Even though I have had the privilege of having higher education... the most important lessons in life... I learnt from life itself.
And one of of those lessons is that - sex sells. And of course, for the benefit of those who like to jump to conclusions, I should clarify that by sex.. I mean sexuality, and not the act of sexual intercourse itself (although I'm sure, that sells just as well).
Which brings me to my point of contention today- This Article written on March 29 (Can Local Programming Get Any Worse?) . Writer Jian rants about Mediacorp producing shit programmes and that -"Ideally, they should be producing television shows that are compelling, meaningful, have universal appeal and help Singaporeans and global audiences alike make sense of life in the ever-changing world."My response to Jian, who claims not to understand why Mediacorp is producing yet another programme like this (after Grid Girls, and Eye for a Guy, etc) is that it sells. Sex has been employed in media and advertising since the beginning. If it continues to be a driver for many TV programmes, then it must be working!
I'm not against having "television shows that are compelling, meaningful, have universal appeal". But the key is having variety.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with having programmes which set out simply to entertain. If everything on TV had to have a snooty higher order purpose ... we'd all be bored shitless.
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He then goes on to talk about 'the male gaze' and objectifying women.
Where do I even start with that?! (I do want to go to bed soon).
Well, the crux of it for me would be... that women are not victims. The 'male gaze' is just some feminist ideology which puts forth the victim-oriented premise of a woman's status as a passive object.
I am not a victim. I am not a passive object. I know exactly what I am doing.If a woman chooses to show some skin or exert her sexuality (on screen or in real life), and has the choice and ability to feed the needs of the male ego... who is at whose mercy ? Who has the real power here?
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And then a couple of paragraphs later, he goes on to say that he hasn't got an issue with the portrayal of women sexually "That’s not to say I’m deeply offended by the level of indecency. Actually, I’m not."
"What I’m offended by is the level of sheer stupidity."
Well, to that, I say that you've only watched a one minute trailer. You obviously don't know what really went on. Just because there were a few stupid moments in the show does not mean that the whole show is like that.
Even if we (falsely) protrayed every woman as intelligent and free from any flaws... does that make it a reality? No. There are all sorts of women out there and that is what the show reflects.
And also, it doesn't take a genius to understand that if you want the competition to be entertaining, you have to have a whole mix of characters, the reason why the stupid moments have been picked up and shown in the trailers is because people love watching moments like that.
It's mass entertainment. That is how the industry works.
Every programme has to be judged based on its own merits. Of course you cannot compare S-factor on the same grounds as you would the evening news.
Bottom line is.. sex sells... and so does controversy. And people reacting the way Jian has, helps create an even bigger hype and stirs up interest (even before the programme airs!). So on behalf of Mediacorp, I thank you Jian for being part of the marketing master plan. :)
And... here are two more trailers for the show :) Enjoy!
Comments
-- nn
but here's what I wanted to say to anon 9.19am-- yes. one may think that the power belongs to the men because they are the ones "judging".
but the women who "parade" themselves in front of these men weren't force to do so. And didn't do it because they needed to be validated by what these men thought of them.
come on.
It was harmless fun... all part of the drama of reality tv. I personally don't peg my self-worth based on what these men thought about me. I choose to do it because I know my confidence/self image isn't going to wobble just because some man passes judgement. haha.
oh and p/s- it's actually inaccurate to say tht what you saw on the trailer was the girls being judged on the physical. the judging was for the personality and social skills of the girls in mingling round. But of course we'd like to make it seem on the trailer as girls being judged on tits and ass, because it sells... particularly to men. So that's the bait. and they're biting.
Yes "real power". I am real.
