Asians in the Media
http://www.asiansinmedia.org/news/article.php/television/1628
This article is about the representation of the new Asian family in Eastenders, and how it is positive thing that the BBC is showing an Asian family since the Ferrias left. The number of Asians represented in Eastenders is not accurate, considering there meant to be reprsented the 'East End' of London.
http://www.asiansinmedia.org/2009/01/29/zee-ties-up-with-asian-woman-for-carnival/
This article is about the Zee carnival, it shows how the fashion bridal show 'Asian Woman'(advertising bridal wear). This is big sponor for the show is presente dAsians in a good light.
http://www.asiansinmedia.org/2009/02/09/slumdog-millionaire-wins-big-at-baftas/
Slumdog wins big at the Baftas. Slumdog Millionaire won, 7 awards at the Baftas, making it the most successful Indian based Brit sh film made. The representations of Indians living in India i believe are accurate and not over and under exaggerated. Slumdog, will be watching by millions now that it has won so many Baftas and loads poeple will be able to see how Indians really live in Inida.
Monday, 9 February 2009
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Draft
How are Asian women represented in the film ‘Provoked’?
‘‘Kiranjit finds herself behind bars and her punishment is lifetime imprisonment but she is instead relived. Why? Because behind bars she finally found life…freedom’’
In the 21st Century there has been a great amount of change in the Asian lifestyle of living. Asian women however have always been seen as 2nd class citizens by their partners and in the eyes of the law- looking back into the 19th Century, and dominantly portrayed within Bollywood movies.
In turn, Provoked (2006, Jag Mundhrah) allows audiences to address the issue of domestic violence and rape, ‘‘within certain limits aggressive male behaviour is accepted as normal part of everyday life’’ [1] amongst Asian women. The film creates awareness of what potentially occurs within Asian family households. Provoked belongs with British drama genre, even though having elements of Indian/Bollywood film styles. These elements therefore add to the authenticity of the film as they allow Provoked to attract a wider audience and attempt to create consciousness amongst different ethnical cultures.
Within Bollywood films women are typically represented as weak and ‘‘passive females’’ [2], with males having full control over them. This was widely represented in the powerful Mother India (1957, Mehboob Khan) where the protagonist is shown to be susceptible at the start of the film, but then it concludes with her fighting back for women’s’ justice. This is also the case within Provoked-4 decades later, where Kiranjit Ahluwalia (played by Aishwarya Rai) is seen to be passive and vulnerable, serving 10 years of physical and mental abuse, which threatened her life but with the help of Southall Black Sisters she manages to find freedom and impartiality.
Aishwarya Rai, one of the biggest globally known women within film, is more commonly known for playing major roles within Bollywood movies. In films such as Devdas and Umrao Jaan where she is seen to be an ‘‘object of desire’’ [3] Aiswarya Rai seemed to appeal to the target audience of escapist males and females, with Devdas taken a spectacular £466,370 in its opening weekeing in Britain, furthermore making it the most successful Bollywood film ever made.
[1]Lewis Glen, 1983: Real Men like Violence: Australian Men, Media and Violence. Kenhurst: Kangaroo press (pg 11)
[2]-Mulvey, Laura, 1975: Visual Pleasures and Narrative Cinema
[3]- Mulvey, Laura, 1975: Visual Pleasures and Narrative Cinema
In contrast Provoked only took £140,104 in the box office in its opening weekend, which could be due to the fact audiences were not appeal to the actress when playing a more serious abusive role. Having Aishwarya Rai play such a dominant role in Provoked, attracts a much larger target audience to the film, in both western and eastern parts of the world. Furthermore, the use of Punjabi language throughout the film helps bring out the element of Indian cinema, which adds to the realism, as well as allowing audiences to help relate to Kiranjit as the victim.
According to the National Office of Statistics, Asians have become one of the fastest growing ethnicities in Britain today, with two million Asians in Britain by the end of 1999, an increase of more than half a million since the 1991 Census. Moreover, Asians have become a large proportion of the UK population and now are recognised by ‘the power of the brown pound’. This can be related to the proposal of how Asian films have be been increased vastly ‘over the last twenty years, attitudes in Britain towards Asian cultures have shifted, as has the taste of mainstream audiences for Asian-themed films’ [4] an example of this is through the success of films such as: ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ (Gurinder Chadha, 2002) ‘Bride and Prejudice’ (Gurinder Chadha, 2004), ‘East is East’ (Damien O’ Donnell, 1999).
‘East is East’ [5] also tackles issues of domestic violence amongst Asian women, as we see the female Ella being brutally beaten by her Pakistani husband, George. ‘‘Asian men are sexist pigs who expect their wives to stay in the kitchen, not speak unless being spoken to, walk five paces behind their husband, and bear as many children as necessary until they give their husband a son.”[6]. George is represented as a very old fashioned dominant Asian husband, who expects his wife and children to respect him at all times. He conforms to the views of Asian men, that if they do not get their way they will resort to violence as a way to give them power and masculinity.
The stereotypical representation of an exploited Asian female is also a common image in a number of British Asian texts such as, ‘Bhaji on the Beach’ [7] (Gurinder Chadha 1993) and ‘East is East’ [8] (Damien O'Donnell1999) where patriarchal values are evidently present.
