Juno Movie Analysis Essay

Juno Movie Analysis Essay Females have been stereotyped, from the prefect wife to the maid.. Whatever the role, television, film and popular magazines are full of images of women and girls who are typically white, desperately thin, with flawless skin. However, female stereotypes continue to thrive in the media we consume every day. In 2007, director Jason Reitman, brought fourth into the world A comedy about growing up And the bumps along the way. It started as an independent film phenomenon but soon grew into a motion picture that captured the hearts and minds of millions of people. The movie was entitled Juno. Juno reflects the changing gender issues and social attitudes regarding teenage pregnancy. Since the movie was release, there have been quite a few television shows with teen pregnancy as the main theme, namely ABC Familys The Secret Life of the American Teenager in 2008 and MTVs Sixteen and Pregnant in 2008 and Teen Mom in 2010. Twenty years ago, movies and TV shows showing teenage pregnancy in such a positive light would have been seen as some kind of dislike and probably never have aired. If the issues of teenage pregnancy were to have come up at all, it would have been seen with very negative connotations. Juno opens the doors for TV shows such as the one mention above and changes the dominant ideology reflecting the change in social attitudes regarding teenage pregnancy and gender roles. Juno tells the story of teenager, Juno McGruff who becomes pregnant after a sexual encounter with her friend Paulie Bleeker. Upon making her mind either keep the baby, have the baby and give it up for adoption, or to have an abortion, Juno decides to have the baby and to give it up for adoption. The rest of the movie goes on to telling the story of Junos pregnancy, including telling her parents that she is pregnant, the process of selecting a family in which to give her child to, her changing relationship with Paulie, and her daily life and struggles as a pregnant high school student. In the end, the parents in which Juno decided to give her baby to, Mark and Vanessa, end up getting a divorce. Yet, Juno still decided to give her baby to Vanessa in the end. This is one of the biggest ways that I think Juno represents the changing gender roles. Aside from one minor meltdown toward the end of the movie, Juno seems to deal with her unplanned pregnancy in a somewhat cheerful, sarcastic ma nor. This shows that an unplanned pregnancy, something that would have been seen as almost unforgivable and an act that would ruin any young womans reputation, nowadays is seen as an almost normal event, even though it may not be the most common. This also shows the evolution of gender roles and values in modern cinema. Finally is the issue of how casual sex is depicted in the film. Juno and Paulie were not in any kind of formal relationship, at least, not at the beginning of the movie, when they had sex and Juno got pregnant. While Juno and Paulie do engage in casual sex, Juno is never called an offensive name, nor does it ever mention that she has been with any other partners in the movie. This depiction of a casual encounter is yet another example of changing gender roles and values within the depiction of teenage women in the media. As most of us know by now, when a girl enters adolescence, she faces a series of loss and changes, the loss of self confidence and not to mention the body changes. As psychologist have pointed out in recent years, adolescent girls in American are afflicted with a range of problem, including low self- esteem, eating disorders, binge drinking, date rape and other dating violence, teen pregnancyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦(Gilligan). Jessica L. speaks of the specific issues with the film in her paper, Sexual Subjectivity: A Semiotic Analysis of Girlhood, Sex and Sexuality in the Film Juno. While situating sexual desire, biological possibilities, and social responses to girls engagement in sexual intercourse at the center of its plot, Juno depicts the transgressive sexual agency of a young girl without substantially disrupting longstanding discourses of femininity. Though an analysis of the semiotics of girlhood within the film, [she] argue[s] that the girl figure in this representation signifies an [combination] of two traditionally [categorized] concepts of femininity. Juno serves as a particularly intriguing example of the ways in which adolescent female sexuality is conceptualized within western culture during the early part of the 21st century (Willis). In her paper, she goes on to commend Diablo Cody, writer of Juno for her representation of Juno, in a visual era lacking widespread representations of strong youth female characters not sexually objectified or singularly defined by their interest in romance (Willis). The way Juno is portrayed as a female character that is not overtly sexualized starts with her basic appearance. Rather than a stereotypical depiction of the female body as a sexual object, sexual desire is visibly expressed and acted upon by the girl character (Willis). The fact that Juno was the one to initiate the sexual contact with Paulie challenges the traditional beliefs of gender roles in the area of teenage sexuality. In the movie Juno, teenage pregnancy is also being displayed in the almost positive way. In other media, pregnancy is displayed showing some kind of negative effect. The way media shows any kind of issue is usually a direct reflection of social values. Angela McRobbie addresses this issue in her book Feminism and Youth Culture. The diversification of forms of media and the sophisticated [shake-up] of various categories of audience require that, while a consensual social morality might still be a political objective, the chances of it being delivered directly through the channels of the media are much less certain (McRobbie). But the question still remains, is media influencing the way we think regard teenage pregnancy, or is it a correct reflection of our changing attitudes? I believe that the media influences the way we think of any issue in this case teen pregnancy. The authors of the article Suddenly Teen Pregnancy is Cool? suggest perhaps a little of both. While they do point out all the instances of teenage pregnancy in recent years of popular culture, Movies like Knocked Up and Waitress, and celebrity moms including Nicole Richie and Jessica Alba, are part of a trend thats sweeping teen culture along with it: American Idol star Fantasia Barrino became a mom at 17, and the last season of Degressi: The Next Generation ended with Emma realizing that she might be pregnant. The media is awash in it, says David Landry, senior research associate at the Guttmacher Institute in New York, a non-profit organization focused on sexual and reproductive health (Gulli). In Conclusion, Juno decides to avoid traditional family roles and still gives her child to Vanessa, even though she and Mark are divorcing. It is not unusual to see a single working mother nowadays, especially more so now than thirty years ago. Even single working mothers are shown more frequently in the media such as in Gilmore Girls and the new show Parenthood. Through the examples of traditional family roles being challenged by Juno still giving Vanessa her baby, a positive representation of unwanted teenage pregnancy, and showing casual sex between teenagers, it is clear that the release of Juno opens the doors for TV shows such as the one mention above and changes the dominant ideology reflecting the change in social attitudes regarding teenage pregnancy and gender roles. We just need to remember like Margaret Mead once said, today our children are not brought up by parents, they are brought up by the mass media (mead).