Like NN said - empowerment is feeling good abt yourself "WITHOUT CARING WHAT MEN (AND OTHER OPPRESSIVE WOMEN) THINK "
Do what you like, live as you please. And yes people will judge you, but that judgement does not become you. Roll your eyes, laugh, giggle, or even be appalled by some of the things people will say about you, but ultimately, know that it all doesn't matter.
and with the way fashion or media are posting girls as. always at big events, there will girls dresssing like sluts and posing with the camera and all. like sex objects.
so who has the real power? if girls "want" that power at the sacrifice of their modesty and getting bedded, then sad case.
girls who are not careful go on dressing like that will want day get raped and yeah, good luck on that...
isn't is sad to wear loose tops and when bending down having to hold on to it...or be careful of guys peeping into it. it's so bloody inconvenient and other words, displaying urself for sex. it's like you're wearing a sign saying "sex" and guys come around and get u.
girls might say "hey i don't care what men think, i feel confident and as long as i'm confident i'll wear them" pathetic. girls like that gives one thing on our minds "sex" and if u call that real power by telling the guy to do what u want, then you're looking at it the wrong way.
I have also readed the essay written by jian about the show and i dont really quite understand what he says actually or some of the replies by various contestants. You were saying about the third wave of post-feminism and although this question really dumb but is there a first wave of post-feminism? and is he trying to mean that women are being objectified in the show even though now is like the new age where women and men are of the same status? sorry for asking so much questions but you really can explain well. Once a teacher always a teacher:)
i came across a video where it's a for fun kinda show with games and audiences and all. and this girl wore a mini skirt, and the guy carried her upside down spreaded her legs wide open and exposed her pussy to the camera..like what the hell?
and if u watch there are those italians or french(can't remember) shows with audiences and all, and the girl sitting in the middle of the stage talking with a guy on some shit, wore a mini dress and it was so difficult for her to sit without covering those parts especially when in front of the audiences. not just in 1 show but all the shows, girls have to dress like that. sad case.
It is evident from the fact that some narrow minded Singaporean still stereotypes females in minis as whore/sluts. Its the 21st century, it is about time that these pathetic people know how outdated their thoughts are.
I notice you're being quite defensive about the show. Which is perfectly understandable - you're part of it after all. Thing is, I would really love to be supportive but I can kind see where that Jian guy is coming from. I can't imagine how this show could serve any other purpose than to satisfy my or others' 'male gaze'. I'm not gonna learn anything new about the world from the show. Going by other Mediacorp productions, I sincerely doubt I'm gonna be even mildly entertained. And while we're on the subject of the girls being humans with personalities and stuff, I'm definitely not gonna find out who they really are behind those skimpy bikinis after watching the show, even the whole season? Hell no. Not from the telly. I'm much better off reading their twitter updates, blogs, facebook accounts, myspace accounts, etc. BUT am I gonna have fodder for a bit of self-indulgence immediately after the show? Yes, and some. I'm watching a tv show with half-dressed nubile girls spanking each other silly with their inadequacies because, well, it's a bunch of half-dressed nubile girls. Nubile girls doing nubile things. And in the comfort of my living room. Why are they even talking? Anyway, I'm more than happy to surrender 100% of my power. I know I can always recharge. All I have to do is to hit a bunch of glowing cylinders.
If I wanna feel good about myself for not objectifying women, I'll watch the Golden Girls. Them, I will listen to.
Anyway, to summarise, I believe you when you say you're doing this for the fun of it, because I know you. And I do genuinely believe that you honestly don't care what judgement people, particularly men, make of you watching the show. But I honestly don't think we can say the same for the rest of the girls. We've seen some of them in pageants that glorify little other than their bodies, which makes me wonder if there really is anything more than attention and affirmation they're after. Insecurity is a powerless man-bitch, and I know for a fact that attractive people are just as prone to insecurity as the ugly ones. It's strange but I've seen too many examples not to subscribe to it. Anyway, the good news for some of the S-Factor girls is, it's primetime channel 5 so they'll probably get a whole load of it.
Fuck. I ended crafting a long response anyway.
So, much said & heard, but i guess one man's meat, is another's poision.
WIth regards to the show- Girls go on it because they want to improve their exposure... have fun... maybe earn more money (for those who model). Isn't that abt empowerment? Isn't that about choice?
