The factors identified in the video's title showcase what marks the reality of what it takes to gain power and freedom. There is a deeper influence on Lily than being empowered and growing a position in her company. It is about survival and control, starting in a line of work that wasn’t a choice to begin with, Lily’s options are limited. Sex has been her means of gaining something. There’s no question why she seeks power through this, that is what she learned to do from a young age. This confirms the belief that the culture we are surrounded with affects how we approach different challenges. Lily did what she knew to gain survival and freedom from a life that she had no control over.
Women using their sexuality to get ahead or on even footing with men has been a trend for decades. There are still books, shows, and movies like 'Baby Face' being made about the unique struggles of women and how they rise out of their unfortunate situations. One such is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, a book written by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This book is an important lesson on judging someone based on what you’ve heard about them; just from the title, everyone assumes Evelyn Hugo must be a hustler. Throughout the book, the reader learns not only why she married them but also why she left them. It’s powerful to show that even today there are still prejudices against women using their sexuality.
Baby Face was an excellent film showcasing the true power a woman can harness by exploiting the tendencies of men. While this was very dramatized in the film, in the present day we can still see some of these ideals hold true. Last summer I held an internship at a top four staffing firm, and I saw a mild version of what Baby Face was portraying in real life. 80% of my office were women, which was no mistake as the staffing industry tends to be dominated by the female gender. I saw firsthand how these recruiters would sometimes put on a flirtatious tone and vibe to persuade the hiring managers, and even had male mentors confess that being a woman gave an “unfair” advantage.
I am a woman working in the restaurant industry and I often use my gender to my advantage. When I am serving a table of men, I play into the fact that I am a young woman and capitalize off of being objectified. It does make me a bit uncomfortable, especially when men (typically older men) decide to comment on my appearance; but in my eyes, the small moment of discomfort is worth the extra tip. I even find that when I wear my hair in pig-tails or braids, both more childish hairstyles, or speak in a higher pitch, I make more in tips. I’m not sure if I am winning the “game of exploit-exploited.” All I know is that I'm using my situation to my advantage.
Throughout the decades, the trend of men sexualizing women and overlooking their true inner values tends to stick around. Alongside these repetitive ideals come along women who choose to capitalize on these mens lustful minds. Both parties are vigorously criticized but it is apparent that the women are more likely in the sights when it comes to this discussion. Power dynamics are often the root of these actions from both parties. The men feel they have agency over the woman as they get what they want, while the women believe they have an upperhand over the man as they possess what they want. This creates a sort of loop that is the source of this trend still being around today.
Back in the Pennsylvania speakeasy, Lily seems bored with her life until she speaks with Cragg. He seems to have a mentor-like relationship with her, a closeness she has not found with her father. Lily feels resigned to pursue an unfulfilling career based on her sexuality, or "shape". Cragg implores her to harness her sexuality to manipulate the men in power around her. Cragg's strong influence sets her on her path in New York. Later, Cragg sends her a passage of Nietzsche's "Will to Power" urging her to "crush out all sentiment". Cragg's inappropriate and invasive influence on Lily delays her steps towards happiness. In a film about empowerment and control, I find myself trying to unravel his role in her life.
The discussion of women using their physical assets is one that naturally invites double standards. In many religious contexts, women are instructed to dress modestly on the belief that scandalous dress will “distract men from God”, we also see this in pop culture in the form of victim blaming when it comes to assault cases. Men typically are never blamed for their raptorial actions towards women. However, I believe strongly that when a woman, predominantly in the viciously sexist history we have trudged through, uses her physicality to her advantage she should be applauded and respected. In a world where a woman couldn’t work to support herself, using her given beauty is a vital tool in creating the life she desires to live.
More often than not, throughout history and in pop culture, men expressing their sexual desires for/towards women is something that’s welcomed, even applauded. Contrarily, if themselves express their sexuality/sexual desires, there’s often immense (HYPOCRITICAL) backlash and cruel rhetoric surrounding her and her self-respect; slut-shaming, etc. Moreover, because a woman's “value” is often linked to her appearance/attributes, those that are deemed attractive generally aren’t taken as seriously by men. The reverse, to a MUCH lesser extent, is also true: women who are ‘smart(er)’/intelligent, have good jobs, etc. are generally considered un- or less attractive, but are taken (a bit) more seriously. Ultimately, I’m of the opinion that it’s actually a combination of BOTH that is--true.
