Module 7: Patriarchal Messages Part 1
Summary:
In the previous weeks, Kishoris learnt about adolescence and their problems, continuing this, discussions on patriarchy will also be started from this week - as part of this, discussion on body image. By looking at advertisements tailored for women and the sort of products, costumes and models/actresses and the desired body images they project, we unpack the issues around body image.
Assumptions:
This being an enthusiastic activity there might be huge commotion.
- Due to unavailability of television at home, some of them may not have watched any advertisements.
- Better to make the groups before going. By this groups can be segregated together based on the languages or on any other points.
- Huge commotion may affect neighboring class rooms.
- Day by day trust between us and them is increasing
- Sensitive matters can also be discussed with them.
Objective:
- Discussion on body image influenced by patriarchy should be initiated by simple activities
- Body Image, influence of culture and market force, discussion about role of the media
Process:
- Norms to follow are recalled (10 Minutes)
- Make 2 groups, Start discussion with the groups from below question on body images - “In case god has blessed you with 3 wishes and asked you if option is given to change 3 body parts or issues , what would you choose to change?
- Kishoris response to be written down, it is compulsory to have a female facilitator for this activity.
- During this activity connect Laptop, Projector & Speakers and keep them ready. (25 minutes)
After this group activity, discussions will continue in the classroom. Group of pictures of actresses from different decades will be shown to Kishoris. Make Kishoris talk about these actresses’ skin color, hair, height, body shape, clothes, face etc. and identify similarities in them. Later ask them what they felt about this. (10 Minutes)
After this conversation, project video clips of advertisements. These advertisements are about following-
- Shampoo
- Hair straightener
- Face cream
- Eye liner
- Lipstick
- Lip balm
- Moisturiser
- Perfume powder / talc
- Nail polish
- Sandals / Slippers
- Weight reducing tablets
- Feminine razor
After each advertisement played, pause and discuss about that advertisement, skin color of the model in it, hair, height, body shape, clothes, face etc. . By the end of all the advertisements, all Kishoris should be able to identify everything.
- Write down the observations (25 minutes)
- Ask “if these advertisements were made for men, how would they look?”
- In the end mention that in the coming weeks let us discuss “What these advertisements are talking about and what models are saying about these?” While watching television at home, observe advertisements, serial episodes and Tik-Tok videos. Notice the different personalities in those. (10 minutes)
- With this we close the conversation.
Required resources:
- Computer / Laptop – 1
- Speaker – 1
- Projector -1
- Identified clippings of Advertisements
Total requirement of facilitators
- One Main Facilitator and three co-facilitators
Total Time
- 80 Minutes
Inputs
- Presentation of pictures of actresses.
- Advertisement video clips
Outputs
- List of things that the Kishoris articulated.