[4]-//www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/475617/
[5]-http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166175
[6]- http://www.bitterasianmen.com/parents.html
[7]- Bhaji on the beach. Gurinder Chadha (1993)
[8]- East is East. Damien O'Donnell (1999)
‘‘Asians as a social group now encompass ‘3.5% of the population.’’ [9]Nevertheless, they are still often excessively under-represented on-screen with Asians and other ethnic minorities often playing the roles of ‘token’ characters. Men were more likely to be assertive, whilst women were more likely to be passive. Men were seen as: Adventurous, active, and victorious. Women were shown as being: Weak, ineffectual, victimised, supportive, laughable or 'merely token females'. [10]
‘Under a patriarchal regime, women are, by definition, excluded from positions of power and authority’ [11]. Women were portrayed as submissive objects and were seen to be inferior towards males, as they were seen to be ‘breadwinners’. Women are dependant on males, as they are physically stronger then women, and the females are physically seen to be inferior towards them. ‘Provoked’ shows how Kiranjit; the female protagonist is dependant on her husband and this is why she suffered with 10 years of physical and mental abuse, which threatened her life before setting out her revenge.
''Media still replay the Madonna/whore dichotomy, and focus in a way untypical of any other crime on the victim or, as support groups now prefer to characterize her, 'the survivor’’[12]. Aishwarya Rai could symbolize ‘The Madonna’ through her costume and body language. She is represented as timid and quiet, not revealing her body or figure in any sexual way. She is portrayed as the perfect housewife whom just caters for her husband, whilst still getting vigorous abusive off him. This supports the idea that Asian women tend stick by their husbands just not to bring a bad name upon the family as this is culturally forbidden.
Stereotypes come from ideas and beliefs of one, which can be either negative or positive. As Provoked is based on a true story the representation of Deepak Ahluwalia seems to be fair as it is coming from ones first hand experience. Asian men are represented as being dominate and controlling in Provoked. In contrast some of the Dominant stereotypes of Asian men characterise them as effeminate (frail, meek, and passive) or as sexual deviants [13] this is something that Rudyard Kipling (the author of ‘The jungle book’) also quotes by saying Asian men are cowardly.
[9]- http://www.bl.uk/collections/business/asiandemographics.html
[10]-David Guntlett, Representation of Gender in the Past (2002)
[11]- A. Cranny-Francis, P.Stavropoulos, J.Kirkby (2003) Palagrave Macmillan Publishing’s: Gender Studies Terms and Debates (page 244)
[12]- Macdonald Myra: 1995: Representing Women- Myths of Femininity in the Popular Media- Hodder Arnold (Page 187)
[13]- Lee, Jenifer (2004) Routledge Publishings Asian American Youth: Culture, Identity and ethnicity pg 129
However, this is different to what Deepak was represented as, as he was shown to be very masculine and powerful- which was different to the typical stereotype suggested my Kipling.
In addition Asian men are stereotyped as being ‘sexually undesirable’ [14] and this is represented in a scene where Kiranjit is forced to sleep with Deepak, simply due to the fact she is his wife and should obey what her husband wants.
Asians mainly came to Britain in the 1970s, where South Asians came to immigrate to the United Kingdom. When they did come there was a lot of racism targeted at them, ‘The term racism… is frequently used to express patriotic fervour and straightforward ignorance about other cultures’ [15] this was typical amongst Asians and were classified by the term ‘‘No Blacks, No Dogs, and No Irish’’[16]. However, now Asians have gained sufficient social power and economic status in Britain. Provoked deals with colonialism in terms of the relationship between east and west. Deepak could be said to have the outlook in life and attitudes to do with his family and cultural backgrounds. Homi Bhabha has said to have believed that it is not a case for Britain vs. India, but instead there is a ‘‘Third Space and Hybridity.’’[17]
Feminism has helped to show how Asian culture has developed because in the film Provoked we see that Kiranjit was helped out by the local ‘Southall Black Sisters’, which was a non-profit organization which was established in 1979 to meet the needs of black (Asian and African-Caribbean) women. Kiranjit was their first case, which they helped to free and get her released from her husband’s murder. Without the help of Southall Black Sisters, it was unlikely that Kiranjit would have been freed, so because of organizations like that- Asian culture is becoming more open, due to the issues and awareness raised in Provoked it may help other women in Kiranjit’s position feel at ease about speaking about their abusive.
The Mise-en- Scene in Provoked, particularly Aishwaria Rais’ costumes replicate on her compliance and fidelity towards her husband. She is always seen wearing tradition Indian dress, salwar kameez, along with typical Asian bangles and her wedding necklace, to symbolise she is a married woman.
[14]-Lee, Jenifer (2004) Routledge Publishing’s Asian American Youth: Culture, Identity and ethnicity pg 129
[15]- Mason, David, (2000) Race and Ethnicity, Modern Britain Publishers (Page 9)
[16]http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/seth_freedman/2007/01/no_blacks_no_dogs_no_irish.
[17] Bhabha, Homi (2004) Routledge Publishing’s: The Location of Culture pg 402
This portrays the idea to the audience that even though she was born and raised in India and now living in Britain, she still has her cultural backgrounds, and this could be one of reasons why she has not confronted Deepak for all the abusive over the last 10years. She conforms to the idea that Asian women are just there to serve their husbands and are completely passive towards them.
