constructing identity through role models and media messages

In Chapter 10 of Media, Gender and Identity, Gauntlett describes how role models and self-help books influence individuals' identities. He describes six types of role models, including individuals in the public-eye who are successful, have triumphed over difficulties, have challenged stereotypes, are wholesome, are an outsider, or are a family role model. One of Gauntlett's examples is the Spice Girls who were hugely popular during the 90's. Role models mainly for girls or female teens, the music group emphasized feminist ideas of freedom and self-confidence, emphacizing the term "girl power." He mentioned that their outspoken positions of empowering girls and women were more visible in their interviews than in their actual song lyrics, but they still made an impact on many fans. one particular example of a role model for male teenagers was David Bowie (and other musicians and musical groups this particular teen listened to) who made a positive difference in the life of a young teen who struggled with his realization of being gay and different from the guys he went to school with. Some "role models" are considered positive, while others are criticized by audiences, but nevertheless they can have an impact on the identities of their listeners, viewers, or fans. Gauntlett also discusses self-help books, pointing out that even though a majority of people do not necessarily read self-help books, "the ideas in self-help books 'trickle down' into popular culture" (237). A well-known example is the book 'Men are from Mars and women are from Venus,' which actually reinforced old gender stereotypes by insisting that the genders are not similar and are not equal. Gauntlett argues that self-help books are evidence of what a society believes the identities of individuals should be.

In chaper 11, Gauntlett summerizes the entire book, making the point that "mass media is a force for change" (248). In general, mass media has changed female identies by empowering them and has changed male identities by questioning traditional masculinity and encouraging emotions (for example). There are lots of contradictions throughout mass media and culture so that it is difficult to make sense of all the messages, but it also offers a wide range of options.

I agreed with Gauntlett's aside that the Spice Girls were outspoken in their effort to promote "girl power" but their message was less evident in their lyrics. I remember when they were popular with me and all of my girl friends, but I couldn't think of lyrics that were particularly feminist or empowering. For many of the songs, I didn't understand at the time what the lyrics meant but I just knew they were fun to listen and dance to (I was also about 9 or 10 when their CD's were coming out). This didn't stop me from looking up to them, in a sense, because they could wear funky clothes and crazy hair styles but be confident and talented (by my standards). In a way, their message was conveyed in how they carried themselves and expressed individuality. Before reading some quotes from the Spice Girls members, I had never heard one of their interviews, but I could have guessed the kinds of things they would say- like "be yourself," "you can do it," etc.