So... as it stands now, my topic combines Communication and Gender Studies-- specifically, Food Network, and its portrayal of traditional gender roles. Its so easy to just watch the channel mindlessly-- I am probably still going to do this (for said reasons above)-- but upon becoming more conscious of what the channel actually shows-- its pretty clear where the gender lines are drawn. Most of the women are at home cooks, while the men are professional chefs. The crossover is bare: there is Chef Anne Burrell (but she's pretty masculine and scary-- no the skirt really doesn't help), Chef Alex Guarnaschelli (but she's a judge on one show, and hosts another with the context of it being her day off), and Chef Cat Cora (who only sometimes shows up on Iron Chef). I'll be focusing on set design and persona... so far. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
Giada = <3
Bobby = <3 also, but yes... different portrayals for sure.
Those pictures are so self-evident, wow that's crazy. It is interesting because the same type of thing goes on with the travel channel. You have guys like Andrew Zimmerman, Anthony Bourdain vs. Samantha Brown and how different they are, but I wonder how much of the difference is based upon the networks intended perceptions vs what these people's personalities and styles are. Gender roles shouldn't define any person, but the constructs exist because, yes some stereotypes, the vast difference amongst men and women, would a rugged women warrior chef really obtain enough viewers to sell tv air time to commercial slot buyers? Just something to ask, but very cool topic..
ReplyDeleteGood question. And thats something that still puzzles me... the rugged women warrior chefs probably wouldn't be too successful but why?
ReplyDeletewhy don'twe accept such counter-stereotypes? Its a ginormous question. But thanks for bringing that up because I think thats at the heart of not only Food Network's representation of gender, but how our society thinks of gender in the bigger picture.