The 20th century has become over ruled by female independence and their portrayal of being somewhat equal to men to a certain extent. Various mainstream Bollywood films such as ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)’ and ‘Dil to Paghal Hai (1997)’ have promoted women as being powerful and challenging patriarchal society. Kiranjit’s character in Provoked also challenges Mulvey’s theory of the male gaze, that women are ‘objectified for sexual imagery’ or just simply ‘sex objects’. Kiranjit challenges this stereotype as they is not just merely an object for desire, but instead a powerful woman, who raised the courage and strength to finally stand up to her abusive husband. However you may argue that she was still represented as the pretty, sincere and innocent housewife whom obeys her husband, which has been done to appeal to male audiences.
Provoked begins with the main characters conforming to stereotypical representations of both Asian men and women. Deepak is portrayed an alcoholic and physically abusive to his wife and Kiranjit is shown to be a typical housewife, taking care of her family and the home. ‘Women are often stereotyped as subservient to men, whether they are considered to be the dumb bimbo or a housewife, legitimizing their inferior position. [18]. Furthermore when the films narrative moves on the audience see the typical conventions of Kiranjit being challenged- as she breaks the norms and values of main stream Bollywood cinema, where we experience a female fighting back for her independence and freedom from her husband. Kiranjit does not follow the conventional qualities of an Asian woman shown in films. Contrasting from classical Bollywood movies Provoked positions the audience to see the narrative through the female perspective, this helps create sympathy and a relationship to the audience and the character.
‘Mother India (1957)’ and Provoked similarly begin with a flashback sequence of both protagonists in the films. Nargis, the female character of Mother India is portrayed as being strong and patriotic however the audience are also made aware that she is illiterate and the start of the film. This is also the case with Kiranjit from Provoked, but she is shown to be vulnerable and weak. Due to the fact that both women are illiterate they both suffer hardship through-out their lives. With both films portraying illiteracy in a different ways, it helps to emphasise the importance of education to the audience, as well as helping Asian women to develop academically- in order to help them achieve in life and stand up for themselves.
More recent films such as, ‘Metro (2006)’ and ‘Umrao Jaan(2002)' have clearly shown the changes of women in Bollywood films, decades ago. Women have become independent of their lives and have more control of what they do. This is what women fought for after world war two in the 1960s: ‘Second wave’. This refers to an increase in feminist activity, where women thrived to increase their status and create an individuality of their own. This act was formed to give women better righs and a say in society, moreover this is something that Asian women are now seen to be doing.
To conclude, women’s representations have changed vastly over the years, with them being portrayed as active individuals towards their husbands rather than just inferior as was seen in film decades ago. This was displayed through Provoked, where Kiranjit fights back towards her husband after fighting for 10years of sever abuse; she finally found the courage to stand up for herself. Additionally, Mainstream Bollywood films are progressively moving away from Mulvey’s theory of the active male and the passive female. It is still apparent that the symbolism of women in leading roles are still partial as patriarchal notions make it difficult for women to entirely break away from their stereotypical roles as they are still objectified sexually by males. In addition this idea was even displayed in Provoked, where Kiranjit was forced to sleep with Deepak because of her duty as a wife, she did so even though she did not want too, and it was not in her willpower to say ‘No’ to her husband.
Bibliography
Books
-Cranny-Francis, A., Kirby, J., Stavropolous, P. & Waring, W. (2003). Gender Studies: Terms and Debates. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
- Glen, L. (1983): Real Men like Violence: Australian Men, Media and Violence. Kenhurst: Kangaroo press.
-Lee, J. (2004). Asian American Youth: Culture, Identity and Ethnicity. New York: Routledge.
-Macdonald, M. (1995). Representing Women: Myths of Femininity in the Popular Media. London: A Hodder Arnold Publication.
-Mulvey, L. (2007). Visual and Other Pleasures (Language, Discourse, Society). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Films/Television
Bend it Like Beckham- (2002) Gurinder Chadha
Bhaji on the Beach-(1993) (Gurinder Chadha)
Bride and Prejudice- (2004) Gurinder Chadha
Dil to Paghal Hai (1997) Yash Chopra
East is East-(1999) Damien O ’Donnell
Goodness Gracious Me-(1998) Nick Wood
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai-(1998) Karan Johar
Metro- (2006) Vipul Amrutlal Shah
Mother India- (1957) Mehboob Khan
Provoked- (2006) Jag Mundhrah
Umrao Jaan-(2002) Muzaffar Ali
How are Asian women represented in the film ‘Provoked’?
‘‘Kiranjit finds herself behind bars and her punishment is lifetime imprisonment but she is instead relived. Why? Because behind bars she finally found life…freedom’’
In the 21st Century there has been a great amount of change in the Asian lifestyle of living. Asian women however have always been seen as 2nd class citizens by their partners and in the eyes of the law- looking back into the 19th Century, and dominantly portrayed within Bollywood movies.
In turn, Provoked (2006, Jag Mundhrah) allows audiences to address the issue of domestic violence and rape, ‘‘within certain limits aggressive male behaviour is accepted as normal part of everyday life’’ [1] amongst Asian women. The film creates awareness of what potentially occurs within Asian family households. Provoked belongs with British drama genre, even though having elements of Indian/Bollywood film styles. These elements therefore add to the authenticity of the film as they allow Provoked to attract a wider audience and attempt to create consciousness amongst different ethnical cultures.
