Start Date
26-3-2023 11:00 AM
End Date
26-3-2023 11:25 AM
Location
Museum Education Room
Name of Faculty Mentor
Dr. Brooke Rudow
Abstract
The iconic scene where America Ferrera breaks down the pressures and contradictory standards of women have been stuck in a lot of women’s heads lately- because everything she said is true. The standards set for women are so high and yet so contradictory, and it seems that we can never quite get it right. Barbie highlights girlhood in a way that wasn’t so pretty, allowing those harsh realities to be seen. However, it also demonstrates how women are connected through these experiences.
In this presentation, I will explore the connections between women and experiences through the lens of consciousness. Then I’ll discuss the barriers that people face when trying to understand one another- barriers that can’t easily be changed and may be lifelong.
In the first section I will examine philosophers Nagel and Du Bois and their views on consciousness. Nagel believes that consciousness is subjective- it’s not possible to know of another’s. Du Bois conversely believes that many people can know other people’s consciousness and have to know them in order to survive and thrive.
In the second section I will expand upon the layers of consciousness and the barriers between people. I will use examples from my own life, focusing predominantly on the beauty standard, shared experience of girls (girlhood) and point out several barriers (like race, weight, age, and gender). I will use modern media to show these barriers, the work of bell hooks’ race theory, Marilyn Frye’s birdcage analogy, and Sandra Harding’s standpoint theory to show why ignoring these barriers can lead to negative outcomes.
I will end with some suggestions to keep these barriers in mind, but to not let them stop you from forming connections and making new friends.
Barbie and Beauty Standards: The Tip of the Iceberg
Museum Education Room
The iconic scene where America Ferrera breaks down the pressures and contradictory standards of women have been stuck in a lot of women’s heads lately- because everything she said is true. The standards set for women are so high and yet so contradictory, and it seems that we can never quite get it right. Barbie highlights girlhood in a way that wasn’t so pretty, allowing those harsh realities to be seen. However, it also demonstrates how women are connected through these experiences.
In this presentation, I will explore the connections between women and experiences through the lens of consciousness. Then I’ll discuss the barriers that people face when trying to understand one another- barriers that can’t easily be changed and may be lifelong.
In the first section I will examine philosophers Nagel and Du Bois and their views on consciousness. Nagel believes that consciousness is subjective- it’s not possible to know of another’s. Du Bois conversely believes that many people can know other people’s consciousness and have to know them in order to survive and thrive.
In the second section I will expand upon the layers of consciousness and the barriers between people. I will use examples from my own life, focusing predominantly on the beauty standard, shared experience of girls (girlhood) and point out several barriers (like race, weight, age, and gender). I will use modern media to show these barriers, the work of bell hooks’ race theory, Marilyn Frye’s birdcage analogy, and Sandra Harding’s standpoint theory to show why ignoring these barriers can lead to negative outcomes.
I will end with some suggestions to keep these barriers in mind, but to not let them stop you from forming connections and making new friends.