Hipster Sexism, also known as Ironic Sexism, is the way in which women may be objectified, but in such a way that enlists a form of mockery, quotation marks, and even paradox[1] . It can also be described as ironic and reflexive, while acknowledging the act of sexism in a humorous way, and as a result aimed to “empower” women[2]. It is a form of sexism that is seen as acceptable because the perpetrators are knowingly carrying out a specific action or statement, but in a sarcastic manner. In addition, an important aspect to note about Hipster Sexism is that it conforms to the assumption that “no one thinks this way anymore” regarding certain sexist views and ideas. Therefore, it is meant to be understood as a joke or anecdote rather than be taken seriously or offensively[3].
Definitions
editHipster
edit
Hipster is a contemporary subculture that works as both identifying a group of individuals who fall under this subculture and an archetypal slur.[4] As a group identifier, Hipster refers to individuals who formed communities within poor urban regions, in key areas such as "Brooklyn borough, Williamsburg, New York’s Lower East Side, Capitol Hill in Seattle, Silver Lake in Los Angeles and the Inner Mission in San Francisco".[4] Most of these groups were formed in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.[4] These groups of individuals were identified by “shared aesthetic of ironically-presented low culture symbols and appropriated countercultural fashion choices”.[4] Their appearances were regularly reflected a behaviour trend that showed that they focused on discovering and evaluating unconventional cultural products.[4]
These groups of individuals were identified by “shared aesthetic of ironically-presented low culture symbols and appropriated countercultural fashion choices”.[4] Their appearances were regularly reflected a behaviour trend that showed that they focused on discovering and evaluating unconventional cultural products.[4]
Sexism
editSexism is a form of discrimination, usually against women, based on sex.[5] Sexism can also be seen in the form of prejudice and stereotyping towards women.[5] Sexism does not require intention, which is important in relation to the idea of Hipster Sexism.[6] Sexism can be perpetuated without consistently or even consciously holding sexist prejudice.[6] Hipster Sexism connects to this idea as it suggests the sexism is a joke, but as per aspects of what sexism means, intentional or not, it is still sexism.
Related Term: Irony
editThe two traditional definitions of irony are:
- "Saying something other than what is meant
- Saying the opposite of what is meant"[7]
In the idea of Hipster Sexism, or Ironic Sexism, irony is used in the way in which sexism is represented. The act or saying of what is meant is supposed to be understood ironically, and not for its literal meaning. Irony allows the speaker to express specific views and opinions without having to be held responsible or owning up to them.[8] Ironic or Hipster sexism is a commonly used approach in men’s lifestyle magazines; firstly, to ease the expression of sexist or homophobic views, and secondly, to legitimise participation in the ‘‘feminised’’ world of consumption.[8]
Irony acts as a buffer device, which individuals can use to ignore social mockery and separate themselves from the sincere meanings.[9] Irony and sexism are often linked, and allow men to make sexist and even misogynistic remarks without having to be criticized for their actions.[9] This use of irony is intended to distance themselves from “actual” sexism.[9]
Background and History
editThe term Hipster Sexism was first defined by Alissa Quart, in an article written in 2012, titled “The Age of Hipster Sexism”.[1] She developed the term as a response to an advertisement by Lena Dunham, released for the Obama Campaign 0f 2012. The advertisement (which can be viewed here) compared voting for the first time to a woman losing her virginity, which Quart thought was “clever and winning”.[1] The advertisement received criticism from the Conservatives, being accused of having a “paternalistic” tone.[1]
Quart also recognized that there is a significant number of ads and other forms of media, which characterize women through their sexuality and/or their bodies, but always in a sarcastic tone.
