Cultural Studies - Assignment Example

Contemporary Issues in Media and Cultural Studies By You Academic Organisation Contemporary Issues in Media and Cultural Studies Question Four: "Thisisnt art! It is just humongous knobbly breasts and enormous bobbly buttocks." (M. Heller) The artists three sculptures represent the embrace of post-modernism, with the idea that aspects of art and design can aesthetically reflect, and be accepted by, a culture with a new age view of abstract artistry. New age thinking does not conform to more traditionalist values in terms of art, which often focused on a specific theme attempting to be captured through various forms of artistry. Moreover, within society, there are those who hold tightly onto traditional viewpoints regarding the quality and meaning of art, thus there will always be opponents to any form of artistry that is widely abstract. The emphasis of these sculptures is focused around the more femininely seductive aspects of the female body, which suggest that the artists are attempting to depict the evolution of woman in a post-modern era or to highlight the beauty of the female form through rather unique sculpture. Post-modern artistry offers limitless possibilities in terms of self-expression, and the artists have chosen to represent sensuality without restrictions. Heller, an obvious opponent of this type of post-modern expression, views the sculptural forms from a more simplistic point of view, likely comparing the quality of the works to her own traditional values. Post-modern art removes the boundaries of what can be presented as worthwhile self-expression, thus Heller cannot see beyond the somewhat risqué representation of human anatomy and likely views the sculptures as mildly offensive. Contemporary media often places emphasis on physical beauty, offering the acceptability of scantily-clad women gyrating in various product advertisements. Traditionalists, by their very nature, are opposed to the public display of the female body, often believing that women should be more discreet with their choice of attire or outward displays of sexuality. Perhaps utilising sculpture as a method to support post-modern sexuality, the artists have generated their personal viewpoints that the female form is beautiful in its natural state and chosen to over-emphasise the breasts and buttocks in a display of defiance against traditionalist viewpoints. Hellers objections to the style of artistry likely reflect a stern resistance to the evolution of society to a more liberal culture that embraces both an end to limitations and to freedom of sexual expression. Pablo Picasso created his work of art entitled Les Demoiselles D’Avignon in 1907 which reflected an abstract display of women in somewhat seductive positions, however obscuring their more feminine characteristics. This suggests that the even more recent renditions of modern and abstract art still maintained limitations in terms of socially-acceptable expression. The post-modern artists who contributed to the creation of the "knobbly breasts and bobbly buttocks" are attempting to emphasise a break from artistic restrictions imposed by traditionalist culture and satisfying a personal need to reflect their viewpoints using innovative and seductive sculpture. Where Heller might argue that the artists explanations which justify their contemporary expression is mere bullshit, it does not negate the fact that post-modern artists are often heralded for their breakthrough methods in self-expression. Question 3: Muslim Women - Cabinet Minister Jack Straw believed that covering peoples faces "could make community relations more difficult." The notion of being more tolerant to various cultures is at the root of political correctness in contemporary society. Women in the Muslim faith wear their niqabs as an expression of their spiritual values and in demonstration of social beliefs regarding the role of women. Obviously, the United Kingdom is a highly Westernised society in which women are regarded as virtually equal to men. Especially in light of recent global events, Westernised nations are attempting to exert their more liberal values regarding social equality on nations that continue to maintain spiritual values which somewhat obscure the role of women in their society. Jack Straws commentary illustrates a critical lack of tolerance regarding the usage of the Muslim niqab in his indication that Muslim women should not cover their faces. With the idea in mind that political correctness involves more than merely tolerance and equality, but also suggests political empowerment, Jack Straws commentaries regarding Muslim women indicates that the agenda to promote Westernised values is being somewhat hampered by the Muslim value system. Further, the usage of Muslim veil might seem uncivilized and restrictively unfair to women in the eyes of Westernised cultures, leaving many to believe that it is the duty of nations which experience gender equality to reinforce these same values to highly Muslim nations. So, is the niqab really the only hindrance to establishing sound community relations or does its significance pose a perceived threat to Westernised living? Rather than state that the Muslim veil is, indeed, a threat, a more PC tone is utilised to describe Straws dissatisfaction with its usage. Moreover, it is quite possible that Muslim women find that their overall beauty is enhanced through the subtle obscurity of their physical form, as the photo of the Muslim woman dressed in the niqab illustrates a substantial attempt to enhance the eyes through the use of detailed makeup. Perhaps this may indicate that Muslim women are vastly interested in some of the more liberal aspects of Westernised society, but will shed the niqab when their culture is more readily willing to adapt to social unity. Jack Straws message of impatience and mild intolerance to its usage reflects a lack of understanding about Muslim values and attempts to promote an aspect of social evolution that will only be achieved through internal social change; not through forced Western influence. Furthermore, women who hail from Middle Eastern nations are borne of some of the most ancient and well-respected civilizations which flourished long before the advent of Western culture. Obviously, in terms of being community-minded and socially adept, Muslims have built a strong culture built on solid values and social unity. With this in mind, is the niqab truly a barricade to maintaining community relations or is the niqab a barrier to exerting Westernised social agendas? Whatever the case, Jack Straw should develop a more comprehensive politically correct strategy and include tolerance in his future assessments of Muslim women. Read More