User:Lacyk4/sandbox

Race, class and gender function as parallel and interlocking systems that shape basic relationships of domination and subordination through institutions, the symbolic, and the individual. Without the interlocking of class and gender we would not have had the organization of domination and subordination. The symbolic dimension of oppression is centered on stereotypes and the controlling images of diverse race, class and gender groups. Masculinity and femininity are so quickly and commonly defined in our society. More often than not these stereotypical roles are produced, projected and implemented into our lives through the powerful source of media and film. Take Thelma and Louise for example. The film demonstrated the struggles and battles women go through when faced with superior and demeaning male behavior. Two women against the aggressive mob of males screams minority and also presented a vivid propaganda. “To many, the process of encoding may initially sound like it applies solely to the production of propaganda, in which ideas, opinions, or allegations are presented as incontestable facts in order to sway public opinion toward or away some cause or point” (15). The text also goes into explaining how both content and form can manipulate and configure various identities in how they are represented and performed in a film. On the argumentative side, not all men are disrespectful and act in such sexist ways towards woman, but in this film every man introduced presented these types of behaviors. In recent years movie goers and important audience members have learned ways in how to decode a films message in discovering its obscured meaning. The messages that are being presented are not always black or white; therefore audiences everywhere have grown to become “active decoders” in decoding ideological messages. “Learning to analyze film form and ideology can enrich and deepen one’s experience of any given text, and one can become a more literate, and aware media consumer” (20).

Gender segregation has found its way among the job force as well. Inequality still lingers in the work force and presents social complications everyday. The history of gender discrimination has been going on for quite some time. Gender, race and social class are all taken into consideration when positions are given out, promotions, and salary is distributed. And not only that but, “inequalities of the work place carry over into retirement. Women and other marginalized groups are at a disadvantage when they retire because their salaries are lower during their paid work years” (346). Since World War II the workforce has opened up new opportunities for women to become a part of something within major corporations. When our men came back from the war, they were not particularly keen on the idea of their women bringing home the finances while the men kept home. Several women remained in the work force and tried to balance both. During this time the film Mildred Pierce debuted with a bang sending society in an uproar. The film displayed controversial issues such as divorce, men losing their jobs, women taking over being the financial providers and home care.

The images of women were beginning to change and this melodrama vividly and publicly displayed it to society. This film showed women what women can do, opening up opportunities and new identities, however the films also showed how much struggle Mildred faced to claim her new identity in society. Mildred Pierce did help women claim themselves in the workforce but it also pointed out the struggles and life choices that women would have to give up. Sad but true this issue still lingers today for women. The choice to stay home and keep house or to work is a continuous battle women must face. Although it is easier in today’s society women still do not receive equality in the work force.