The Effect of Anorexia on Teen Girls :: essays research papers

What is Anorexia? Anorexia Nervosa, or, ana, is and eating disorder where people starve themselves. Anorexia usually begins in teens, or those nearing puberty. People with anorexia have extreme weight loss, usually 15% below the person's normal body weight. Anorexics have many varieties of losing weight, some of which include intake of laxatives, over-exercising, and not eating. Symtoms of Anorexia Physical Symptoms There are many symtoms of anorexia. Some are visible changes, like extreme weight loss. Others involve the inside of the body. The symptoms of anorexia are: Avoiding eating Denying hunger Avoiding social occasions involving food Food rituals to eat less, such as eating in secret, Eating foods in a certain order, excessive chewing, playing with food, and eating unnaturally small amounts of food Dramatic weight loss Refusing to gain weight Denial Obbsessing over diets and weight loss Excessive weighing, and obbsessing over small changes in weight Fear of gaining weight, and/or being fat Distorted body image EX)Perception of being over-weight, when actually underweight Basing their worthiness on appearence and body image Obbsessing over excercise routine Changes in Behavior Anorexia can induce many behavioral changes as well. Insomnia Mood Swings Depression Intense feelings of lonliness Sneaky behaviors involving food Emotional outbursts Fear of others opinions on their eating disorder Withdraw from daily life Causes of Anorexia Possible Causes Cultural Pressures - In many societies, Being extremely thin is important for women, and represents beauty, succsess, happiness, and self-control. Women are targeted with messages form the media that they must diet to meet this standard. But, this "ideal" body image is almost impossible to reach for most women, leaving them very dissatisfied with their body image. Mental Issues - Psychological characteristics that can make a person more likely to develop anorexia include: Low self-esteem, feelings of being worthless, poor, or distorted body image, depression, difficulty expressing emotions, a need for control, obbsessing over perfection, physical or sexual abuse, a need to feel special or unique. People who are driven to lose weight are often determined in other areas of life, such as schoolwork, career, physical fitness, and/or exercise. Family Enviroment - Some personal lifestyles can contribute to the development of eating disorders as well. Families with anorexic or bulimia can sometimes be: Overprotective, strict, and over-worrying. Other family issues that can lead to the devolopment of eating disorders are: Valueing body image and appearence too much, criticizing a child's weight or body shape, and being sexually or physically abused. Genetic Factors - Anorexia occurs eight times more often in people who know, or have realatives with an eating disorder. But, scientists don't know what the inherited factor is yet.

