InDePenDanT StuDy EsSay..x

‘Dear God, please stop me perving over Sugar and help me find me a fit guy to perv over instead. Or if it turns out you're OK with the whole same-sex thing, then stop Sugar messing me about and help her find her way into my bed’.

How are Lesbians represented in the media? With particular references to ‘Sugar Rush’

Sugar Rush is a TV show developed by Shine Limited and broadcast by Channel 4, based on the Julie Burchill novel of the same name revolving around the life of a 15 year old lesbian, Kim Daniels. Society is changing and homosexuality is being accepted by communities. In comparison to the 60’s and 70’s where homosexuality was frowned upon and seen as a horrid sin to commit as man was made for woman and not for the same sex. This no longer stands, and channel four television programme can vouch for that. Sugar rush of where each episode is a different journey inside Kim's world as her wry observations take us into the mind of a screwed up, loved up, lustful adolescent experiencing the bright lights of Brighton and the rush of forbidden love for the first time[1]. This essay will be discussing how lesbians are represented in the media with particular focus on ‘Sugar Rush’

Channel 4 is a public-service television station, where ‘Sugar Rush’ is broadcast. Channel four broadcasts all over the UK, which allows everyone who has a TV license to view the channel, Therefore on the whole channel four attracts a mainstream audience but instead Sugar Rush targets a more niche audience. By having a niche audience it allows the show to deal with real life and personal issues such as sexuality and Lesbianism. Each episode of Sugar Rush is watched on average by a million and a half households--not bad for a cult hit based on a much-criticized young adult novel[2]. Sugar Rush has not been the first show to deal with lesbianism. In the past several shows such as ‘Heartbeat’ and L.A Law’[3] in 1991 has had elements of lesbianism where two characters have had a sexual encounter small screen saw it’s first lesbian kiss. Amanda Donohoe played C.J., a bisexual lawyer on L.A. Law who kissed a female colleague on the lips. ‘Sugar Rush’ is a show based on a lesbian woman and how she deals with her day to day dilemmas of having feelings for her best friend, Sugar. The show is primarily targeting teenagers and a young adult audience due to the explicit sexual nature and strong language. Since the main character is a lesbian and the show focuses how she deals with family troubles as well as her love issues, it will also appeal to the core audience of lesbians. The fact that the show concentrates on lesbians suggests that society is more tolerant than it use to be as it was seen as unacceptable and immoral.

Sugar rush doesn’t follow the typical conventions of a standard television programme as it subverts the whole ideal of a ‘normal, nuclear family. The show portrays a mother, Stella, who refuses to take on the responsibilities of parenthood, or adulthood[4]. Kim’s brother, Matt, is confused and alienated and believes he is from a different planet. Matt is desperate for attention from his parents and others, and goes to extreme lengths to get noticed. Lastly, Kim’s father, Nathan, who is described by Kim as 'half man, half pinny'[5]. These character roles are constructed to give create a unique and realistic storyline as it is targeting a young audience that can relate to such issues. The show rejects ‘Vladimir Propp theory’ about character roles and function as the show doesn’t consist of a hero, villain or a princess. ‘Sugar Rush’ concentrates on real life characters and their situations as the show presents flashbacks to the audience in order for them to become more aware and familiar with the dilemmas occurring. The flashbacks can be seen as justifications for particular characters actions, as the producers of the show place them in suitable times during the programme for the audience to understand.

Media educators Larry Gross and George Gerbner argue that the media participate in the "symbolic annihilation"[6] of gays and lesbians by negatively stereotyping them often consigning them to the margins of entertainment media, playing either "colourful" and "flamboyant" characters or dangerous psychopaths, by rarely portraying them realistically, or by not portraying them at all. ‘Sugar Rush can vouch for these stereotypes as non existent as Kim undermines this. Kim discovers she is a lesbian in the first episode. The producers of the show do not entirely concentrate on the representation of Kim as they depict her as ‘normal’ teenage girl. Kim reveals to the audience that she is ‘sexually obsessed’[7] with Sugar. Dramatic irony is created as the audience is only aware of her feelings towards Sugar. Sugar, on the other hand is ‘straight’[8]. Kim allows the audience to become familiar with lesbianism as she is the protagonist in the show, which is ironic as men usually are in most shows, which portrays her as dominant as the entire show is from her perspective which allows the audience to identify with her.