Within Bollywood films women are typically represented as weak and ‘‘passive females’’ [2], with males having full control over them. This was widely represented in the powerful Mother India (1957, Mehboob Khan) where the protagonist is shown to be susceptible at the start of the film, but then it concludes with her fighting back for women’s’ justice. This is also the case within Provoked-4 decades later, where Kiranjit Ahluwalia (played by Aishwarya Rai) is seen to be passive and vulnerable, serving 10 years of physical and mental abuse, which threatened her life but with the help of Southall Black Sisters she manages to find freedom and impartiality.
Aishwarya Rai, one of the biggest globally known women within film, is more commonly known for playing major roles within Bollywood movies. In films such as Devdas and Umrao Jaan where she is seen to be an ‘‘object of desire’’ [3] Aiswarya Rai seemed to appeal to the target audience of escapist males and females, with Devdas taken a spectacular £466,370 in its opening weekeing in Britain, furthermore making it the most successful Bollywood film ever made.
[1]Lewis Glen, 1983: Real Men like Violence: Australian Men, Media and Violence. Kenhurst: Kangaroo press (pg 11)
[2]-Mulvey, Laura, 1975: Visual Pleasures and Narrative Cinema
[3]- Mulvey, Laura, 1975: Visual Pleasures and Narrative Cinema
In contrast Provoked only took £140,104 in the box office in its opening weekend, which could be due to the fact audiences were not appeal to the actress when playing a more serious abusive role. Having Aishwarya Rai play such a dominant role in Provoked, attracts a much larger target audience to the film, in both western and eastern parts of the world. Furthermore, the use of Punjabi language throughout the film helps bring out the element of Indian cinema, which adds to the realism, as well as allowing audiences to help relate to Kiranjit as the victim.
According to the National Office of Statistics, Asians have become one of the fastest growing ethnicities in Britain today, with two million Asians in Britain by the end of 1999, an increase of more than half a million since the 1991 Census. Moreover, Asians have become a large proportion of the UK population and now are recognised by ‘the power of the brown pound’. This can be related to the proposal of how Asian films have be been increased vastly ‘over the last twenty years, attitudes in Britain towards Asian cultures have shifted, as has the taste of mainstream audiences for Asian-themed films’ [4] an example of this is through the success of films such as: ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ (Gurinder Chadha, 2002) ‘Bride and Prejudice’ (Gurinder Chadha, 2004), ‘East is East’ (Damien O’ Donnell, 1999).
‘East is East’ [5] also tackles issues of domestic violence amongst Asian women, as we see the female Ella being brutally beaten by her Pakistani husband, George. ‘‘Asian men are sexist pigs who expect their wives to stay in the kitchen, not speak unless being spoken to, walk five paces behind their husband, and bear as many children as necessary until they give their husband a son.”[6]. George is represented as a very old fashioned dominant Asian husband, who expects his wife and children to respect him at all times. He conforms to the views of Asian men, that if they do not get their way they will resort to violence as a way to give them power and masculinity.
The stereotypical representation of an exploited Asian female is also a common image in a number of British Asian texts such as, ‘Bhaji on the Beach’ [7] (Gurinder Chadha 1993) and ‘East is East’ [8] (Damien O'Donnell1999) where patriarchal values are evidently present.
[4]-//www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/475617/
[5]-http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166175
[6]- http://www.bitterasianmen.com/parents.html
[7]- Bhaji on the beach. Gurinder Chadha (1993)
[8]- East is East. Damien O'Donnell (1999)
‘‘Asians as a social group now encompass ‘3.5% of the population.’’ [9]Nevertheless, they are still often excessively under-represented on-screen with Asians and other ethnic minorities often playing the roles of ‘token’ characters. Men were more likely to be assertive, whilst women were more likely to be passive. Men were seen as: Adventurous, active, and victorious. Women were shown as being: Weak, ineffectual, victimised, supportive, laughable or 'merely token females'. [10]
‘Under a patriarchal regime, women are, by definition, excluded from positions of power and authority’ [11]. Women were portrayed as submissive objects and were seen to be inferior towards males, as they were seen to be ‘breadwinners’. Women are dependant on males, as they are physically stronger then women, and the females are physically seen to be inferior towards them. ‘Provoked’ shows how Kiranjit; the female protagonist is dependant on her husband and this is why she suffered with 10 years of physical and mental abuse, which threatened her life before setting out her revenge.
''Media still replay the Madonna/whore dichotomy, and focus in a way untypical of any other crime on the victim or, as support groups now prefer to characterize her, 'the survivor’’[12]. Aishwarya Rai could symbolize ‘The Madonna’ through her costume and body language. She is represented as timid and quiet, not revealing her body or figure in any sexual way. She is portrayed as the perfect housewife whom just caters for her husband, whilst still getting vigorous abusive off him. This supports the idea that Asian women tend stick by their husbands just not to bring a bad name upon the family as this is culturally forbidden.
Stereotypes come from ideas and beliefs of one, which can be either negative or positive. As Provoked is based on a true story the representation of Deepak Ahluwalia seems to be fair as it is coming from ones first hand experience. Asian men are represented as being dominate and controlling in Provoked. In contrast some of the Dominant stereotypes of Asian men characterise them as effeminate (frail, meek, and passive) or as sexual deviants [13] this is something that Rudyard Kipling (the author of ‘The jungle book’) also quotes by saying Asian men are cowardly.