A woman’s decision to utilize her sexuality to combat patriarchal barriers is personal, multifaceted, and circumstantial. While men having multiple sexual partners advances their status, women are slut-shamed and criticized for it. The patriarchal construct that women are inherently more emotional and that their sexuality exists to serve men contributes to this differentiation. By embracing their sexuality, women can challenge these societal expectations and barriers. However, power dynamics and sense of agency are critical factors to consider circumstantially because it may not be empowering if a woman feels it is her only option. The underlying societal issue is that women’s minds, especially in authoritative positions, are less valued than men’s. This must be the focus for change if society is to move towards women’s empowerment.
I thought it was interesting how this film not only put a heavy emphasis on how men used to treat women, at times over dramatizing their actions, but also how women could potentially use their charm and beauty to manipulate men. At first, we the audience feel bad for Lily as she is being mistreated, and we like to see her succeed by using men to her advantage. However, I found it interesting that by the 75% point in the film, I almost felt like she was being too abusive of her power and losing track of all morality - not even batting an eye when she finds the two dead men in her apartment. This sets her up with villain like attributes. She continues down this path, even snapping at her maid - the one person she has kept with her and defended throughout the film. It is immediately after this point that Lily comes to understand that what she truly wants in the world is not money and wealth, but someone that loves and respects her. She came from nothing and had men prying on her for her entire life, but once she meets Trenholm, he does not treat her like all the other men in the film do. Although he does want to lavish her with gifts, he is not after her body, and she comes to realize this at the very end of the film.
For woman to gain power in a male dominated field, they tend to be held at a significantly higher standard than men. To climb the rankings of a company quickly, you would have to be smart and cunning, but the use of sexual favors suggests women also must be beautiful to gain a foothold. This is not the case for men, and I have seen this discrepancy in standards even in my own field, especially when portrayed in movies. There is a generic trope of a genius woman in a STEM field across a lot of movies and the most consistent hardship they face is that they are constantly underestimated. Unlike men, they always must prove they belong in their field. - Mario Guardado
Sexual power is almost as green as cash. The old saying that money talks can be directly tied to sexual power back then and now. When a man expresses his sexuality, he is deemed to have a hierarchy over his peers, whereas when a woman expresses her sexuality, she is made an example of what not to be and shamed for her actions. Women, however, have much more leverage than men do through expressing their sexuality. As expressed in the video, women can use this to climb the ladder for a career, social status, etc. Men, on the other hand, can have their world swept beneath them. All it takes is a simple claim of sexual contact.
The concept of women exploiting men for personal gain is a societal issue rooted in patriarchy. Historically, men have lusted for, overpowered, and dominated women, reaping the benefits of such behavior. In contrast, when a woman is perceived as using or taking advantage of men, there is an uproar. Derogatory terms such as 'slut' are created and used to single out and control women through hate, reflecting a deeply patriarchal ideology. Furthermore, the media often focuses on women exploiting men, while significantly less attention is given to the reverse scenario. The media, among other influences not mentioned here, shapes societal perceptions, causing unjust harm to women and further perpetuating patriarchy.
As Lily embraces her body’s sexualization to advance in a patriarchal society, her self-exploitation proves reliable as she metaphorically and literally climbs to the top of the Gotham Trust Company. However, her success hinges significantly on her identity as an attractive, white woman. In contrast, Lily’s black maid does not attain the same degree of “power” and “potentialities” that Mr. Cragg highlights in Lily. When Chico is caught illegally riding the train, the railroad worker is quick to remove her. But, upon seeing Lily, his response is tempered, and his hesitation ultimately succumbs to Lily’s seduction. This disparity emphasizes the intersectionality that shapes individuals’ opportunities within society, creating even greater barriers for marginalized groups burdened with additional prejudices. Hurston’s “Muttsy” exemplifies the overlapping oppression of black women: Pinkie, although also attractive and motivated to work like Lily, has her own narrative taken from her by a man, rendering her powerless.
The popular male conception of female psychology has developed since the brazenly misogynistic time of 1933's Baby Face. This is not to say, however, that it has improved to include women as psychologically equal. Despite the post-war entry of women into the previously male-dominated American workforce, and the subsequent increase in opportunities for financial and social independence, women are still bound by enduring gender stereotypes of domesticity, which continue to limit male expectations for female intellectualism and agency. Women who find success in the arts, sciences, and business are reconciled through a male gaze which limits their percieved value. In effect, American (male) society has shifted from not giving a damn about the potentials of women, to discrediting the potentials of women based on sex.
A woman’s use of her appearance for personal gain was once seen as empowering and justifiable. In the past, during the time period of Green’s Baby Face, these actions were necessary since they were the only method available for women to become more prominent in male dominated fields. In modern times, where women are openly welcomed into the workforce, these same actions only serve to reinforce past objectification of women and actively undermines the efforts of feminists to provide equal opportunity for promotions and employment. While a woman’s choice to use her appearance for personal gain was beneficial in the past, the same choices in today’s culture perpetuates the wrongful objectification of women and invalidates the talents and merit of women in the workforce.
