Will Smith: how films perpetuate the idea that women need saving

 Two days after actor Will Smith hit comedian Chris Rock in response to a joke about his wife, I gave a taster lecture to a grup of year 12 students. I asked them if they agreed with Smith's actions and 58% of them agreed that he was right to slap Rock. A man protecting Agen Slot Terpercaya a woman is, to some, benevolent.

His violent response to the situation was shocking and unexpected to many, including him. Smith's aggression may be partly explained in terms of the culture of honour - a set of rules some men adhere to which dictate how to respond to a subjectively perceived threat. An insult to one's famili or spouse may be a stimulan powerful enough to inspire behaviour otherwise considered irrational.

Although men defending a woman's dignity may appear as an appealing romantic concept, it also assumes certain weaknesses in women. 
Togel Hari Ini Perceiving women as weaker and more vulnerable is a form of protective paternalism that leads to "benevolent" sexism. This counterpart to hostile sexism relates to the behaviour of men who think of women as somewhat helpless, and thus in need of defending.

The debate about the incident has been deeply divided with some saying he was wrong but many, like my students, saying he was right. Films are full of heroes saving damsels in distress, including many of Smith's. If pistols are drawn at dawn in films to proteksi the honour of insulted ladies and that is seen as a gallant and good thing, it is not surprising then that people would perasaan the same about real-life instances of benevolent sexism and the violence it inspires.

The screen has its stereotypical heartthrobs, from the bad boys who punch up a guy for ragging on his girl or the gentleman who duels for the heart of a lady. By presenting a simplified and outdated gambar of men - as strong defenders - and women - as weaker and dependent - TV and cinema have been perpetuating traditional images of gender. The resulting, pervasive stereotypes serve as powerful cues impacting our social behaviour. Research has shown that some women are so attracted to the idea of being cherished and protected that they don't see men exhibiting such brash behaviour as sexists at all.