In Susan J. Douglas's article "Girls Gone Anti-Feminist" she argues that the media is falsely representing women as in power and equal to men in both social, economic and political aspects. Douglas supports her argument with evidence from a variety of television shows and movies, and their depiction of female characters. From the representation of female characters in the media as in power, and a lot of times more influential than male characters, women now believe that they can take back their sexuality. Douglas uses the term enlightened sexism to represent her argument, stating that it is "the response, deliberate or not, to the perceived threat of a new gender regime". Because American society now holds equal standards for women and men, we can now bring back stereotypes of women and girls as ultra-feminine beings because feminism has taken us so far, argues Douglas.
Not only that, but Douglas also points out in her article that women are ultimately making the decision to hyper sexualize themselves because feminism is now perceived as a bad thing. Feminism is now represented in society as old, and something that we have obviously overcome, as shown in many media texts. Douglas says that because women "have it all" they should now spend their time "being hot, pleasing men, competing with other women, and shopping". After reading this article, I feel this is very representative of how the media advertises to women. Douglas uses countless examples in her article of female characters in power, such as Elle Woods in Legally blonde, who is suppose to represent female power. The problem with her status however, is that it is contradicted through her achievement in law school through feminine knowledge, that of knowing the consequences of showering after a perm. Thinking about Douglas's argument in relation to many other media texts that represent female power, yet advertise countless products to enhance beauty.
Another point Douglas makes is how the represenation of women has changed peoples views on feminism. Because women have come so far, it is now bad thing to be feminist, who are now stereotyped as "man-hating, child-loathing, hairy, shrill, humorless and deliberately unattractive lesbians", which thus "prohibits women from having any fun". The author makes a very strong argument, and I think could very effectively incorporate the video who run the world (girls) by Beyonce because of the message it portrays. The music video encompasses all aspects of Douglas's argument, the message that is trying to be sent is that women are in charge and essentially "run the world", yet the dance moves, setting and wardrobe choices completely sexualize women.
I agree with Douglas too for the most part. One part that I particularly agree with is the crazy power tripping female bosses. (Devil Wears Prada example) I have worked for two female bosses now and both are so hard head and irrational. I am not sure if they are still trying to prove themselves or what but it sucks!