Perceptions & Overlooked Questions

Perceptions are immensely powerful and the way subjects are portrayed can tell a lot about how we see the world. Jessie J's 'Do it like a Dude' portrays women flawlessly imitating masculine culture and it's an imitation that we should take notice of.

It is impossible to escape from the fact that this depiction of masculinity borders upon the Nouveau Riche - as a heightened stereotype of the real thing, in this case a picture of the powerful from the view of the oppressed. And it isn't a pretty picture.

This depiction of what a man is shares a lot with Chomsky's portrayal of world views towards the United States as a superpower (Chomsky, 2006). It is the image of a callous, aggressive group; showboating, degrading & intimidating.

This depiction makes it worth considering not only whether you CAN 'do it like a dude', but also whether you should WANT to. In spite of the song's empowerment theme, we should not forget the risks of imitating the powerful in order to share the limelight that they bask in.

To do so would be to give in to ignorant clanism - like Chauvin, Napoleon's supporter in vain, to become an obsessive and doting sycophant; and to flatter and reinforce less than admirable qualities.

Jessie J's presentation of a 'man' is dependent upon the trait approach, where people are categorised according to a list of descriptive attributes. Traditional femininity is largely defined by nurturing & caring traits. These are qualities oft sidelined in favour of the dominance & ambition assigned to men. But those sidelined traits are admirable qualities. They are liberal qualities of concern, care & compassion.

While Jessie J's song is important for holding up a mirror to masculinity, it would be well to accompany that critique with the promotion of a positive femininity (Yearwood, 2011). There is very much a need for the promoting of that rich femininity - as much for men as for women. One that dissuades people from adopting or usurping the worst of the stigmatised 'masculine' qualities, instead encouraging in people the confidence to break with their social roles and aspire to something better.

==========
References:
==========
+ Jessie J's 'Do it like a Dude';

+ Noam Chomsky's 'Failed States'; Allen & Unwin, 2006.

+ Lagusta Yearwood's 'Nigella Lawson is right. Baking is a feminist act', in The Guardian, 31 May 2011;