In “The Moments of Bond” by Tony Bennett and Janet Woolcott, the character of James Bond is analyzed in its different forms. The character of James Bond through the years has become a hero and an icon. I was never really a big fan of the James Bond series so I asked myself, what makes James Bond a hero? If Austin Powers and James bond ever went at it who would win?(just kidding) In the chapter it indicates how Bond became a political hero for the middle classes. The sales revenue between the years of 1956 and 1959 had shown an increasing rate predominantly in the lower middle class readership. The cultural and conceptual ways in which Bond carried himself and faced in the 1950’s was in relation to the issues that had ascended between Russia’s invasions of Hungary in 1956. This imposed Bond as a Cold War Hero because he resembled the integrities of Western Capitalism over the Eastern Communism “As above all, a pre-eminently English hero, single-handedly saving the Western World from threatening catastrophe”(Bennett and Woolcott, 19).The West was seen as having freedom and individualism, while the East had many  administrative inflexibilities. So, for the lower middle class the figure of Bond was created to stand in relation and to face the conceptual concerns of that time period. Bond became much more popular internationally through the films that were created.  There are numerous reason why the films became popular internationally. The movies have scenes that attracted both males and females. Of course for the males they were easy to identify, Bond had all kinds of cool gadgets and weapons, nice cars, two button Armani slim fit tuxedos, along with the professionalism and sophistication that every gentleman should have. Bonds character appeals to men because of his masculine traits; along with the charm, popularity, and his way of being irresistible to women. Even in the trickiest situations Bond was able to compose himself and conquer the almost impossible obstacles that were put in front of him. No wonder every man wants to be like him, he is in a way superman without the cool powers and cape. I believe that for women it was all about romance and excitement. Bond movies were able to play out the fantasies of women. You have your unstoppable good-looking man, who provides the romance women want to see, as well as being able to in a way liberate their sexual desires, simply for lust.  The movies turned away from traditional views of sex being related to marriage. Aside from trying to appeal to both genders, the Bond series were able to accomplish great stunt scenes and explosions using the newest special effects equipment’s. Many of the films settings were also located in exotic countries. Ok, so I guess I do see why Bond is such an icon, especially in the era of his introduction. I’m pretty sure he can take Austin Powers, I love the way they make fun of the Bond films though.     

The Second Sex

Hello everyone, and welcome back! This week I read the introduction to the book The Second Sex by, Simone de Beauvoir. The introduction alone was good enough to spark an interest for me. It focuses primarily on women as being the “Other” in a world dominated by males. De Beauvoir indicates that throughout history women have always been inferior to men “Now, woman has always been man’s dependent, if not his slave; the two sexes have never shared the world in equality…At the present time, when women are beginning to take part in the affairs of the world, it is still a world that belongs to men.”  There are examples used in all aspects from Christ being a man, to women’s brains being smaller. These issues are brought up to help one understand the argument that has been taking place from day one. It states the since Adam was created first, women are secondary to man, while others argue that Adam was only a mere rough draft, and that God perfected his human species when he created Eve. Now I see why I can never understand women. There has been constant bickering since day one.  De Beauvoir uses the word other when describing how men view women based on the theory that men are constantly oppressing  women and treating them like objects instead of human beings.  As much as I hate to admit it, I can see why this notion is true. There are numerous reasons as well. As I mentioned in last week’s blog, the glass ceiling, can be used as a perfect example. Many times in the work field these acts are present because women are ones with the womb. They are the ones who have to take on the responsibilities of bearing children, as well as trying to remain an asset to their employers. De Beauvoir points out how to men, women are objects of sex. Again, I have the utmost respect for women and I can see how and why this statement is true. As I mentioned in the last blog “culture from above” which are those who have higher social status and power influence this women as sex objects or the “other” on a daily basis. I saw a youtube clip which I believe proves De Beauvoir’s point. It shows how women are always below men… literally. It shows that women are merely objects of sex, for example there is an ad in the clip where a guy is blowing smoke in a girls face and it quotes “Blow it in her face, and she’ll follow you anywhere.”  This clearly shows how society is influenced to believe that women really do come second. The only way for this to come to an end would be if both sides really agree to make changes, and depict women as equal to men. Girls learn at an early age to depend on men. An example of this is the Barbie dolls. The whole point it to dress her up and make her look pretty for Ken. They are influenced to be mere objects to men. Thank you everyone, see you next week!     

p.s, here is the url to the youtube video, it called Mens dominance over women.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heAlhsn4IMo