Blog 9

The dehumanization of the male characters in House is a questionable occurrence. These male characters are not necessarily dehumanized but rather consistently tormented by House. This can be seen as a socializing message of the show; if one does not exude the degrading patriarchal dominance represented by House, then one is the object of degradation. Thus, this aspect of the show serves to perpetuate patriarchal values by playing on people’s desire to avoid degradation and tormenting. In summary, the dehumanization of the male characters is not as apparent as is how they are used to portray the supremacy of dominant patriarchal characters. They are not the object of sexist acts and sexist, objectified depictions (clothes, etc) to the extent that the female characters are. In addition, the male characters outnumber the female characters on the show, adding a visual confirmation of patriarchal male dominance illustrated throughout the show.

Cuddy’s relationship with House has connections to patriarchal ideals as well. Although Cuddy is the supervisor, she is not respected and holds little sway over House. Therefore, the relationship between these two portrays patriarchy and the idea that women, although possibly having a higher position of work authority, are still not worthy of male deference.

Also, as stated in my sixth blog, the actions depicted in the fan video (House grabbing Cuddy’s butt) allude to a possible attraction. This also displays, however, House’s dominance, control, and objectification of Cuddy and her body. This occurs both in obvious means, such as the grabbing of Cuddy’s butt, and through House’s comments. Thus, House portrays “systematic inequalities…that maintain women’s second-class status – culturally, economically, and politically” (Kirk and Okazawa-Rey 249). Such ideals, perpetuated by this show, have far reaching connections and implications for women. These ideals and socializing aspects contribute to the ‘normalization’ of abuse and degradation of women. In essence, “when we hear or express sexist jokes and other forms of misogyny [such as from shows like House], we may not recognize it” (Johnson 36) and in fact normalize it, thus leading to abuse and harassment.

Johnson, Allan G. “Patriarchy, the System: An It, Not a He, a Them, or an Us.” Women’s Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. Ed. Gwyn Kirk and Margo Okazawa-Rey. 4th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2007. 28-37.

Kirk, Gwyn and Margo Okazawa-Rey. “Violence Against Women.” Ed. Gwyn Kirk and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women’s Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. 4th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2007. 249-263.

Lililo78. “Dr Cuddy – Bootylicious.” YouTube. 31 July 2007. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay-lvSwAJX0&feature=related>. 2 March 2009.

Peer Review Blog

The blogger, ajandrews, does well at providing various discussions relating to the relationship between Cuddy and House. She addresses Cuddy’s paradoxical position as that of a supervisor but also as a subject of House’s objectification and torment. Ajandrews could have strengthened her arguments, however, by connecting her topics to class readings more often. Instead of providing mainly personal observations, incorporating more quotes and information from class readings on patriarchy, media, and sexism would have bolstered her arguments.

In accordance with this, the blogger could have addressed how House contributes to the spread and perpetuation of patriarchal and oppressive ideals of dominant U.S. culture. In addition, the romantic relationships that have appeared and/or been alluded to over the course of the show would have been a good topic to discuss in greater detail. This topic could have been connected to various subjects discussed in class including sexuality, patriarchy, and gender expectations.

The blogger’s third blog best exemplifies topics we have discussed thus far in class, specifically Cuddy’s relationship with her foster baby and the problems faced by working mothers. This topic was often discussed in class and alludes to the lack of societal support systems available for working moms.

The blogger focuses mainly on the areas of patriarchy and gender stratification and associated roles. Race is another system of inequality apparent in House but not addressed in this blog. In addition, drawing from House and readings, a more in depth analysis of gender roles and sexism could have been included in order to make a more solid argument.

You (blogger) address that Cuddy wanted a child, but what about the problems she had loving the baby? How may this relate to dominant negative stereotypes of single motherhood and images professional women?

How do the romantic relationships that have emerged or that have been hinted to on the show play into gender stereotypes and patriarchy?

Do you think this show is a reflection of patriarchy in dominant society, a mechanism to perpetuate patriarchy, or both? How is this so?

ajandrews. House. 23 March, 2009. Blogger.com. <http://www.ajandrews-house.blogspot.com>/. 4 April 2009.