All the women in the show are there for a different purpose as all of them suffer and long for different things. Stella, Kim's mother is longing for companionship. To help her with this, she decides to have an affair with Dale, the builder, while her husband it out making a living. This illustrates how society is changing and that woman have more of a powerful role then they use to as opposed to many years ago when women in film and TV were sexually active or seductive were likely to get killed of. This was seen as there form of punishment from society. Stella is challenging stereotypes of women and sexuality. She is stating that women are allowed to enjoy sex the way men do. She wants her sexual desires to be fulfilled as she clearly states 'Bering married to a man for 15 years and having his two children can lead to a very boring and repetitive sex life'[9]. Stella is represents a heterosexual relationship in the show in comparison to her daughter who represents the homosexual lifestyle. Women in the show are breaking traditional stereotypes and roles reversals are seen as Nathan is at home taking on the domestic role and Stella, his wife is portrayed as the homer wreaker by having an affair.

As the show primarily concentrates on the lesbian relationship between Kim and Saint as well as the feelings for Sugar within Kim, the producers have managed to include a typical conventional heterosexual quandary in order for the show to cater to all. The majority of the women in the show are seen to be independent, free and stable. They are not dependant on any male figure, besides Sugar who claims she is heterosexual, even though she had a lesbian encounter with Kim, and still conforms to the stereotype of woman needing and wanting a man. Sugar is represented as sexually active where she talks about her sexual encounters with Kim. She is depicted as very open and speaks about taboo subjects. Throughout the show, she remains jobless and lives of Sugar, who lives with her parents. Sugar seeks for male attention; she wants a man to give her guidance and support as she is alone without parental direction and only chance to survive is to provide for herself. In episode four, series two, Sugar results to stealing since she has no secure home and turns to wondering the streets of London till the early hours of the morning. Sugar was initially too interested in boys to notice the affections of her best friend, so instead the pair set off into the land of teenage stereotypes, complete with drugs, crime, and sex in Brighton, England's gayest town.[10]. This can be seen as the true portrayal of troubled English teens[11]. However, she was involved in a sexual encounter with Kim when she was under the influence of alcohol. Lesbianism is portrayed between a repertoire of images signaling female friendship[12]. This leads to sugar becoming confused as at the end of the series she is in a state of limbo, whether to continue to remain with Kim have a relationship with her or leave men all together and be free.

Saint, Kim’s girlfriend, has her own business which shows she is reliable and autonomous as she does not need a man or a woman to support her. In the past, the men were seen as the breadwinners since they use to be the ones who worked, while the women were meant to remain in the house hold and only have the responsibility to look after the children and take on the domesticated roles such as cooking, cleaning and mending. Saint has her own apartment that she chooses to share with Kim. Two lesbians living together would be seen as wrong; however it is openly being accepted. Audiences would assume that they would be weaker without a man, however, they are represented as more active than passive. None of the women in the show illustrate a passive role, as all of them are rebellious and do something that would have be frown upon in society many years ago. On the whole, none of the women in the show are tied down, they have no responsibilities or children, besides Stella who refuses to take these problems on broad.

Saints and Kim’s relationship can be compared to Stella and Nathan’s relationship in the show. One relationship is homosexual, whereas the other one is heterosexual. Even though there is a major difference between the types of relationship, there behavior is presented similarly. Even though a male does not exist in Saint’s and Kim’s relationship, Saint takes on the male role and is more active than Kim. ‘Tonight was different. Tonight I was living the dream. I was buying my girlfriend a drink and nothing could stop me’[13]. Here Kim expresses her feelings and she is not ashamed of being homosexual. As mentioned previously, being homosexual was seen to be a sin. This again reinforces how the rules have changed it society. Kim feels she can have a drink down her local pub without any problems occurring from residents. Things that would usually occur within heterosexual, will still take place in the Lesbian relationship. During Episode 5 of Series 2, Kim is caught cheating on Saint with rocker Montana which results in Kim overdosing on the beach. Here, the makers of the show are challenging stereotypical roles of women. This relates to real life, as an increase of partners cheating on their wives and husbands has increased and this is shown through Kim’s character. This allows the audience to view lesbians as any normal couple and accept them. Here a parallel has been made between the two types of relationships illustrating the similarities and differences. By doing this it avoids alienating people and targets more a wider audience rather to just one specific niche audience. Its appeal is growing from its young, lesbian fan base to one of mainstream popularity [14]

