Abstract Quote by Laura Mulvey
“They are, in a sense, two sides of the same coin: women are, on the one hand, subjects of an extremely real and abject (as Julia Kristeva put it) body and denigrated sexuality; on the other, the proliferation of images, and their digitalisation produces more and more abstract and air-brushed representations of impossible female bodies. Both indicate, certainly, a "lack of progress." But, one hopes, discussions and resistance are emerging in response.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema, Laura Mulvey, 1975
The quote critiques how women are both objectified as real bodies and idealized as abstract, digitally altered images, highlighting a stagnation in gender representation and the hope for emerging resistance.
In simple terms: Women are shown as real bodies and unrealistic digital images, showing little progress.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge both objectification and unrealistic standards.
Themes
gender representation
media criticism
digital culture
feminist theory
Mood
critical
hopeful
Type
analytical
activist
When to use this quote
- film analysis
- advertising critique
- social media activism
- academic discourse
- artistic practice
Key Concepts
objectification
idealization
media saturation
resistance
intersectionality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do digital images affect self-perception?
- What can be done to promote authentic representation?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overlook progress already made in some media sectors.