To justify taking from those who would already sexualize you like Bubbles does in Dance, Girl, Dance, it depends on the context of what’s happening. For Bubble’s case, she is in an industry that continuously sexualizes her as a dancer for her to make a living, so she has to get ahead to stay afloat in life. Although for other jobs that don’t sexualize women, it is seen as not justifiable to get ahead with the sexualization of your body. This is because it is typically viewed that if you put in the work, you will be rewarded but historically that usually happens more for men than women.
Lily's mercenary obsession with her body is an inevitable product of the social environment at the time, where women are seen by men as a "commodity" or an attractive object that can please them. Back then, only men held main jobs like politicians and lawyers, so that mindset became the norm. Lily seeks to use her beauty and charm to break free from the constraints of society, though her methods are morally questionable. The film seems to reflect the social phenomenon of that time, wherein women's value is often equated with their appearance. As a result, their options, especially job opportunities, are restricted. In the end, beauty and sex appeal are fleeting compared to something "concrete" such as knowledge.
Some might say, "Don't hate the player, hate the game," regarding woman leveraging their sexuality for power, money, and success. However, I would argue that the "game" hurts both genders, leading to self-destructive behaviors and apathy towards others. What is the point of gaining the world, if it leads to the loss of love, emotion, and conscience? Although there is much empathy to be found for women who have significantly few options to grow in influence or even support themselves, two wrongs still don't make a right. Personally, I find more fault in the patriarchal and sexist systems than the women themselves, but I still disagree with the means to attain power, for the sake of virtue and hope.
Women’s sexuality is often viewed as shameful. By revealing her sexual desires, it is thought that a woman’s value is lessened. This bias is present in tropes like “the girl next door”, in which women that appear innocent are more desirable. Men, on the other hand, are praised for sleeping with multiple women. This dynamic is exemplified by pop culture: rap songs that sexualize women, TV shows that feature womanizers, and movies like “American Pie” in which the entire plot circulates men trying to lose their virginities. There are hundreds of examples of all of these; however, role reversals are few and far between. If a woman does position herself sexually, there is immense backlash and cruel rhetoric surrounding her and her self respect.
The factors identified in the video's title showcase what marks the reality of what it takes to gain power and freedom. There is a deeper influence on Lily than being empowered and growing a position in her company. It is about survival and control, starting in a line of work that wasn’t a choice to begin with, Lily’s options are limited. Sex has been her means of gaining something. There’s no question why she seeks power through this, that is what she learned to do from a young age. This confirms the belief that the culture we are surrounded with affects how we approach different challenges. Lily did what she knew to gain survival and freedom from a life that she had no control over.
Women using their sexuality to get ahead or on even footing with men has been a trend for decades. There are still books, shows, and movies like 'Baby Face' being made about the unique struggles of women and how they rise out of their unfortunate situations. One such is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, a book written by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This book is an important lesson on judging someone based on what you’ve heard about them; just from the title, everyone assumes Evelyn Hugo must be a hustler. Throughout the book, the reader learns not only why she married them but also why she left them. It’s powerful to show that even today there are still prejudices against women using their sexuality.
Baby Face was an excellent film showcasing the true power a woman can harness by exploiting the tendencies of men. While this was very dramatized in the film, in the present day we can still see some of these ideals hold true. Last summer I held an internship at a top four staffing firm, and I saw a mild version of what Baby Face was portraying in real life. 80% of my office were women, which was no mistake as the staffing industry tends to be dominated by the female gender. I saw firsthand how these recruiters would sometimes put on a flirtatious tone and vibe to persuade the hiring managers, and even had male mentors confess that being a woman gave an “unfair” advantage.
I am a woman working in the restaurant industry and I often use my gender to my advantage. When I am serving a table of men, I play into the fact that I am a young woman and capitalize off of being objectified. It does make me a bit uncomfortable, especially when men (typically older men) decide to comment on my appearance; but in my eyes, the small moment of discomfort is worth the extra tip. I even find that when I wear my hair in pig-tails or braids, both more childish hairstyles, or speak in a higher pitch, I make more in tips. I’m not sure if I am winning the “game of exploit-exploited.” All I know is that I'm using my situation to my advantage.
Throughout the decades, the trend of men sexualizing women and overlooking their true inner values tends to stick around. Alongside these repetitive ideals come along women who choose to capitalize on these mens lustful minds. Both parties are vigorously criticized but it is apparent that the women are more likely in the sights when it comes to this discussion. Power dynamics are often the root of these actions from both parties. The men feel they have agency over the woman as they get what they want, while the women believe they have an upperhand over the man as they possess what they want. This creates a sort of loop that is the source of this trend still being around today.