Sugar Rush is broadcast late night at 10:50pm on. Like mentioned previously the show not only targets a niche audience, but also appeals to more of a mainstream audience. It attracts different people in many ways, by firstly having the main lesbian relationship. Sugar Rush is one of the only mainstream British shows with central lesbian characters who haven't return to heterosexuality (unlike Emmerdale and EastEnders) and are given substantial character development. Also having the husband and wife relationship, where the wife, Stella is having an affair. Lastly, the issue that Matt, Kim’s brother is facing where he wants to be a cross dresser as he feels more comfortable expressing himself in women’s clothes than in males. Some viewers would find themselves watching the show for pure entertainment. They might find it as a route of escapism, because they find life monotonous and repetitive. Others might find themselves watching the show because they can relate to the issues that are being covered e.g. lesbianism, rejection from friends and adultery to see the humorous and enjoyable side to it, as the show almost encourages bad behavior e.g. having affairs. The camera shots drive the narrative forward as the camera metaphorically are Kim’s eyes and this is only what the audience gets to see. For example, we get a close up of Sugar’s lips which suggest that Kim has been longing to kiss Sugar. Also when Kim gets a ‘rush’ from drinking alcohol and taking drugs, when see the camera panning, which allows the audience to have an insight to how she feels from the effects of drugs.

Lately in television homosexuality has become increasingly popular. On cable TV, it seems that homosexuality is no longer taboo, with gay-related programs already topping the lists of popular programs since late last year, ``The L Word'', an American TV-series featuring lesbians as the main, characters. During television’s 1997-1998 season, viewers watched as ABC’s Ellen became the first television show ever to feature an openly gay lead character, Ellen Morgan, played by actress/comedienne Ellen DeGeneres. More and more shows have been created to follow on this idea of lesbianism. Gay programs with high ratings in cable TV include Home CGV's ``Queer As Folk'' and On Style's ``Will & Grace,'' ``Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,'' and ``Playing it Straight. ''[15]. These show all feature gays and lesbians and how they break away from the typical representations of gay’s ands lesbians and portrays them with authoritative positions in their job roles. They are: An interior designer, a fashion stylist, a chef, a beauty guru and someone we like to call the “concierge of cool”[16]. The number of shows that have gay or lesbian characters in them has increased dramatically in the past five years. By doing this it challenges the hegemony as it offers an alternate representation. Prime example of this, is when ‘Rachel’ the American sitcom ‘Friends’ kisses another woman.

The representation of the characters in ‘Sugar Rush’ appeals to various different audiences in different ways. Everyone in the show is represented as being middle/working class. More recently the hegemonic representation has been replaced by what seems to be more natural representations. Key theorist Laura Mulvey argues that there is a the active male hero and the passive female characters who's mere purpose is their quality to be looked at ness and they are objectified as sexual objects and become objects of the male gaze. She declares that in a patriarchal society ‘pleasure in looking has been split between the active man and the passive female’. She also talks of the female being the object of the male gaze. This theory can be applied to 'Sugar Rush' in many ways as Sugar rush is a show that focuses on the representation of Lesbians and Women in society today. The show portrays a drastic change between the 1970's where women were usually shown to be play passive and helpless roles compared to now where they play more dominant leading roles. However, Mulvey's theory can be challenged as there is no central male role, besides Nathan and Matt, who ironically play the passive roles. Since all the main characters are female, it forces the audience to view and understand things as they see everything from their viewpoint, encouraging a female gaze. However, Mulvey’s theory can conform to Sugar Rush as parts of Sugar’s body are fetishzied in order to appeal to the male gaze. For example, in one scene the camera focuses on Sugar’s legs when she is sitting on the chair. The camera tilts starting from her legs, zoom in between her legs and finishes at her eyes. The slow, romantic diegetic sound gives the implication that Kim has sexual desires about Sugar. The attraction is shown between the characters through camera work which presents the women’s intimacy. It also depicts that a patriarchal society no longer exists and women have equal rights to men.

