Ashley Turzio

Considering the films that you have seen in the cluster and (not “or”) drawing on your own experience of films, television, and life in general does Hollywood portray women as suffering from “penis envy”?
After reviewing the films we've watched in class I do think that those movies have supported the "Penis envy" idea. For some reason the whole act of women being portrayed as strong and independent is a good thing but why does Hollywood emphasis this SO much as if we don't get it. We know that woman now possess the strength and knowledge it takes to take over in movies and real life. Why does Hollywood exaggerate when it comes to women’s roles in film? I mean it's always either a woman who is extremely HOT and is viewed as a sex object/love interest or a villain killing and blowing things up. Take the movie IRONMAN for example Scarlett Johansson plays as the Black Widow.
At first her character is set as a low level worker in the big corporation of Stark industries. Later as obvious as it seems you see Scarlett Johansson busting out moves no one would ever forget. Of course referring to the character she plays she must show off her moves but is it really necessary for Hollywood to emphasis this in every single movie that is put out there. I've yet to see a recent film where an average everyday woman is playing a strong role. Another example would be The Losers. Zoe Saldana plays the typical role of the hot girl with the gun. In my opinion if it wasn't for Saldana this movie probably wouldn't have been a big hit. Her looks and body are extremely over exposed in many scenes. The highlights of the film The Losers are mainly Zoe's assets, which is pretty degrading.
Penis Envy refers to Freud’s theory of psychosexual development. It’s when a female reaches the phallic stage and realizes she doesn’t have a penis. The female envy’s the male because of this. This happens during the ages 3-5. The young girls distant themselves from their mothers and devote their feelings and affections to their father. This is why young girls are usually closer to their fathers. They feel as if it’s their mother’s fault that they are put to a disadvantage (not owning a penis). I think the macho stereotype of men support the reason why Freud’s theory exists. Young girl admire men’s strength and want to be like them. The media benefits from this theory because they can continue pushing the stereo type.