[9]- http://www.bl.uk/collections/business/asiandemographics.html
[10]-David Guntlett, Representation of Gender in the Past (2002)
[11]- A. Cranny-Francis, P.Stavropoulos, J.Kirkby (2003) Palagrave Macmillan Publishing’s: Gender Studies Terms and Debates (page 244)
[12]- Macdonald Myra: 1995: Representing Women- Myths of Femininity in the Popular Media- Hodder Arnold (Page 187)
[13]- Lee, Jenifer (2004) Routledge Publishings Asian American Youth: Culture, Identity and ethnicity pg 129
However, this is different to what Deepak was represented as, as he was shown to be very masculine and powerful- which was different to the typical stereotype suggested my Kipling.
In addition Asian men are stereotyped as being ‘sexually undesirable’ [14] and this is represented in a scene where Kiranjit is forced to sleep with Deepak, simply due to the fact she is his wife and should obey what her husband wants.
Asians mainly came to Britain in the 1970s, where South Asians came to immigrate to the United Kingdom. When they did come there was a lot of racism targeted at them, ‘The term racism… is frequently used to express patriotic fervour and straightforward ignorance about other cultures’ [15] this was typical amongst Asians and were classified by the term ‘‘No Blacks, No Dogs, and No Irish’’[16]. However, now Asians have gained sufficient social power and economic status in Britain. Provoked deals with colonialism in terms of the relationship between east and west. Deepak could be said to have the outlook in life and attitudes to do with his family and cultural backgrounds. Homi Bhabha has said to have believed that it is not a case for Britain vs. India, but instead there is a ‘‘Third Space and Hybridity.’’[17]
Feminism has helped to show how Asian culture has developed because in the film Provoked we see that Kiranjit was helped out by the local ‘Southall Black Sisters’, which was a non-profit organization which was established in 1979 to meet the needs of black (Asian and African-Caribbean) women. Kiranjit was their first case, which they helped to free and get her released from her husband’s murder. Without the help of Southall Black Sisters, it was unlikely that Kiranjit would have been freed, so because of organizations like that- Asian culture is becoming more open, due to the issues and awareness raised in Provoked it may help other women in Kiranjit’s position feel at ease about speaking about their abusive.
The Mise-en- Scene in Provoked, particularly Aishwaria Rais’ costumes replicate on her compliance and fidelity towards her husband. She is always seen wearing tradition Indian dress, salwar kameez, along with typical Asian bangles and her wedding necklace, to symbolise she is a married woman.
[14]-Lee, Jenifer (2004) Routledge Publishing’s Asian American Youth: Culture, Identity and ethnicity pg 129
[15]- Mason, David, (2000) Race and Ethnicity, Modern Britain Publishers (Page 9)
[16]http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/seth_freedman/2007/01/no_blacks_no_dogs_no_irish.
[17] Bhabha, Homi (2004) Routledge Publishing’s: The Location of Culture pg 402
This portrays the idea to the audience that even though she was born and raised in India and now living in Britain, she still has her cultural backgrounds, and this could be one of reasons why she has not confronted Deepak for all the abusive over the last 10years. She conforms to the idea that Asian women are just there to serve their husbands and are completely passive towards them.
The 20th century has become over ruled by female independence and their portrayal of being somewhat equal to men to a certain extent. Various mainstream Bollywood films such as ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)’ and ‘Dil to Paghal Hai (1997)’ have promoted women as being powerful and challenging patriarchal society. Kiranjit’s character in Provoked also challenges Mulvey’s theory of the male gaze, that women are ‘objectified for sexual imagery’ or just simply ‘sex objects’. Kiranjit challenges this stereotype as they is not just merely an object for desire, but instead a powerful woman, who raised the courage and strength to finally stand up to her abusive husband. However you may argue that she was still represented as the pretty, sincere and innocent housewife whom obeys her husband, which has been done to appeal to male audiences.
Provoked begins with the main characters conforming to stereotypical representations of both Asian men and women. Deepak is portrayed an alcoholic and physically abusive to his wife and Kiranjit is shown to be a typical housewife, taking care of her family and the home. ‘Women are often stereotyped as subservient to men, whether they are considered to be the dumb bimbo or a housewife, legitimizing their inferior position. [18]. Furthermore when the films narrative moves on the audience see the typical conventions of Kiranjit being challenged- as she breaks the norms and values of main stream Bollywood cinema, where we experience a female fighting back for her independence and freedom from her husband. Kiranjit does not follow the conventional qualities of an Asian woman shown in films. Contrasting from classical Bollywood movies Provoked positions the audience to see the narrative through the female perspective, this helps create sympathy and a relationship to the audience and the character.
‘Mother India (1957)’ and Provoked similarly begin with a flashback sequence of both protagonists in the films. Nargis, the female character of Mother India is portrayed as being strong and patriotic however the audience are also made aware that she is illiterate and the start of the film. This is also the case with Kiranjit from Provoked, but she is shown to be vulnerable and weak. Due to the fact that both women are illiterate they both suffer hardship through-out their lives. With both films portraying illiteracy in a different ways, it helps to emphasise the importance of education to the audience, as well as helping Asian women to develop academically- in order to help them achieve in life and stand up for themselves.