In the show, Sugar, Saint and Kim are represented as attractive young woman, Women that audience would aspire to look like. Generally, lesbians on the whole, are represented as good-looking women. For example, American show ‘The L word’ is a TV series about a group of lesbians living in West Hollywood. They are known as the ‘Lipstick lesbians’. This challenges the stereotype of lesbians as the ‘butch dyke’, where lesbians where seen as more masculine that feminine. This can have an impact on the audience as women in society may feel and believe they have to conform to this ideal of beauty. This again links with the camera shots, the camera zooms in on Kim, when she is about to go meet Saint in ‘CC night club’. The camera allows the audience to analyse the make-up and glamorous clothing she chooses to wear. This implies that she wants to get noticed and is making effort to be looked at, conforming to Mulvey’s theory.

To conclude lesbians in the media are portrayed in a more positive way as producers of the show are not afraid that there show will not be successful if they have various representations. Having gay and lesbian characters allows the show to target a wider audience rather then one particular type. Homosexuality is still seen to be a very controversial topic as many people still believe it is a wrong thing to, however society has accepted it and the representation has developed drastically as opposed to many years ago when it was frowned upon. By having these representations it decreases homophobia and allows people to become more open about their sexuality.

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[1] www.channelfour.co.uk/sugarrush

[2] www.afterellen.com/TV/2006/7/sugarrush.html

[3]www.lesbianlife.about.com/cs/subject1/a/lesbiansonTV.htm

[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_Rush_(TV_series)

[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_Rush_(TV_series)

[6] www.bbc.co.uk/gaysandlesbians

[7] www.channelfour.com/sugarrush

[8] www.channel4.com/life/microsites/S/sugar_rush/

[9] www.channelfour.com/sugar_rush

[10] www.afterellen.com/TV/2006/6/sugarrush.html

[11] www.imdb.com/title/tt0452568/

[12] Yasker, Yvonne (1998): Working Girls: UK: Routledge

[13] www.imdb.com/title/tt0452568/quotes

[14] www.afterellen.com/TV/2006/7/sugarrush.html

[15] www.times.hankooki.com/lpage/200503/kt2005032317523253460.htm

[16] www.bravotv.com/Queer_Eye/about

BloG QuesTions...

How easy has it been to set up your Independent Study blog and to get used to posting things on it? Were you given enough support in doing it? What other help would have been useful
Setting up the blog was simple as we did these blogs last year in year 12 so I was use to it. We were told to post on a regular with the work we have been doing. We didn’t get much support as it was our own work but it would have been useful if the teachers check the blogs and actually read what we have written. Given us some positive feed back in to how we could improve our work.

How did the blog help with your research? Did the blog motivate you to do more and better research? How? Why?
The blog did help me to do my research as I didn’t have sheets and sheets of research from the internet. Knowing me I would have lost it all. It did kind of motivate me to do my work as it gave me a chance to see how much work everybody else in the class is doing. It also allowed the teachers to keep on eye on whether we were doing.

Is it useful having all the Independent Study/blog tasks posted on the Macguffin blog? Does it make it more likely that you will get them done?
Having the tasks on the blog was good as sometimes we forget to write them down and do them. Then we have no excuse saying we haven’t done it. It lets us know how much work we need to do.

How often (honestly!) do you check the Macguffin blog? (Remember, it should be at least twice/week)
I check it whenever I can. Usually we have work for media.

Has it been useful being able to see and access everyone else’s research and planning through their blogs?
Yes it has been useful as you can see how much work everyone is doing. But mostly I use to check other people’s blog to see if they have done the homework lol.

How do you feel about the fact that your teacher can keep a close check on your progress through accessing your blog? Is it too intrusive and controlling or is it encouraging and supportive?
I think that its good that the teacher checks the blog. It encourages the class to do their work. If they didn’t check the work then no one will do it and most people will get away with copying other people’s work.

How useful have the comments been that you received from…a. Macguffin, b. other students.
Well I don’t really remember getting any comments from ‘Macguffin’, it was good getting comments from other students as they can elaborate on your ideas.

How has the blog helped with your essay planning? How useful was the blog when it came to writing the essay? Do you think your first draft is better because you have used a blog?
I think having the blog made the independent study much easier. Since months before we actually had to write the essay Mr bush and Mr Munroe made us write our first paragraphs and stuff. So I just copied and pasted stuff from my blog and added it to. It made everything easier as the planning was done previously.

