can identify with. With several up-coming and established artists within media entertainment today, in some shape or form incorporate religion into their music; however, with a purpose to serve the religion of course. Lupe Fiasco and Mecca 2 Medina, (both Muslim) Motisyahu (Judaism), Mary Mary & Kirk Franklin (Christianity) are artists that come to mind. Surely their righteous intentions aren’t to deliberately sin? It seems that many artists find it increasingly difficult to follow their religion the correct way and to make music at the same time, without disappointing God. At the end of the day, it merely depends on what the artist’s actions are and what their intentions are. Surely, embracing their religion within a certain way (particularly in Islam) shouldn’t be harmful, should it?