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I can see why feminism has taken so long to be accepted here, esp when I see people leaving comments here which blatantly state that "girls like that gives one thing on our minds "sex" and if u call that real power by telling the guy to do what u want..." WHAT? I thought we have moved beyond this by now... just because a girl chooses to dress a certain way does not mean she's inviting rape. god.
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The programme is what it says on the wrapper. Light entertainment, mildly titilating, some bits funny. It doesn't pretend to be an opinion changing documentary so... my advice would be loosen up ...(and enjoy the tits and ass?) haha
Yes, I will watch the show (looking forward to it actually) but to me, it's just trash entertainment (no offense meant)
But yes, I will definitely enjoy the visual treats. Saiful 0 semi-naked girls 13,267! :)
(And yes, yes, you have every right to state your opinion on a public blog, but please, do it with the grace and decency that Jesus will want you to have. Make the man proud.)
girls won't want it, but they make it come to them. sad.
Anon 3:34- are you a registered sex offender with the police? is tht the defence you gave in court?
all the criticism arises because alot of women trapped in their kitchens and petty this-milk-powder-is-cheaper talk find it too impossible to accept that other women lead a fuller life. and men with small goals and disappointing achievements know they can never be part of something this exciting - hence calling it stupid.
seriously, local television is crap. with cheesy storylines (channel 8) and shitty acting (police and thief). the only good show on Channel 5 was CrimeWatch anyway.
Holly, hope you had fun filming the show! i'm all for more flesh and good humour over dinner~
whatever it is, so as long as the girls have fun filming, why bother rite?
it's not always they get to do such things.
and no one is ugly in this world. beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
whatever the court crap and all, there's another story..i'm talking on the spot activity..so i guess u wanna get raped and then charge that rapist in court after being raped? prevention is better cure girl..and with the way u continue dressing, don't be surprise one day u have to charge someone like u said, that is after something has happened to u.
advice- stop dressing like a slut. be decent girl and respect urself.
dude seriously you gotta give the girl a break. she's confident and beautiful and able to flaunt it.
just cuz u can't get a girl of that calibre - quit being a bitch. when a girl dresses poorly, you'd label her "obedient and dull" and lust for someone else. when a girl dresses well, you call her a slut.
i believe we men have evolved to a state where we can contain our lust and give women the liberty they deserve. they use looks to tempt us, we use charm and assets to lure them. it's a game, and each party has their ruse.
of course it's misleading for a guy who sees a woman who dresses provacatively - whether she's 'easy' or not. but that we have to find out in a way that doesn't compromise her comfort. (in addition to our legal liabilities)
all that talk about rape is bullshit. a man who rapes a woman just hasn't evolved. even lion's can't rape a lioness lest he gets a fatal wound.
btw, a guy like you spoke bout my girlfriend. just so happens he didnt know i was within earshot. he walks with a limp now.
- Ego trip/exposure for the girls themselves.
- Higher ratings for mediacorp because despite being better educated, plenty of people lack substance.
- Guys who are just bored over the weekend it just another entertainment outlet besides porn.
- Silly would be the word. Don't over thinking the whole Feminism, too much skin, another no substance production by mediacorp, blah blah blah..
While it might not be apparent to the gals in S factor, nor most commenters on the show like Jian, the media is just manipulating you. More heated arguements, love/hate for the show ultimately serves to benefit the exposure gained by the show.
Seriously, be honest with yourselves and see the big pictures mates, gals on the show aint that hot, their choice of choosing the S factor as a means to gain exposure serves to show they are cheap/desperate for attention. Get off the pedestal. Its near pitiful that you people overthink substandard gals on a show and making so much of a fuss over matters that do not really matter. Its sad.
Pardon the harsh words, am just using them to drive my points home. Its issues like this show, discussions, blogs, forums that I wonder whats the point to all these years people spend growing older physically and learning many things in life and doing many things, but still lack the ability to 'truely mature'.
