Snow White and the Perfect Man

         The specific aspect of my identity that I decided to examine in this weeks project was that of my gender as a male. The media source I chose to remix and exploit was the classic animated film Snow White (1937). While this film has several interesting components worth examination and remixing, the particular element I chose was the film's presentation of the perfect Prince Charming. This project relates to this week's reading primarily in the author's discussion of how art can come alive, and contrive deeper meanings through the attention an audience gives it. The theme contrived from this remixed version of Snow White relates to the more modern media source of such television shows as “The Bachelor.” Overall, this assignment was an interesting way to discover and examine on a more in-depth level different aspects of my identity as a human being, and the way the world categorizes that aspect.

        The form and content of this short compilation of clips were aimed at presenting the theme that men are all dashingly attractive, smart, talented and charming, and that falling in love with them is but a simple task. All of the content involved came from the original film, and when combined with the form of using a quick montage of clips, this theme can be easily exploited. In other words, the movie itself did present this version of a male character, who not only saves the day, but is the immediate love of Snow White after only “one song,” just on a more subtle level than my compilation.

         This similar picturesque presentation of males is also seen in modern media examples, such as the popular TV show “The Bachelor.” Each male is exploited for his physical qualities, and seems to instantly win the hearts of several dozen women over the course of just a few days. We can see the effect of these media sources as mentioned in this week's reading. Just as with the boy and the Velveteen Rabbit, audiences can make artistic and media presentations 'come alive' based on the merit and attention they lend to them. As our society grows more open to social media and celebrity presentations, they give these presentations unanticipated significance. Therefore, young adult men will begin to base their romantic personages on the charming and seemingly perfect men as media presents them. While similarly, young adult women will begin to asses potential companions on these specific terms.

        This style of picturesque males as historically presented in the media is, however, very far from the actuality. While physical attraction, and talent are important elements in relationships, the media has focused on them too much. This leaves little room for normal men with acne, who don't ride horses through the forest singing perfectly in key to the hidden instruments while saving kingdoms and slaying dragons. The Average Joe deserves a shot too.