My Expectation of Women Role

Throughout the centuries, a woman's role in the society has been dictated by the needs of the then more powerful male gender. The male dictated role of women centered around the predominant needs of the men in the society such as needing a woman to keep house, prepare their meals, and continue the blood line of the males. Women in those times where not allowed to have any lofty dreams and ambition that leaned towards their self learning and fulfillment as an individual with their own rights and needs.This is not to say that all women of today are career oriented. There are still those who wish to become regular housewives and fall into the traditional definition of a married woman. Then, there are those who would rather have a career or a career and a family. Clearly, the expectation men and society now have of the females have continued to evolve and become something that is now acceptable to most men. It has been proven by the period of time known as Women's Suffrage, that women ha ve always wanted to be in an equal partnership with men and they were willing to fight tooth and nail, endure embarrassment, ridicule and jail time, in order to win that acceptance and rights. Now, women clearly work alongside men as an equal in all aspects of society. This, they accomplish even while maintaining their traditional role as homemakers.Forbes Magazine recently came out with their list of the richest and most powerful women in the world. That magazine issue is a testament to how the expectations of women in today's world have changed dramatically. Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, Katie Couric, Barbara Walters, are all but a few of the women today who wield extra ordinary power in the boardroom. Women have proven their worth in all fields of business, research, music, and other various fields. No longer are the descriptions; President and CEO reserved for powerful men. It has become a non-sexist term to define who calls the shots in the company.Oprah Winfrey and Martha Ste wart are self made billionaires and millionaires who worked long and hard to reach the pinnacles of their successful careers. Let us not forget there are also markets where only a woman can be expected to deliver the business needs of the company. The cosmetics field is a major area where only women can be expected to deliver the goods. Pioneering women knew how to succeed in a business area that men had no idea how to penetrate. Fashion and cosmetic companies such as Liz Claiborne, Donna Karan, and Mary Kay were all founded by visionary women of the times they lived in.These women have proven that with the help of dreams, ambitions, a go-getter attitude, and the will to succeed, nothing can stop a woman from achieving a successful career. As such, the women also become important contributors to the development of society at large. A solid example of this concept is the way the Mary Kay Cosmetics company came into being.Founded by Mary Kay Ash, she took ideas she had learned from me n and employed ordinary housewives who evolved into successful businesswomen. Their trademark prize for successful employees, the Pink Cadillac was the status symbol of its time. It signified an independent and successful woman. The Mary Kay agents showed the world that women could use their own ability for successful careers and become important assets to companies.Obviously, human resources also continue to increase by using skilled female labor, a notion much realized in both government and private sectors. Taking advantage of certain abilities brought by women allows achievements on a much more efficient and diverse progression in societal development. These also help in dispelling the old sexist norms that the male thinking of the past put into place. People become more open minded, escaping the trap of ignorance and prejudice. This change in gender roles can also be seen as a reaction to previous and existing economic conditions.This development of the woman’s work ethi c and role is seen as a way for women to break free of the old traditions women were forced to endure in the past because men controlled the world. Women are no longer repressed and have found their voice to declare their freedom and independence. Women now have the choice to be plain housewives or career-housewives. Being at home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is no longer the way to judge the capabilities of wives and mothers.Career wives and mothers have successfully blended their work and home needs seamlessly and have proven that with proper time management, a woman can do what is needed from her. Women are now the examples of their families. They are the examples that their daughters emulate and the training ground for their sons to learn how to treat women when they grow up.   Daughters now have a chance to realize what they have to do in their future, and motivate themselves.If the wife stays with her traditional household position, it could possibly perpetuate the sexist n otion that a woman’s place is limited. For example, in poor family, the wife must also work hard with her husband to support their families. If the children are at a mature age, they can notice their household’s economy and parental support easily. At some point they will understand the tired look on their parent’s faces after a long day of work, and relate their heavy school loads.To some children this motivates them to want to pick up their slack and chip in to help by getting a part time job. Getting a better education not because their parents want them to, but because by that point they are mature enough to see that even when their parents had to lay down the law for their own good to get higher salary job, that at that point not only it was for themselves but for the better of mankind and perhaps to take care of them when they grow old and need that help in return.Every child always wants their parents to be happy. Next example, if the mother is a great ex ecutive person and works in company, it would inspire her children. One of purpose of our lives is to go over our parent’s position. That’s why I believe that they give positive image to children.I foresee that women's roles in the future will be even further enhanced. The differences that used to be in place, as set by man shall be torn down and men and women will continue to compete for jobs and places in society on ever equaling grounds. . This mentality will surely create a better society by setting positive examples for future generations. Women such as Hillary Rodham Clinton and Nancy Pellosi have given a strong voice of motivation and representation to many that are still victims of ignorance. They and many others show, without a doubt in mind, that this trend towards equality is hard earned, yet worth it in the end.Work CitedDaily M., Catherine. † The Evolution of the American Woman – R – Equality in the Workplace – Women in Businessà ¢â‚¬ .   Business Horizons. March-April, 1993

