Blog #4 - Stereotypes

In the photographs The Ohio Project and Gevonni Davis, both present a member from a different race in a light that doesn't coincide with their stereotypical representations. Through the use of clothing and makeup, the artists are able to depict exceptions to racial norms.

The Asian girl in The Ohio Project is dressed in a tube-top and short skirt, a fashion that can be described as "white trash." Her hair has even been dyed blonde, another trait of Caucasians. These elements present a race in a scenario that one would not expect to see them. The same goes for the young man in Gevonni Davis. The man has a more feminine appearance, complete with a shaven-face and distinct eyelashes. With the aid of the necklace, makeup, and thin eyebrows, the photo presents a black homosexual man as opposed to a black thug. These pictures illustrate difference as a social construct by exhibiting race in a more human aspect. The Asian girl and the black man are made more believable when they are dressed more true to their depicted personas and less like their racial stereotypes. These personas present the realization that not all people are prone to their designated stereotypes, whether they be ethical or racial.

I guess one could say that these are "fish out of water" photos . . .
Racial Reversals in Television

Blog #3 - Facebook article

Through the use of feature settings and the status feeds, the article is true about how Facebook is more about stroking the ego rather than polishing one's personality for "friends" to see.

Gayness' reference to users controlling certain features on their profiles, such as the information section and pictures, is one example of this. A Facebook user can use bands in the profile's "Music," titles in "Movies," or make other lists in other sections in order to shape their personalities. By including rock and metal bands, works by Edgar Allen Poe, and movies such as "The Crow," a user can project a "brooding" or dark personality based on their interests (or at least what they allow others to see). As for the pictures, they act as the avatar in physically portraying how that user looks (or how they want to appear). A user with just pictures of them in dark clothing or adorn in accessories from Hot Topic can help sale that "brooding" personality.

Another example from the article is the statement by Mark Leary used by Gayness. While a person in real life may seem modest, the catharsis that Facebook provides to its users may reveal otherwise. A simple status update can turn into a venting window for anger or sarcasm. These "windows" or momentary outbursts can shed light on a user's true character and makes the inner narcissist visible in a usually "unpretentious" person.

Gosh, I'd hate to see what Tony Stark's Facebook profile would look like . . .