(More Than) Grrrl Power! Girls Studies at UCF

     From the cloud of romanticism and mystic figures in art history, the idea of the “muse” emerged and manifested itself in many ways in different modes of art. From the groupies of the 70s who inspired classic rock-and-roll songs, all the way back to the ancient characters of Greek mythology who demonstrate contemporary life lessons, it is often women who are relegated to the role of “muse,” a label that feminists have begun to deconstruct and ratify. I want to explore how one film, in particular, does just this and its incredible consequences.       What first introduced me to the concept of the muse was the 2019 film Portrait of a Lady on Fire . A love story between two women in 18th century France, a painter named Marianne, and her “client” Héloïse. In the film, Marianne is asked by Héloïse’s mother to paint her daughter in secret, so her portrait can be sent to a potential husband, a decision Héloïse does not support. Through this conflict, writ...

       Whether one is actively pursuing someone, pursued, or not participating in dating overall, one can say they have heard something along the lines of “Dating is hard”. Regardless of whether you agree, gender roles society have established has not helped the pressure of being the one predominantly responsible for courtship, “a virtue to piety, submissiveness, and domesticity” (WSKG) as a woman or man. But wait, this is not the 1950s ... Right? This mentality is rooted in part from the 1950s; even as far back as the days of slavery, it still prevails today. I will be explaining how gender roles when it comes to dating has progressed historically within Western culture among Caucasians, and people of color such as African Americans and Hispanics.   In the article titled From The Front Porch To the Back Seat: A History of A Date, the term ‘date’ was previously used in the middle working class to refer to prostitution.      ...

     Wrestling, also known as Sports entertainment, Over the years, has been dominated by the juggernaut company WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) but by men overall. As there have been men that have forever changed the industry, so have women. Through grit, perseverance, fearlessness, and determination, there have been women who have made their presence known in the face of adversity and have established a legacy for future generations of women to follow behind them. “Then, Now, Forever” (WWE)          Whether one follows the events and culture within this industry, to truly understand why women had such an impact, one must understand the timeline of events and attitudes that existed. For example, how women first got the opportunity to participate. In the documentary  Lipstick and Dynamite, Piss and Vinegar,  one of the first successfully documented female wrestlers in the United States, Ella Waldek, were interviewe...

 When most people think of women that are sex workers, they are often quick to associate them with being victims in need of saving. These women are usually thought to be forced against their will to work in this industry, ridden with disease, or if working within this industry willingly, barraged with emotional issues. That is not to say that all women are forced against their will and are unhealthy. The fact that we are quick to victimize all women within this industry amplifies stigma and is dehumanizing.   In a publication from humanityinaction.org that addressed those employed willingly within the industry, the following statement was by an employee in response to the mental health stigma associated with them. “I won’t say it isn’t true that some women in prostitution are emotional wrecks. But does that come from prostitution or from internalized self-hatred about being a whore? Does it come from the stigma because people found out and never wanted to talk to y...

I honestly don’t think we give children the benefit of the doubt when it comes to creating or grasping with their own identity. They would see many cartoons and play with action figures in which a superhero is to hide their identity from the public eye. Yet, if this was the reverse issue would we ask our own kids to hide themselves? To not mention our sexuality or the way that we portray our behavior all for the sake of embarrassment that is imposed on our parents than thinking of the children. See if we see different scenarios in which action-figures, wrestlers, or even the key to be open to the invisible door how can children ever be closer to being comfortable within their skins. We should identify these behaviors and then have the indecency to respect it by not shunning it away in the shadows. This is important especially for future pro-feminist that in identifying their needs they will soon grow to understand the awareness especially for the right of women. To further gain advocat...

Much has been said about masculinity in media platforms especially in commercial, movie, and television work where potential buyers and clients see a strong persona. Little boys might take notes and soon influence is established. I think in order to fight this so influence from going into homes is to finally create our own materials as feminist to create creative content of advertisement that support the stand where men are to be portrayed in a different light. In creating a different light, it will soon expand and then the direction of abusive masculinity identity would reverse. I think in showcasing men whether if it is selling cologne in a suite or helping a woman in need besides of using ads that support sexual desire or of abusive content that demonstrate dominance to both men and women.      I think in also rethinking about special programs that also target many age groups would be beneficial especially in trying to reach out to those as a young age that is still de...

As we encounter a time where women are to be respected in the offices and sexual harassment is not okay by any means there is still worked to do. We as a society have to do more than seeing the roots of toxic masculinity but to also figure out how to pluck it and redefine the terminology of masculinity and then obtain it in a substantial way where men and women are treated equally. Much of what need to be address is the upbringing of male roles in which a child is to follow obligations and high expectations as a child to which then develops overtime.  When a son grows up, he is told to portray a sort of character or a particular persona where he is able to gain dominance over those around him. Sway women into his grasp and enact an armor of protection that is supposed to work all their lives. It seems as though there is a thin line where boys are unable to cross and as long as that happens, and the parental guidance is not betrayed the all seems fair play when really it isn't. I th...

     Motherhood: Yay or Nay?           Despite the title of this post, I wanted to make one thing clear, there is no right answer. In fact, that is the very purpose of this post. Women are allowed to want whatever they want out of their lives without fear of disapproval. As a child, I remember being obsessed with baby toys, playing house, etc., as many young girls are pushed to enjoy. It’s interesting to assess the degree to which society pushes motherhood onto young girls from such ages and completely disregards it for boys. This only reinforces the idea that women should aspire for motherhood as it seems to be their main purpose in life, based on social stereotypes. This also creates a disparity in an adult woman’s life when their “reproductive years” are at their peak. I have found myself reflecting multiple times throughout my life on this idea of motherhood and wondering to myself “would you actually enjoy dedicating a huge part of your ...