Media Analysis on gross violation of social values

https://5050campaign.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/turkey-past-campaign.jpg?w=420&h=538

Introduction

From antiquity, gender identities have always been subject to society’s constructions. By using various elements, mostly drawn from subjective opinions and ideas, society has defined and redefined gender identities. Some of these ideological identities have been propagated to maintain certain positions in society. Some have been used to demean and degrade certain genders. Over the years, without controversy, the female gender has received the greatest attention, as far as construction is concerned. These identities have made their lives difficult and despondent. Most women have suffered (and they still do) abuse and oppression on account of these constructions. Some have even been put to death on the same grounds. As such, it is unmistakable that the female gender has borne the brunt of gender identity constructions. In this paper, therefore, I will argue that, in the political arena, the societal construction of the female identity has blocked their participation in politics and reduced their democratic representations in parliament. To support my argument, I will draw my shreds of evidence from the gross violation of social values.

Discussion

Social Values

In a broad sense, social values are things that are aimed at bettering the community. These include justice, equality, freedom, among others. For instance, to illustrate, treating others as one would like to be treated lies at the core of the aspect of equality. This way is precisely how the male and female gender should be perceived—as equal, at least in the political arena.  Nevertheless, this has not been so. In blatant violation of these values, men have been regarded as the sole possessors of the gift of leadership, and women, perceived as devoid of this gift, have been blocked from accessing political positions. In jurisdictions where they are permitted to occupy these positions, only a slim portion is granted. Thus, through discrimination, women have suffered in the political arena.

In the advert above, to press this point home, while drawing attention to the biased construction, the advertisers use certain statistical data and perfectly portrayed pictures. Beginning with the picture, the advertisers capture a lady, beautiful, yes, but with a despairing, somewhat somber look on her face. Then, to make explicit the reason for her seeming sadness, the advertisers add another important detail—they give her some well-done black beards. As such, from this point, even before reading the words, one can quickly unpack the message. Nonetheless, consider this analysis, the portrayal’s message is twofold—it not only touches on women’s plight but also, more significantly, implicitly, touches on the male identity in the political space. But how is that?

It is inescapable that the picture complains of women’s discrimination, solely on account of their gender—notice, the reason is not a lack of some particular leadership skill; were this the case, the portrayal would not have used a beard; instead, it would have used, say, a depiction of a lack of the skill of communication or any other skill. Far from that, in this depiction, a beard is used—this is to symbolize manhood. Therefore, from this detail, it is undeniable that the advert implicitly intimates that, in Turkey, politics is synonymous with manhood. This angle is one that may not be easily recognizable.

On the other side, touching on women, the portrayal depicts a sad situation. As a whole, the county believes that women cannot lead; as a matter of fact, even the women themselves cherish this belief. This perception is one that has been inculcated by continuous discrimination. If something is repeated often, even if it is not right, after some time, it becomes the norm—thus has female discrimination in political space been normalized.

Still considering the advert, now turning to the words, statistical data is provided. Nevertheless, it is not encouraging at all. According to the Association Supporting and Training Women Candidates, since 1935, despite the pleasing fact (to women, at least) that they form half the world’s population, their level of representation in parliament remains at a dismal 2.2%. As stated earlier, in this statement, there is a subtle intimation that women have accepted the societal construction; if this were not so, forming half of the population, they could easily choose women to represent them in almost all positions. Nevertheless, far from that, they continuously elect men and very few women.

Additionally, the statement continues, out of 167 countries, Turkey ranks a low 163^rd position. Although this vice is practiced in most countries, in Turkey, it is practiced in astonishing proportions. Hence, to reduce its effect upon democracy and equality, the Association Supporting and Training Women Candidates attempts to arouse the nation from their discrimination.

Conclusion

In sum, then, it is undeniable that, in flagrant violation of social values, the society has demeaned and degraded women to subjective positions, as far as leadership is concerned. This vice has so much been practiced that women have accepted it. For those who feel discriminated, however, like the Association Supporting and Training Women Candidates in Turkey, they have decided to create awareness by decrying the domination. With time, I believe, this construction would lose its power and permit women to occupy many parliamentary positions.