The discovery of the term Hipster Sexism comes from “Hipster Racism”, a term produced by Kawker, Jezebel and the Atlatic Wire the previous year. “Racism with the acknowledgment that I should know better and I don't care”.[1]
Lena Dunham and Hipster Sexism
editLena Dunham is the creator of HBO’s “Girls” and has since been accused of both racism and sexism.[10] The biggest controversy concerning Dunham was when she published her memoir, “Not That Kind of Girl” and described in a section of the book, sexually abusing her younger sister, Grace.[10] Alissa Quart, who used the Term Hipster Sexism first, claims that what was written is being misread and that it does not qualify as Hipster Sexism (ref). Lena Dunham did apologize after the initial criticism occurred.[10]
Examples in Popular Culture
editSpring Breakers
editSpring Breakers is a movie about four college girls who head to Florida for spring break, after robbing a fast-food restaurant.[11] They party in Florida, before ending up in prison, and being bailed by a drug-dealer named Alien.[11] Later they get into further trouble, involving drugs, sex and violence.[11]
The film is supposed to satirize sex, violence and crime, gun culture, race and alcohol and drugs, instead receives criticism of being misogynistic.[12] The irony that is meant to be represented in the movie is instead criticized by some for being an “endorsement of rape culture, hipster racism and hipster sexism”.[11] Spring Breakers delivers a message of “pretend it’s a video game, act like you’re in a movie” and is meant to be covered up by irony.[12]
Girls
editIn the HBO show “Girls”, Hannah played by Lena Dunham, has an ironic and sexist partner, Adam, who is portrayed as always demeaning women.[9] In one of the episodes, titled “Weirdos Need Girlfriends Too”, when calling his sister, Adam address her as “skank” and proceeds to vulgarly ask what she is currently up to.[9] This leads the audience to understand Adam has some intimacy issues and has a rather twisted view of women.[9] Based on the random greeting and his tone of voice, he is using his vulgar greeting ironically, however, his use of language extends a certain degree of humiliation of women.[9] The recent acceptance and exposure of hipster sexism makes Adam’s phrases funny and meant to be acceted as ironic rather than offensive.[9]
Hipster Sexism in Advertising
editThe ironic element of hipster sexism is seen in advertising as “cynical humour that draws on audiences’ existing knowledge of popular culture “to present visual puns: stereotypes, self-mocking forms of humour””.[2] As a result, ironic sexism has established itself in post-feminist advertising exploiting certain choices and positions of feminism, representing them instead as clichés and having new meaning. Ultimately, advertisers have not changed the way in which women are represented, but to avoid media criticism they instead obscure the sexism in “tongue-in-cheek” humor.[2] In addition, the use of irony enables advertisers to communicate specific views without owning any responsibility for the comments. This strategic use of irony can be commonly seen in male-targeted magazines, which showcases the expression of sexism, but makes is deemed acceptable due to this idea of "ironic sexism".[8]
Advertisements that are specifically aimed at women showcase Hipster Sexism a little differently. They are positioned to be feminist advertisements, which use ironic sexism in order to empower women, while at the same time having her conform to sexist ideals.[2] On the other hand, advertisements targeting males often depict women as insecure, inferior and often as sexual objects. This is either done following the idea of Hipster Sexism, so in a joking manner, or sometimes the line can be blurred between Ironic Sexism and Sexism.
These kinds of ironic layers in advertisements are meant to draw attention away from the misogyny and sexism. Instead, some may “mimic or glorify sexist aspects of the past”.[13] A popular example of hipster sexism in advertising was an American Apparel ad from the year 2010. The ad features the ex-CEO of company, Dov Charney, sitting on a mattress with two women, captioned “In bed with the boss”.[13]
Article Critique
editCritique 1
The Zone (YTV) Hi, it says one of the hosts, Carlos is 73 years of age. This is likely not his age. Though, I could not find his exact age, here is his LinkedIn profile, which says he attended post-secondary education from 2000-2002, which would make him 35 years of age, give or take. --Kdzyuben (talk) 17:15, 3 October 2016 (UTC)
Critique 2
On the Coco Chanel article, the link of the first citation in the reference list is broken. The page cannot be found. This citation is for Chanel's date of birth, and the date she died. Here is a link that can replace the broken link with the same information found. --Kdzyuben (talk) 17:37, 3 October 2016 (UTC)
Works Cited
edit- ^ a b c d e Quart, Alissa. "The Age of Hipster Sexism". The Cut. New York Magazine.
- ^ a b c d Blloshmi, Ana. "Advertising in Post-Feminism: The Return of Sexism in Visual Culture?". Journal of Promotional Communications. 1 (1): 4–18.
- ^ Wallace, Kelsey. ""Hipster Sexism": Just As Bas As Regular Old Sexism, Or Worse?". bitchmedia.org.
- ^ a b c d e f g Henke, Kelsey (2013). "Postmodern authenticity and the hipster identity". Forbes & Fifth. 3. Cite error: The named reference "Henke" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b "Sexism". Oxford Dictionaries. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 20 February 2017. Cite error: The named reference "Oxford" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b Ferguson, Sian. "Why Discrimination Against Men is Nowhere Near as Bad as Sexism". Everyday Feminism - Magazine. Everyday Feminism. Retrieved 4 December 2016. Cite error: The named reference "Ferguson" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ Myers, Alice R. (1977). Toward a definition of irony. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press. p. 171.
{{cite book}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b c Benwell, Bethan (July 2, 2007). "New Sexism?". Journalism Studies. 8 (4): 539–549.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Vogel, Kristofor (May 2013). "Perceptions of Subversion: The Formation of a Pop-Subculture" (PDF): 8-22. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) Cite error: The named reference "Vogel" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - ^ a b c Herman, Barbara. "Lena Dunham Controversy: Is 'Hipster Sexism' What Has Everyone Up In Arms?". International Business Times. IBT Media Inc. Retrieved 5 January 2017. Cite error: The named reference "Herman" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b c d Teitel, Emma. "Spring Breakers: The emperor's new bikini". Maclean's. Rogers Digital Media. Retrieved 5 January 2017. Cite error: The named reference "Emma" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b Aurthur, Kate. "The Gross Hipster Sexism Of "Spring Breakers"". BuzzFeed. BuzzFeed, Inc. Retrieved 5 January 2017. Cite error: The named reference "Kate" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b Spicer, Tracey. "Welcome to the World of Hipster Sexism". The Sydney Morning Herald. The Sydney Morning Herald.