How would you evaluate the quality of your blog? What could you have done better?
My blog is ok could have been better if I added more research on it about lesbians itself as I focused too much on the actual show. It would have made everything much easier for me.

Do you think you will get a better final grade for your independent study through having used a blogs?
Ye probs, since I put effort into the blog.

Which are the best three blogs? Why?
Ermm.. Most people’s blogs were good, but I could probs say that Bush’s and Sherish’s was good. They put so much research on their blog and it was very detailed which showed they had good knowledge about their text. Erm.. Rass, Kavita and Rajan

Do you think next year’s Year 13s would benefit from setting up an Independent Study blog?
Ye its good

Are there any negative aspects to preparing for an Independent Study using a blog?
The fact that sometimes its sooo slow and I cnt get into it.

What could be done to improve teaching and/or learning in future through blogs?
They could actually check the blogs and sit with the students and give them constructive criticism on how they can improve it.

Overall, are you pleased that we used blogs? Has it been interesting and enjoyable? Why? Why not?
Ye its been good. Lets us be creative at the same time. :D

FirSt PaRaGrAPh...

How are Lesbians presented in Sugar Rush and do they conform to Laura Mulvey’s Male Gaze theory?

Media educators Larry Gross and George Gerbner argue that the media participate in the "symbolic annihilation" of gays and lesbians by negatively stereotyping them often consigning them to the margins of entertainment media, playing either "colourful" and "flamboyant" characters or dangerous psychopaths, by rarely portraying them realistically, or by not portraying them at all.

Society is changing and homosexuality is being accepted by communities. In comparison to the 60’s and 70’s where homosexuality was frowned upon and seen as a horrid sin to commit as man was made for woman and not for the same sex. This no longer stands, and channel four television programme can vouch for that. Sugar rush, is channel fours adaptation of Julie Burchill’s teen novel, Sugar rush of where each episode is a different journey inside Kim's world as her wry observations take us into the mind of a screwed up, loved up, lustful adolescent experiencing the bright lights of Brighton and the rush of forbidden love for the first time. This essay will be discussing how lesbians are represented and whether key theorist Laura Mulvey theory about male gaze applies to this text.

Laura MulVey's a key theorist argues that there is a the active male hero and the passive female characters who's mere purpose is their quality to be looked at ness and they are objectified as sexual objects and become objects of the male gaze. She declares that in a patriarchal society ‘pleasure in looking has been split between the active man and the passive female’. She also talks of the female being the object of the male gaze
This theory can be applied to 'Sugar Rush' in many ways as Sugar rush is a show that focuses on the representation of Lesbians and Women in society today. The show portrays a drastic change between the 1970's where women were usually shown to be play passive and helpless roles compared to now where they play more dominant leading roles. However, Mulvey's theory can be subverted but still referred to.

Detailed Plan..x

My independent study will be focusing on the representation of Lesbians in Sugar rush and whether Laura Mulvey’s theory of the male gaze is subverted or applied. My argument will be split into two as I will be discussing how lesbians are represented in the show, whether they are dominant or inferior to men. This will link well with Laura Mulvey’s theory as her theory’s main focus is about the male gaze and that women are always subservient to men and that there are an object of being lookatless.

The programme is based on a teenage girl called Kim and her infatuation with her best friend, Sugar. The programme takes the audience on a journey of Kim’s life. Kim is the narrator of the show, so as the audience we are forced to identify with her as we see everything in her point of view. This means that Kim is not a passive female but is active, as she is the person who drives the narrative forward and she is the one who controls what we see and what we don’t.

Sugar Rush was produced by the company responsible for teen drama series As If, and shares many of the same production values. Both are glossy and vividly colored, with quick editing and a poppy soundtrack to keep things moving, making both shows the dramatic equivalent of the Bacardi Breezers so beloved of British teenagers--colorful and sweet, but with a punch.

But while As If was on in the early evening and Sunday lunchtimes, Channel 4 has scheduled Sugar Rush at 10:50pm, a little late for what should be considered its target audience, especially on a school night. This is probably due to strong language and “scenes of sexual nature” but it does beg the question: what audience is Channel 4 targeting?

Main Points in the Essay:

• The show is based on a lesbian woman and how she deals with her day to day dilemmas of having feelings for her best friend, Sugar.
  