Back in the Pennsylvania speakeasy, Lily seems bored with her life until she speaks with Cragg. He seems to have a mentor-like relationship with her, a closeness she has not found with her father. Lily feels resigned to pursue an unfulfilling career based on her sexuality, or "shape". Cragg implores her to harness her sexuality to manipulate the men in power around her. Cragg's strong influence sets her on her path in New York. Later, Cragg sends her a passage of Nietzsche's "Will to Power" urging her to "crush out all sentiment". Cragg's inappropriate and invasive influence on Lily delays her steps towards happiness. In a film about empowerment and control, I find myself trying to unravel his role in her life.
The discussion of women using their physical assets is one that naturally invites double standards. In many religious contexts, women are instructed to dress modestly on the belief that scandalous dress will “distract men from God”, we also see this in pop culture in the form of victim blaming when it comes to assault cases. Men typically are never blamed for their raptorial actions towards women. However, I believe strongly that when a woman, predominantly in the viciously sexist history we have trudged through, uses her physicality to her advantage she should be applauded and respected. In a world where a woman couldn’t work to support herself, using her given beauty is a vital tool in creating the life she desires to live.
More often than not, throughout history and in pop culture, men expressing their sexual desires for/towards women is something that’s welcomed, even applauded. Contrarily, if themselves express their sexuality/sexual desires, there’s often immense (HYPOCRITICAL) backlash and cruel rhetoric surrounding her and her self-respect; slut-shaming, etc. Moreover, because a woman's “value” is often linked to her appearance/attributes, those that are deemed attractive generally aren’t taken as seriously by men. The reverse, to a MUCH lesser extent, is also true: women who are ‘smart(er)’/intelligent, have good jobs, etc. are generally considered un- or less attractive, but are taken (a bit) more seriously. Ultimately, I’m of the opinion that it’s actually a combination of BOTH that is--true.
A woman’s decision to utilize her sexuality to combat patriarchal barriers is personal, multifaceted, and circumstantial. While men having multiple sexual partners advances their status, women are slut-shamed and criticized for it. The patriarchal construct that women are inherently more emotional and that their sexuality exists to serve men contributes to this differentiation. By embracing their sexuality, women can challenge these societal expectations and barriers. However, power dynamics and sense of agency are critical factors to consider circumstantially because it may not be empowering if a woman feels it is her only option. The underlying societal issue is that women’s minds, especially in authoritative positions, are less valued than men’s. This must be the focus for change if society is to move towards women’s empowerment.
I thought it was interesting how this film not only put a heavy emphasis on how men used to treat women, at times over dramatizing their actions, but also how women could potentially use their charm and beauty to manipulate men. At first, we the audience feel bad for Lily as she is being mistreated, and we like to see her succeed by using men to her advantage. However, I found it interesting that by the 75% point in the film, I almost felt like she was being too abusive of her power and losing track of all morality - not even batting an eye when she finds the two dead men in her apartment. This sets her up with villain like attributes. She continues down this path, even snapping at her maid - the one person she has kept with her and defended throughout the film. It is immediately after this point that Lily comes to understand that what she truly wants in the world is not money and wealth, but someone that loves and respects her. She came from nothing and had men prying on her for her entire life, but once she meets Trenholm, he does not treat her like all the other men in the film do. Although he does want to lavish her with gifts, he is not after her body, and she comes to realize this at the very end of the film.
For woman to gain power in a male dominated field, they tend to be held at a significantly higher standard than men. To climb the rankings of a company quickly, you would have to be smart and cunning, but the use of sexual favors suggests women also must be beautiful to gain a foothold. This is not the case for men, and I have seen this discrepancy in standards even in my own field, especially when portrayed in movies. There is a generic trope of a genius woman in a STEM field across a lot of movies and the most consistent hardship they face is that they are constantly underestimated. Unlike men, they always must prove they belong in their field. - Mario Guardado
Sexual power is almost as green as cash. The old saying that money talks can be directly tied to sexual power back then and now. When a man expresses his sexuality, he is deemed to have a hierarchy over his peers, whereas when a woman expresses her sexuality, she is made an example of what not to be and shamed for her actions. Women, however, have much more leverage than men do through expressing their sexuality. As expressed in the video, women can use this to climb the ladder for a career, social status, etc. Men, on the other hand, can have their world swept beneath them. All it takes is a simple claim of sexual contact.
