Sexual imagery can oftentimes be used as pleasure for an individual. In other cases, the creators of sexual imagery may either attempt at making the viewers uncomfortable or ask them to experience something out of the norm. Whether something be an artifact or an individual, equally they share the possibility of defying social norms. This means that an artifact or an individual may be seen as weird, unjust, offensive or threatening. When dealing with social norms one is faced with social critiques and social challenges. A social critique is when two different variables are perhaps consuming the same idea presented them, however depending on the individual perspectives, they may view the same idea completely differently. For example, when a product such as a bandaid is offered to a white - American she may think nothing of it as she puts it on her skin. While an African - American may notice that the color of the generic bandaid does not match their skin color, therefore have a justified feeling towards this product. Similar to social critique, social challenge is when either an artifact or an individual, chooses to step away from what is normal in society and instead challenge its values and morality. An example of a social challenge may be an older man dating or sleeping with an under-age girl. This is not only illegal but also many people within society would not find this socially acceptable.
Author L. Kipnis describes in an article discussing pornography that almost all people agree that rejection evokes stronger emotions than pleasure. When applying this idea to social critique and social challenges, when society rejects an idea then it is not meant to be consumed as pleasure. I believe society constructs such rejections based on the majority of the people believing it is unsatisfying or defies their morals and values. Below I have posted specific artifacts that display sexual imagery in a way that I strongly reject as a member of this Western American society.
Kipnis, L. (1992). (Male) desire and (female) disgust: reading Hustler. In L. Grossberg
First, beginning with a photograph which displays an almost naked woman. This woman is suggesting risque and provocative behavior by adjusting her body in a specific way as well as playing with her underwear (or lack thereof). Her head tilted slightly downwards and mouth open further suggests a sexual suggestion. This image challenges my societal perspective even more by being built like a man. I believe that women should be feminine, soft and nonthreatening. This woman's body instead addresses aggressive behavior and a sense of maleness. I do not believe that women as body builders are socially accepted and instead challenge the ideas of how a woman should be framed.
Image courtesy of Lion Head Studios
These next two images are meant to be looked at as a comparison. In this first advertisement, you can see it is only men and supposed to be used as a marketing strategy to sell Dolce & Gabbana's clothing, accessories, etc. Instead, I am focused on the implied content. From look left to right, you will notice a man beginning to undress himself - then, an unclothed man lying helplessly on the floor, looking lifeless - while to the far right, two men appearing to gaze at his genitals and inspect his nude body. Nothing about this ad allows me to recognize exactly what they're trying to sell. In this case, it's as if they're selling the male body. This challenges societal norms because society places this idea that men are not sexual property, but instead women are.
The second ad displays almost exactly the opposite, a woman being showed as sexual property. Again, I cannot identify which product they are trying to advertise. The woman appears to be held against her will which in fact complies with societal norms. Meaning that, women in my society are not dominate or in charge. The first advertisement challenges society more heavily because it is seen as abnormal for men to displayed in such a way, however for women I may not think twice if I saw this advertisement while flipping through a magazine.
Image courtesy of Adrants.com
Image courtesy of Guys Underwear
This next artifact is one that I found to be extremely disturbing. Not only does the girl look way too young to be engaging in sexual activity, she also seems to be held against her will. This advertisement is also hard to clarify exactly the message because is it that the man pinning her down is on meth paying $15 for sex... or that she is on meth and sleeping with men for money? Regardless this displays to me that 1. paying for sex challenges society. 2. meth and other drugs are not socially accepted. 3. again, women are not in control of their sexual actions.
Image courtesy of Math Fail
This next artifact, Christina Aguilera's music video for "Dirrty" is rather a better example of social critique than it is social challenge. For example, for a male to watch this video it may enhance pleasure or a likeness to not only the provocative lyrics but also the lack of clothing and cleanliness. Her clothing is extremely inappropriate and would definitely be looked at as abnormal if she were to walk down the street in such apparel. Furthermore, her likeness for being dirty, sweaty and gross is repulsive. Her continuous thrusts and sexual attitude disturbs me. Therefore, my perspective or critique of this music video is most likely far different than from the perspective of a male (or another variable).
Image courtesy of Sorority Life
Watch the video here: Christina Aguilera "Dirrty"
Finally, my last artifact is also meant to display an example of social critique. This can be looked at from multiple perspectives. One perspective may be from a child. A child's favorite show could be Sesame Street and they adore the characters Bert and Ernie. They may see them as fun, best friends and very affectionate with each other (such as giving hugs). While a parent may recognize their behavior as being a little more friendly than what they deem as appropriate. Therefore, the two perspectives of a child and a parent can easily be critiqued as entirely different. There has been much speculation as to whether Sesame Street was implying that Bert and Ernie were romantic partners or homosexual muppets. This would also be challenging society because the majority of our society recognize homosexual relationships as being wrong or strange and that children should not be exposed to such concepts.
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