• The woman in the shown are seen to be independant, free and stable. They are not dependant on any male figure, besides Sugar who claims she is hetresexual and still conforms to the stereotype of woman needing and wanting a man.
  
• Even though the show is targeted at more of a female, tenage audience, the women in the show can be seen a objects of the male gaze, as in some seens parts of their body are fetished to fulfil mens desires.
  
• Teenage, drama, romance, the fact that lesbianism seems to be a normality and everyone in the show eg Kim's parents accept and support the fact that she is a lesbian. Society's views are changing and being lesbian is not seen as a problem no longer.
  
• Women in the show are breaking traditional stereotypes and roles reversals are seen as Nathan is at home taking on the domestic role and Stella, his wife is portrayed as the homer wreaker by having an affair. Kim doesnt acknowledge her own parents and calls her mother by her first name which gives the audience the impressions she does not respect her mother.
  
• Kim is the protagonist in the show, which is ironic as men usually are, which portrays her as dominant as the entire show is from her perspective which allows the audience to indentify with her.
  
• None of the women in the show illustrata a passive role, as all of them are rebellious and do something that would have be fronded upon in society many years ago.
  

All the women in the show are there for a different purpose as all of them suffer and long for different things..

Stella, Kim's mother is longing for companionship. To help her with this, she decides to have an affair with Dale, the builder, while her husband it out. This illustrates how society is changing and that woman have more of a powerful role then they use to as opposed to many years ago when women in film and TV were sexually active or seductive were likely to get killed of. this was seen as there form of punishment from soceity. Stella is challenging stereotypes of women and sexuality. She is stating that women are allowed to enjoy sex the way men do. She wants her sexual deseries to be fulfiled as she clearly states 'Bering married to a man for 15 years and having his two children can lead to a very boring and repetitive sex life'. Stella is represents a hetresexual realtionship in the show as opposed to her daughter who represents the homosexual ones. Stella is not a ordinary mother fiure that a teen would respect, she is more of a freind to her children, which allows her children to have a comfortable and laid back relationship with her. Since stella didnt fulfill her motherly duties, it allowed her children to lose respect for her. Rather than her children coming to her for advice, she would go to Kim for advice. This agian, illustrates role reversal as kim as seen more a responsible figure.

Saint,is a young woman who works during the day in a female-orientated sex shop (called The Munch Box) and by night as a DJ at the CC . She is quite attractive and is more confident than Kim. Saint was introduced in the first episode of Series 2, where she bumped into Kim on the street. After the accident, there was a certain chemistry between the two and after several failed attempts at dating they become girlfriend and girlfriend, however by Episode 3 of Series 2, it is revealed that Saint is still friends with her ex-boyfriend, which causes some friction in her relationship with Kim. During Episode 5 of Series 2, Kim is caught cheating on Saint with rocker Montana which results in Kim overdosing on the beach. After several hallucinations, Kim repeatedly calls Saint apologising profusely before collapsing. When she awakes, Kim mistakenly believes Sugar saved her life; Yet it is revealed that it was actually Saint who saved Kim's life.

Saint has her own business which shows she is reliable and indepedant as she doesnt need a man to support her. In the past, the men were seen as the breawinners as they use to bring the money home, while the woman was meant to remain in the house hold and only have the responsibilty to look after the children and atke on the domesticated roles such as cooking, cleaning and meanding. She also has her own apartment, that she choses to share with Kim. Two lesbians living together would be seen as wrong, however it is openely being accepeted. Audiences would assume that they would be weaker without a man, however, they are represented as more active that passive.

Historical Research

BooKs AnD FiLm…

BENSHOFF, Harry M.

Monsters in the closet: homosexuality and the horror film.

Manchester, New York: Manchester University Press, 1997. 328p. illus. bibliog. index.

This text examines the relationship between the figure of the monster in horror film and that of the homosexual in real life, arguing that one is the ‘metaphoric construct’ of the other. Throughout history anything outside the ‘normal’ ideological realms of society has been viewed as monstrous by our culture at large, the author takes this premise and looks to the classic horror films of Hollywood’s Golden Era right through to the post-modern texts to explain how and why this genre above any other has homosexuality at its heart.

BRYANT, Wayne M.

Bisexual characters in film: from Anaïs to Zee.

Bingham, New York: Haworth Press, 1997. ix-xii, 186p. bibliog. indices.