The concept of women exploiting men for personal gain is a societal issue rooted in patriarchy. Historically, men have lusted for, overpowered, and dominated women, reaping the benefits of such behavior. In contrast, when a woman is perceived as using or taking advantage of men, there is an uproar. Derogatory terms such as 'slut' are created and used to single out and control women through hate, reflecting a deeply patriarchal ideology. Furthermore, the media often focuses on women exploiting men, while significantly less attention is given to the reverse scenario. The media, among other influences not mentioned here, shapes societal perceptions, causing unjust harm to women and further perpetuating patriarchy.
As Lily embraces her body’s sexualization to advance in a patriarchal society, her self-exploitation proves reliable as she metaphorically and literally climbs to the top of the Gotham Trust Company. However, her success hinges significantly on her identity as an attractive, white woman. In contrast, Lily’s black maid does not attain the same degree of “power” and “potentialities” that Mr. Cragg highlights in Lily. When Chico is caught illegally riding the train, the railroad worker is quick to remove her. But, upon seeing Lily, his response is tempered, and his hesitation ultimately succumbs to Lily’s seduction. This disparity emphasizes the intersectionality that shapes individuals’ opportunities within society, creating even greater barriers for marginalized groups burdened with additional prejudices. Hurston’s “Muttsy” exemplifies the overlapping oppression of black women: Pinkie, although also attractive and motivated to work like Lily, has her own narrative taken from her by a man, rendering her powerless.
The popular male conception of female psychology has developed since the brazenly misogynistic time of 1933's Baby Face. This is not to say, however, that it has improved to include women as psychologically equal. Despite the post-war entry of women into the previously male-dominated American workforce, and the subsequent increase in opportunities for financial and social independence, women are still bound by enduring gender stereotypes of domesticity, which continue to limit male expectations for female intellectualism and agency. Women who find success in the arts, sciences, and business are reconciled through a male gaze which limits their percieved value. In effect, American (male) society has shifted from not giving a damn about the potentials of women, to discrediting the potentials of women based on sex.
A woman’s use of her appearance for personal gain was once seen as empowering and justifiable. In the past, during the time period of Green’s Baby Face, these actions were necessary since they were the only method available for women to become more prominent in male dominated fields. In modern times, where women are openly welcomed into the workforce, these same actions only serve to reinforce past objectification of women and actively undermines the efforts of feminists to provide equal opportunity for promotions and employment. While a woman’s choice to use her appearance for personal gain was beneficial in the past, the same choices in today’s culture perpetuates the wrongful objectification of women and invalidates the talents and merit of women in the workforce.
To justify taking from those who would already sexualize you like Bubbles does in Dance, Girl, Dance, it depends on the context of what’s happening. For Bubble’s case, she is in an industry that continuously sexualizes her as a dancer for her to make a living, so she has to get ahead to stay afloat in life. Although for other jobs that don’t sexualize women, it is seen as not justifiable to get ahead with the sexualization of your body. This is because it is typically viewed that if you put in the work, you will be rewarded but historically that usually happens more for men than women.
Lily's mercenary obsession with her body is an inevitable product of the social environment at the time, where women are seen by men as a "commodity" or an attractive object that can please them. Back then, only men held main jobs like politicians and lawyers, so that mindset became the norm. Lily seeks to use her beauty and charm to break free from the constraints of society, though her methods are morally questionable. The film seems to reflect the social phenomenon of that time, wherein women's value is often equated with their appearance. As a result, their options, especially job opportunities, are restricted. In the end, beauty and sex appeal are fleeting compared to something "concrete" such as knowledge.
Some might say, "Don't hate the player, hate the game," regarding woman leveraging their sexuality for power, money, and success. However, I would argue that the "game" hurts both genders, leading to self-destructive behaviors and apathy towards others. What is the point of gaining the world, if it leads to the loss of love, emotion, and conscience? Although there is much empathy to be found for women who have significantly few options to grow in influence or even support themselves, two wrongs still don't make a right. Personally, I find more fault in the patriarchal and sexist systems than the women themselves, but I still disagree with the means to attain power, for the sake of virtue and hope.
Women’s sexuality is often viewed as shameful. By revealing her sexual desires, it is thought that a woman’s value is lessened. This bias is present in tropes like “the girl next door”, in which women that appear innocent are more desirable. Men, on the other hand, are praised for sleeping with multiple women. This dynamic is exemplified by pop culture: rap songs that sexualize women, TV shows that feature womanizers, and movies like “American Pie” in which the entire plot circulates men trying to lose their virginities. There are hundreds of examples of all of these; however, role reversals are few and far between. If a woman does position herself sexually, there is immense backlash and cruel rhetoric surrounding her and her self respect.