More recent films such as, ‘Metro (2006)’ and ‘Umrao Jaan(2002)' have clearly shown the changes of women in Bollywood films, decades ago. Women have become independent of their lives and have more control of what they do. This is what women fought for after world war two in the 1960s: ‘Second wave’. This refers to an increase in feminist activity, where women thrived to increase their status and create an individuality of their own. This act was formed to give women better righs and a say in society, moreover this is something that Asian women are now seen to be doing.
To conclude, women’s representations have changed vastly over the years, with them being portrayed as active individuals towards their husbands rather than just inferior as was seen in film decades ago. This was displayed through Provoked, where Kiranjit fights back towards her husband after fighting for 10years of sever abuse; she finally found the courage to stand up for herself. Additionally, Mainstream Bollywood films are progressively moving away from Mulvey’s theory of the active male and the passive female. It is still apparent that the symbolism of women in leading roles are still partial as patriarchal notions make it difficult for women to entirely break away from their stereotypical roles as they are still objectified sexually by males. In addition this idea was even displayed in Provoked, where Kiranjit was forced to sleep with Deepak because of her duty as a wife, she did so even though she did not want too, and it was not in her willpower to say ‘No’ to her husband.
Bibliography
Books
-Cranny-Francis, A., Kirby, J., Stavropolous, P. & Waring, W. (2003). Gender Studies: Terms and Debates. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
- Glen, L. (1983): Real Men like Violence: Australian Men, Media and Violence. Kenhurst: Kangaroo press.
-Lee, J. (2004). Asian American Youth: Culture, Identity and Ethnicity. New York: Routledge.
-Macdonald, M. (1995). Representing Women: Myths of Femininity in the Popular Media. London: A Hodder Arnold Publication.
-Mulvey, L. (2007). Visual and Other Pleasures (Language, Discourse, Society). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Films/Television
Bend it Like Beckham- (2002) Gurinder Chadha
Bhaji on the Beach-(1993) (Gurinder Chadha)
Bride and Prejudice- (2004) Gurinder Chadha
Dil to Paghal Hai (1997) Yash Chopra
East is East-(1999) Damien O ’Donnell
Goodness Gracious Me-(1998) Nick Wood
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai-(1998) Karan Johar
Metro- (2006) Vipul Amrutlal Shah
Mother India- (1957) Mehboob Khan
Provoked- (2006) Jag Mundhrah
Umrao Jaan-(2002) Muzaffar Ali
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Slumdog Millionaire
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/24/oscars-india-slumdog-millionaire-ian-jack
Boyle talks about how it was for him to go to india and to make Slumdog Millionaire. He talks about how he is not tryning to represent Inida i a negative light, but there are some aspects in the film where it may apper like this. Eg There are scenes shown from the movie of little kids running around through the streets of the indian shanty town areas; he says how this is just talking about the relasim of the film, and just creating awareness, rather then negativity like the media sometimes displays.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/jan/18/slumdog-millionaire-british-asian-reaction
This article shows how British Asians are reacting to the film. There has been a mixed view with some saying how it is good that Inida is finally being represented in it's true form and not glamourised as usual. where on the other hand others belive its just too negative against Inida.
(Gundip Judge, 27) says,''It highlights that there's more to Indian cinema than just Bollywood, but I thought it was a bit clichéd in parts, which the book isn't. Some turns of the narrative and styles of shots seemed familiar, like they'd been nicked from other Indian independent films and Indian 1970s cinema. It is significant, however, that it takes an English director to make this type of film mainstream."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/24/oscars-india-slumdog-millionaire-ian-jack
Poverty Porn
This article is about how foreign directors have come to India to make films which have involved Inida as looking like a country full of poverty, cruelty and sqular and this outraged Indians. Now there is a film made four years later which follws similar ideas, (Slumdog Millionaire) but instead has won four Golden Globes and has 10 Oscar nominations. Ian Jack explains how a lot of research was carried out before the film was made, but the fact that some people from the indian industry alone disagree could mean that others may totally disagree with the way the asian lifestlyes and communitys are being represented in this movie.
Boyle talks about how it was for him to go to india and to make Slumdog Millionaire. He talks about how he is not tryning to represent Inida i a negative light, but there are some aspects in the film where it may apper like this. Eg There are scenes shown from the movie of little kids running around through the streets of the indian shanty town areas; he says how this is just talking about the relasim of the film, and just creating awareness, rather then negativity like the media sometimes displays.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/jan/18/slumdog-millionaire-british-asian-reaction
This article shows how British Asians are reacting to the film. There has been a mixed view with some saying how it is good that Inida is finally being represented in it's true form and not glamourised as usual. where on the other hand others belive its just too negative against Inida.
(Gundip Judge, 27) says,''It highlights that there's more to Indian cinema than just Bollywood, but I thought it was a bit clichéd in parts, which the book isn't. Some turns of the narrative and styles of shots seemed familiar, like they'd been nicked from other Indian independent films and Indian 1970s cinema. It is significant, however, that it takes an English director to make this type of film mainstream."
Monday, 26 January 2009
[1]Kiranjit finds herself behind bars and her punishment is life time imprisonment but she is instead relieved. Why? Because behind bars she finally found life…and freedom.
HOW ARE ASIAN WOMEN REPRESENTED IN THE FILM 'PROVOKED'?