In wanting to highlight and explore the history of bisexual characters in film what the author has actually achieved in doing is presenting a highly readable, well-researched history of the American film industry and its censorship laws. Whether you agree with his assertion that bisexual characters are less visible than even gay and lesbian ones, his arguments as to why can be applied across the breadth of queer film theory. Useful, easy to follow, recommended text.

CREEKMUR, Corey K. and DOTY, Alexander (eds.)
Out in culture: gay, lesbian and queer essays on popular culture.
London: Cassell, 1995. viii. 535p. illus. bibliog. index.
This is a key text in any study on gay and lesbian culture, and an invaluable resource when looking at how homosexuality is represented on screen. Here you’ll find essays from key feminist theorists such as B. Ruby Rich and Lucretia Knapp to gay film theorists Richard Dyer and Robin Wood. Discussing everything from Hitchcock to the television series BEWITCHED.

DYER, Richard (ed.)
Gays and film. [2nd ed.]
London: British Film Institute, 1980. 73p bibliog. filmog.
Although first published in the late 70s this is still a relevant text today as it addresses the
symbiotic relationship of the cinema and particular social groups, in this case gays and lesbians. It highlights the ‘special’ relationship gays and lesbians have with the cinema, not just theorising the ways this social group has been represented on screen but what impact such representations have on the viewer. Containing three essays by two authors as well as Dyer himself addressing ‘Lesbians and film’ ‘Stereotyping’ and ‘Camp sensibility’.

DYER, Richard
Now you see it: studies on lesbian and gay film. [2nd ed.]
London, New York: Routledge, 2002. 339p. illus. notes. refs. index.
Sometimes this book can seem heavy going at times but it’s worth persevering with as Dyer has proved himself an expert in this field of film criticism. Dyer examines specific films by and about lesbians and gay men such as MÄDCHEN IN UNIFORM, Un CHAT D’MOUR and some forgotten early cinema, placing them within the context and sexual subculture in which they were made. In this second edition also included is a useful afterward by Julianne Puddick bringing the queer cinema debate up to date with a discussion of 1990s cinema.

DYER, Richard
Only entertainment. [2nd ed.]
London, New York: Routledge, 2002. 187p. illus. index.
Yet another collection of essays from Dyer on the subject of homosexual representation – this time he turns his attention to the less definable medium of ‘entertainment’. Understanding and defining entertainment in terms of where it fits into out culture in the first place, then going onto examine what we find entertaining as a society. His research is informed by cultural theory and representations of gays and lesbians in the mass media. Focus on specific films such as
SOUND OF MUSIC and SWEET CHARITY.

Other References...x
http://www.afterellen.com/Movies.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_Rush_(TV_series)

LauRa MuLveY... ' MaLe GaZe and HoW It ApPliEs To SuGaR RuSh...'

LAura MulVey's theory can be applied to 'Sugar Rush' in many ways as Sugar rush focuses on the representation of LesBians and Women in society. The show portrays a drastic change between the 1970's where women were usually shown to be play passive and helpless roles comapred to now where they play more dominant leading roles. However, Mulvey's theory can be subverted but still referred to.
To subvert Mulvey's theory, all chracters in Sugar Rush are females. The show focuses on the character Kim and her best friend Sugar who explore their teenage life to come to terms with their sexuality. As the audience we are postioned to indentify with the female chracters as they are the only characters presented. As Kim is the main character throughout the show as well as the voice over, as the audience we are forced to see everything from her perspective. This again, allows us to identify with her character and allows us to feel the feelings and emotions she is. As the narrative is driven foward, the audeince get an insight of Lesbianism as Kim confesses and discovers that she is an Lesbian. This also subverts mulvey's theory as no males chracters are there to identify with, only females.

Sugar Rush conforms to mulvey's theories in many ways but also tends to reject particular aspects. 'Sugar rush' seems to appeal more of an female audience than a male on. The directors glamorise Lesbianism by having explicit sexual scenes and dilemma that involve women and women in relationships. In certian scences the camera focuses on Sugar's legs and lips. Here Mulvey's theory can be referred to as the process of looking us scopohilic as parts of her body are fetishtzied which offers voyerestic pleasures to the audience.