Is the Death Penalty Necessary Free Essay Example, 1500 words

According to Gilligan, â€Å"there is a great deal of evidence that is at least consistent with the conclusion that capital punishment is more likely to stimulate violence than to prevent it† (751). In other words, this legalized revenge leads to a tightening of manners, for all participants get used to the murder and that murder is normal. As a result, people can easily kill other people, because human life is devalued. Section 3. On the contrary, it seems that the death penalty is moral. For as Pojman says, â€Å"the death penalty as punishment for the most serious crimes is morally justified† (51). Pojman bases his position on the idea that every person has the right to a moral choice. People can commit either kind or cruel acts based on their moral choice. Intentional killing of an innocent human being is so evil that it justifies the death penalty against the killer. No one has the right to deprive an innocent human being of his/her life. Anyone who dares to do it is to die. The validity of the death penalty is that the killer is deprived of the right to life when he/she commits his/her cruel act by killing an innocent person. We will write a custom essay sample on Is the Death Penalty Necessary or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now The killer loses the opportunity to have human rights including the right to life. The fact of a murder automatically gives the opportunity to apply an appropriate punishment by death. This view is consistent with the theory of retributivism. This theory suggests three main ideas: 1) the offender must be punished, 2) the punishment should be applied only to the offender, that is, the person who actually committed the crime, and 3) the offender deserves the punishment, proportional to the severity of his/her crime. In addition, it seems that the death penalty is moral because the death penalty brings frees the society from dangerous criminals. In particular, according to the English philosopher John Locke, â€Å"restraint and reparation are said to be what justify punishment† (Calvert 215-216). As it is known, many criminals are prone to recidivism, which means that out of prison, they can continue killing innocent people. The death penalty is thus a way that prevents the possibility of committing new murders by a criminal. Finally, it seems that the death penalty is moral because it is a proof of the desire of society to protect the value of the lives of innocent people. In fact, â€Å"disrespect for the sanctity of life must be punished† (Rodriguez). The practice of the death penalty should not be considered as an inhumane phenomenon. On the contrary, the death penalty indicates that society cannot forgive the murder of an innocent person, because his/her life is priceless and as well as other people, this person has the right to life.