Not the slightest hint of bitterness or sour grapes in your answer at all.
Great way to "drive" your points home too, yes, slagging other people off always works and gives real substance to your opinions.... mate!
yeah girls who have should flaunt it, go ahead then why are so many plp saying that girls who flaunt it that way are wrong? i'm a guy and i admit i'd like to chicks wearing revealing clothes like holly jean does. but i don't think about just guys side, i care on the girls side as well.
if it is inconvenient then why wear it? just b'coz u wanna feel confident and flaunt u have to be aware of guys peeping and all. it's so sad for them. that pic where holly jean wears a mini skirt, she said "too short?" even she knows it that it is short and only wants to "feel confident?" puhllleassee...girls can flaunt it with style not slutty way. so pls get it. if u wan to a girl who has been fucked whole lot of times then nicely her pussy would be dirty...
holly jean, i was talking about the power women have over girls where u said it. c'mon girl, if u have it then show it the decent way. i read some comments and even they say u look like hooker. i'm not the only one..
hahaha...for once i'm stuck without a punchline..
a girl who dresses like a slut indirectly has a sign saying "fuck me" but she doesn't want it. wait till her hole's been filled by many guys at once then she'll change her mind on slutty dressing.
talk on rape is bullshit is totally out. everyone is talking about rape cases and how they want to avoid it. and u are saying it's bullshit and man not evolving? why don't u go live in a planet full of girls dressing like that and a world of men with super nice atittude looking at women dressing slutty.
coz right now, u're living on Earth, and there are guys out there who would love to bang a girl like that.whether they're evolved anot is fucking bullshit.if u're so evolved and advanced, go live on another planet. i'm on the neutral side.
she gets drugged at parties and gets gang bang. wakes up, cries,regrets and is depressed. how would u feel? owh no problem at all, she should continue dressing the way she likes it coz she has it and should flaunt it...the drugging is 100% without any influence 200% on the banger's side..so continue sis, flaunt it if u have it and enjoy life.
wow
Ok you're right , but sexual assault can come to a woman walking home alone at night however dressed ,being a schoolgirl and wearing uniform or wearing a bikini on the beach , or (in case you didn"t know )getting married - most rapes occur in marriage .
So what do we do , cover women up - no short skirts , no open blouses , no bikinis - where do we stop in the name of protecting women from the male enemy ?
The reality is in a mature secular society women should be able to dress how they please within the boundaries of decency and if we move away from that principle then we are heading towards a situation where the perpetrator is able to blame the victim for the crime - " he shouldn"t buy an expensive car if he doesn"t want it stolen !
We have to rely on the law , common sense and the police to maintain these freedoms - but we do get your point .
Jav - u're another ass man.. how do u even know what i can do or cannot do? i can't get hot girls? u know nothing so don't say anything that doesn't make sense.. damn sad for ur kind...
@ ur poorly supported point, thats where NS comes in, doesn't it? To instill a sense of discipline. I guess NS should also have instilled some extra mental faculty in you :)
"thats where NS comes in?" pathetic...u depend on shit like that to help? none of these shit can help till any girl thinks deeply for her modesty. unless of course something's happened to her hard. sad wei u.
Precisely, if something as gruelling as NS doesnt discipline you, then I don't really see how dressing styles would help. You are either born intellectual enough to restrain ur own carnal desires or u r born a horny dog who blames its victims for raping them. Oh and btw, for ur point, do u think we should implement a law to stop women from wearing revealing clothes? if so, congrats.
i think stupid people should be, if not encouraged, left alone to be stupid. i feel happy knowing there are so many idiots around. it only makes me look smarter.
fuck you stupid faggots about this feminism bullshit. i won't bother addressing the argument, only because i think you do not deserve to be enlightened. God bless you.
ps. forgive me, i forget holly is a teacher.
hehe
I just feel channel 5 should have more shows catered for the female gaze, i'm glad they came out wtih polo boys. It's time to balance the scales, it's not like women don't like looking at half naked men.