In 21st century there has been a great amount of change in the Asian lifestyle of living. Asian women however have always been seen as second class citizens by their partners and in the eyes of laws- looking back into the 19Th Century, and dominantly portrayed within Bollywood movies. In turn, Provoked(2006, Jag Mundhrah) allows audiences to address the issue of ‘domestic violence and marital rape’ amongst Asian women as well as creating awareness of what potentially occurs within Asian family households. Provoked belongs within a British drama genre, even though having elements of Indian/Bollywood film styles. These elements therefore add to the authenticity of the film as they allow Provoked to attract a wider audience and attempt to create consciousness amongst different ethnical cultures.
[1]www.apunkachoice.com/dyn/movies/hindi/provoked/provoked-preview.html
HOW ARE ASIAN WOMEN REPRESENTED IN THE FILM 'PROVOKED'?
In 21st century there has been a great amount of change in the Asian lifestyle of living. Asian women however have always been seen as second class citizens by their partners and in the eyes of laws- looking back into the 19Th Century, and dominantly portrayed within Bollywood movies. In turn, Provoked(2006, Jag Mundhrah) allows audiences to address the issue of ‘domestic violence and marital rape’ amongst Asian women as well as creating awareness of what potentially occurs within Asian family households. Provoked belongs within a British drama genre, even though having elements of Indian/Bollywood film styles. These elements therefore add to the authenticity of the film as they allow Provoked to attract a wider audience and attempt to create consciousness amongst different ethnical cultures.
[1]www.apunkachoice.com/dyn/movies/hindi/provoked/provoked-preview.html
SELF EVALUATION
-Effort: 2
i do make an effort when it comes to Media Studies, prioritising quite a lot of my time to this subject. I also make my media folders up to date, and im keeping track of all the h/w set.
-Punctuality: 3
I'm not always on time to lessons, due to the fact i live quite a distance away, but i try my hardest but will be trying that little extra to get there on time from now on.
- Submission and quality of homework: 2
i do always hand my h/w in on time, with a lot of effort that has gone into it. i think this is an area that is quite good of mines.
-Ability to work independently: 2
i believe i can work well independently as well as in a group when i need to. when working independently i always make sure i get the work done, and i belive im more fucused this way.
-Quality of writing:3
i think my quality of writing is good, but can be improved. this could be done by reading more and practising time essays.
-Organisation of Media folder:2
my media folder is well organised, with the use of dividers and plastic wallets to keep all my work in sections and neatly organised. by having a neat folder its going to make it easier when it comes to revising for my exams, so i know its essential to do this.
-Oral contributions in class:4
i think i could probably contribute more in lessons, but sometimes its just a little to early so its hard to think. but i know this is an area i need to improve on, so i will try making more of an effort when it comes to oral conributions in class.
-Standard of Module 5 blog:2
my med 5 blog is easy to read, well organised with all the work posted on time. By having such a good med5 blog it is really helping me write my indepedent study, becasuse i have all essential research posted up on there.
-Standard of Module 6 blog:4
my med 6 blog is also easy to read, but sometimes i forget to add all the work on there, so that's something that could be improved.
WWW:
-i have all my work posted up on my med5 blog.
-quite a good understanding of med5 stuff.
-good media folder
EBI:
-contribute more in lessons.
-make sure i post up all my med 6 blog stuff.
-make sure i get to lessons on time.
-Effort: 2
i do make an effort when it comes to Media Studies, prioritising quite a lot of my time to this subject. I also make my media folders up to date, and im keeping track of all the h/w set.
-Punctuality: 3
I'm not always on time to lessons, due to the fact i live quite a distance away, but i try my hardest but will be trying that little extra to get there on time from now on.
- Submission and quality of homework: 2
i do always hand my h/w in on time, with a lot of effort that has gone into it. i think this is an area that is quite good of mines.
-Ability to work independently: 2
i believe i can work well independently as well as in a group when i need to. when working independently i always make sure i get the work done, and i belive im more fucused this way.
-Quality of writing:3
i think my quality of writing is good, but can be improved. this could be done by reading more and practising time essays.
-Organisation of Media folder:2
my media folder is well organised, with the use of dividers and plastic wallets to keep all my work in sections and neatly organised. by having a neat folder its going to make it easier when it comes to revising for my exams, so i know its essential to do this.
-Oral contributions in class:4
i think i could probably contribute more in lessons, but sometimes its just a little to early so its hard to think. but i know this is an area i need to improve on, so i will try making more of an effort when it comes to oral conributions in class.
-Standard of Module 5 blog:2
my med 5 blog is easy to read, well organised with all the work posted on time. By having such a good med5 blog it is really helping me write my indepedent study, becasuse i have all essential research posted up on there.
-Standard of Module 6 blog:4
my med 6 blog is also easy to read, but sometimes i forget to add all the work on there, so that's something that could be improved.
WWW:
-i have all my work posted up on my med5 blog.
-quite a good understanding of med5 stuff.
-good media folder
EBI:
-contribute more in lessons.
-make sure i post up all my med 6 blog stuff.
-make sure i get to lessons on time.
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Essay Plan
My Independent study is going to focus on the ways Asian women are represented within film. By looking at the history of women and how they are presented in today's media -I decided upon using the 2006 film Provoked as my main focus, as it predominately focuses upon an Asian woman’s’ fight for freedom, after being imprisoned for life for murdered her abusive and alcoholic husband.