As all the characters are female, they are fully aware of being part of the male gaze. The programme circulates the whole idea of sexuality, which means that frequent shots of parts of Sugar/Kim's body are fetished. They are there to be lookedatness, they are confident and know that they are there just for the male gaze. ( in this case, maybe even females as it features lesbians)

As mentioned previoulsy, only women feature in the programme, which subverts the whole idea of a patriachal society. Men in the media today do not obtain more power than women. They are equal, as woman play dominant and main roles in films and shows like Sugar rush and Kill Bill. They no longer play the passive roles but the roles that men would usually play.

SELf EvaLuATion...

Attainment...2
I feel that all the work that we have covered so far in lessons, i have understood and took it board well. I produce all the work to the best of my ability.

Effort...2
I put a lot of effort into my work for media. I present all my work clearly and do take enough time to produce it. I think i have improved a lot since last year :)

Punctuality...2
I think im pretty puncutal. Im in time to nearly every lesson. Only the time where i was stuck in a left. Mr Munro understood :D But other than that im always on time.

Submission and Quality of homework...1
I have to give myself a one because i always do the work on time. Only once i havent done the work, which is only been work on the blog. But other than that i produce all the work to the best of my ablity.

Ability to work independently...2
I think im pretty well at working independently. I believe i get more work done and if i do have any issues i ask Mr bush or Mr Munro.

Quality of writing...2
I think that my quality of writing has improved a great deal since last year. I can express myself more and i get to the point. This can always be improved as the course goes on.

Organisation of folder...1
My folder is up to date and i always bring it to every lesson :D

Oral contribution in class...1
I contribute a lot in class and i tend to express my opnion on the way i feel about the matter.

Standard of Modulke 5 blog...2
My module 5 blog is all up to date apart from the book reserach which needs to be done properly. Apart from thtaim proud of it

Standard if Module 6 blog...1
My module 6 blog is up to date and im proud of it.. It looks sik and i got credits for it too.. woooooo

BoOk ReSeArCh... X


Gauntlett, David (2002): Media Gender and Identity, An Introduction. UK: Routledge
This book looks at Gender representation in the past, Gender representation in the present, Laura Mulvey and the male gaze, Masculinity and Femininity, Girl power, queer theory

SeLf DiReCted ReSeArCh...

Here is some researched i found out: http://www.channel4.com/life/microsites/S/sugar_rush/index.html This link here provided information on the actual show. It has episode guides and interviews with some of the chracters. It allows us as the viwers to get a better insight on the show. http://www.timeout.com/london/gay/ This website is about gays and lesbians and mentions useful information on Sugar rush. Different people relate to the show and gives their opinions http://www.afterellen.com/Print/102004/sugarrush.html This link discusses the mise en scene of the show as well as the idelogies and values of it. The story orginally is based on a book by Julie Burchill and the Tv show just adds on to the story line. http://www.afterellen.com/archives-bisexualwomen.html This shows all the shows that present gays or lesbins in there. Ellen was one the first shows with a bisexual women in there. All these shows are vital since they show a drastic change from the past till today.

MoRe KeYWoRds...x

PosT Modernism:
After the modern generic variation media texts as definitions of cultural attitudes. They dont follow generic conventions or traditional narratives.

Sugar rush does not follow any traditional narrative as it reflects society today and how much it has changed.

Gender:
Psychological and cultural aspects of behaviour associated with masculinity and feminity, acquired through socialisation in accordance with the expectations of a particular society.

Sugar rush mainly jus focuses on females and their struggles in life with their partners. Tgeir partners are most likely to be people of the same sex. It deals with homosexuality.

Post feminism:
Part of post modern perspective which takes the achievements of feminism for granted and views as its ineffective in explaning the current condition of women and the many identities they face.

All females in this film are attractive as use this to their advantage in order for them to seduce the person they want.

Series:
A television or radio narrative that present self-contained weedly episodes using a reoccuring set of characters.

Sugar Rush is a Tv series that is shown once a week on channel 4.

SeXism:
Representations that discrimnates on the basis of sex, especially agaisnt women, which is seen to derive from and sustain patriarchy

This is useful towards my study as the usual sexist representations are subverted in this show.

Empathy:
The ability to share the emotions of point of view of a group or individual.

Throughout the show, the story is told from Kim's point of view. The audience are forced to emphathise with her as we get to witness her feelings and emotions.