Paragraph 1- My 1st paragraph is going to focus on the changes in women in general. –talk about how women were seen to be weak and passive in the 19th century (in both Bollywood and Hollywood films) and how its continuing into modern day film (Provoked).
-Introduce the characters and the film.
-Talk briefly about the film genre (British film drama) how it appeals to a variety of audiences. –talk about unfair justice
Paragraph 2- I will be including a detailed M-I-G-R-A-I-N and SHEP analysis to demonstrate links to the key and wider content of women in society today and how it relates to Provoked.
- I will be looking at how Asian women are stereotyped in the media- mainly film and television (i.e. weak/passive, token characters)
-include theorists to talk about these things.
(Firstly explain how stereotypes are formed- and how they can influence audiences in a way of thinking) along side talk about the Hegemonic and Pluralistic ways thinking.
Paragraph 3
Look at the historical text and talk about how it links with Provoked.
- How have women in film changed over the last 50 decades. Focus on ‘Mother India’ (1957).
Modern Day- look at how women in Hollywood movies are being portrayed as dominant instead of the "object of desire".
-look at theorists who say that females have always been unrepresented, ‘in need of a man’. Why have women always been portrayed like this? Why does society allow this happen?
Paragraph 4
-Talk about theorists- Laura Mulvey(1975) about how Kiranjit was seen by a sex symbol by her husband.
Also talk about theorists such as: Levi Strauss- Binary oppositions
-Good vs. Evil
-Husband Vs Wife
- What affect the film has on audiences? MIGRAIN
Conclusion
-Talk about the hypothesis, say weather I proved it or not.
-Answer the question ‘How are Women represented in ‘Provoked’?’
This will be done by summarise key information from the essay and concluding it so say whether women’s representations have changed over years (and if so, how) and have Asian women’s’ representations changed (relating to historical texts).
References
-Feminism, femininity and Popular Culture- (2000) Joanne Hollows
-Representing Women, Myths of Femininity in the Popular Media- (1995) Myra Macdonald
-Representing Men, Maleness and Masculinity in the Media- (2003) Kenneth MacKinnon
My Independent study is going to focus on the ways Asian women are represented within film. By looking at the history of women and how they are presented in today's media -I decided upon using the 2006 film Provoked as my main focus, as it predominately focuses upon an Asian woman’s’ fight for freedom, after being imprisoned for life for murdered her abusive and alcoholic husband.
Paragraph 1- My 1st paragraph is going to focus on the changes in women in general. –talk about how women were seen to be weak and passive in the 19th century (in both Bollywood and Hollywood films) and how its continuing into modern day film (Provoked).
-Introduce the characters and the film.
-Talk briefly about the film genre (British film drama) how it appeals to a variety of audiences. –talk about unfair justice
Paragraph 2- I will be including a detailed M-I-G-R-A-I-N and SHEP analysis to demonstrate links to the key and wider content of women in society today and how it relates to Provoked.
- I will be looking at how Asian women are stereotyped in the media- mainly film and television (i.e. weak/passive, token characters)
-include theorists to talk about these things.
(Firstly explain how stereotypes are formed- and how they can influence audiences in a way of thinking) along side talk about the Hegemonic and Pluralistic ways thinking.
Paragraph 3
Look at the historical text and talk about how it links with Provoked.
- How have women in film changed over the last 50 decades. Focus on ‘Mother India’ (1957).
Modern Day- look at how women in Hollywood movies are being portrayed as dominant instead of the "object of desire".
-look at theorists who say that females have always been unrepresented, ‘in need of a man’. Why have women always been portrayed like this? Why does society allow this happen?
Paragraph 4
-Talk about theorists- Laura Mulvey(1975) about how Kiranjit was seen by a sex symbol by her husband.
Also talk about theorists such as: Levi Strauss- Binary oppositions
-Good vs. Evil
-Husband Vs Wife
- What affect the film has on audiences? MIGRAIN
Conclusion
-Talk about the hypothesis, say weather I proved it or not.
-Answer the question ‘How are Women represented in ‘Provoked’?’
This will be done by summarise key information from the essay and concluding it so say whether women’s representations have changed over years (and if so, how) and have Asian women’s’ representations changed (relating to historical texts).
References
-Feminism, femininity and Popular Culture- (2000) Joanne Hollows
-Representing Women, Myths of Femininity in the Popular Media- (1995) Myra Macdonald
-Representing Men, Maleness and Masculinity in the Media- (2003) Kenneth MacKinnon
Monday, 5 January 2009
Historical Text: Mother India “ (1957)”Firstly, the main conventions of Bollywood films is usually the representations of ‘male vs. female,’ ‘good vs. bad,’ as well as ‘good defeating evil.’ And both Provoked (2006) and Mother India meet this convention.
Mother India has a female protaginst, who is fighting to provide for her family.
Mother India’ is an epic, Nargis as Radha‘mother courage’ like character was spectacular in the film. A few years back, Basu Chaterji's "Triyacharittar" was a powerful film on exploitation of women. This relates back to ‘Mother India’ due to the fact that Radha was also exploited and requested to do sexual favours for an older man. It was a performance of a life time, a role to die for. It won her the Best actress award.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)