What Is the Female Gaze in Media?

What Is the Female Gaze in Media?

Imagine this – a camera shot panning up a woman’s slender legs, lingering on her pert buttocks before following the curve of her body up to her bountiful bosom, lingering there some more before finally reaching the seductive fullness of her lips and her well-framed face. Well, you don’t need to imagine this. After all, there are plentiful examples in movies and TV shows. Laura Mulvey, a feminist film theorist, coined the phrase the “male gaze”, which seeks to explain why women are depicted as passive sex objects in mainstream film narratives

Depp v Heard: When the Lines Between Reality and Fiction Blur

Depp v Heard: When the Lines Between Reality and Fiction Blur

The Depp v Heard “Show”

It was practically impossible not to get sucked into the rabbit hole of what seemed to be the greatest show of all time. It had everything a viewer could ever want-unique characters, dramatic dialogue, and shocking plot twists. With its sombre courthouse setting and flurry of suits, it might have seemed like just another addition to the saturated genre viewers know as legal dramas. So, how could this show possibly compete with greats like ‘Law and Order’, ‘The Good Wife’, and ‘Suits’? The answer lies in the fact that this show wasn’t a fictional tale concocted by a team of screenwriters. There was no director behind the scenes yelling ‘action’ and ‘cut’. There were no producers pulling the strings. And, the two Hollywood stars in the vanguard of the show weren’t playing a part. Nevertheless, it did incorporate all the allure of a traditional legal drama with real-world and real-time stakes. How could anyone possibly have taken their eyes off the screen? 

Fashion Farm by Sunway International Business Society

Fashion Farm by Sunway International Business Society

Sustainable fashion and Climate Change

First, is the eye-catching display of mannequins draped in exquisite fabrics and trendy accessories at the facade of the boutique. Then, it’s rack upon rack of T-shirts, blouses, pants, skirts, dresses, shoes, and bags in every imaginable style and color. Next, are the bold red signs all over the store declaring , ‘Sale’, ‘Buy 2 Free 1’ and ‘50% off’. 

It takes an enormous amount of willpower not to grab as many items as possible and head straight to the cashier. Unfortunately, most people give in anyway, and buy without giving much thought to whether the items they have selected are sustainable. Many do not stop to ask themselves if keeping up with the latest fashion trends is worth jeopardizing the environment.

But, how does fashion contribute to climate change? Here, it is important to distinguish between sustainable fashion and fast fashion. According to Vogue, sustainable fashion is an umbrella term for clothes that are created and consumed in a way that can be, quite literally sustained, while protecting both the environment and those producing garments. In other words, sustainable fashion addresses environmental issues such as the emission of greenhouse gasses and water pollution as well as social issues, namely the exploitation of labor. 

Echo-pella: Songs To Feel Yourself To

Echo-pella: Songs To Feel Yourself To

Because sometimes you just need to feel sexy and beautiful.

Welcome to another edition of Echo-pella, readers! It’s now the middle of the year, July 1st. As you reflect on what you’ve done for the past 6 months, how do you feel? Do you feel accomplished? Happy? Or maybe it’s disappointment that you haven’t been yourself as of late? Maybe tough exams or social life has made you feel a bit down. In any case, what you need is a confidence boost. Something that recharges your brain and makes it say “I’m going to succeed”. In other words, you need something that’ll make you feel confident and even sexy.

Describing something as “sexy” doesn’t always refer to sexual appeal, by the way. It can also refer to something very exciting or appealing. And if that’s something that you feel the need to embody at the moment, we’ve got a playlist of songs for you to feel yourself to, whether you need a boost to your self-confidence, and yes, a boost in sexual confidence as well. It’s time to love yourself, people!

What I Am: The Multiracial Experience

What I Am: The Multiracial Experience

“What are you?”

This question is far from being unknown to many; an echo that has undulated across one’s recollection of memories and will most likely follow them into their next steps of life. It may seem like an odd query to direct toward another person, but in truth, it is hardly unfamiliar to multiracial or “mixed” people. In itself, the query is dehumanising but puts forth a paradox that may dominate the mixed person’s thoughts and settle down amongst various other doubts as they hesitantly tread the lines between their different cultural identities. Although frequently perceived in a positive light, the multiracial identity comes with its own unique psychological stressors, many of which lead to existential isolation—the feeling that your perspective or experiences are not comprehensible to others.

Mental Health: Don’t Fight Alone

Mental Health: Don’t Fight Alone

Disclaimer:

The following article discusses topics of a sensitive nature which may be disturbing and/or controversial to some readers. Hence, reader discretion is advised. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author and do not reflect Sunway University and Sunway College’s values.

Content warning: Mentions of self-harm and suicide.

Sunway Makan Club

Sunway Makan Club

Food, a universal basic necessity. A way to find solace amidst the hustle bustle of everyday life. A way to enlighten the taste buds and embark on a gastronomical adventure. As Malaysians, we can admit that food has always been a big deal. Food is unanimous with culture, and has been a unifying element throughout the changing eras, breaking the fences of race and religion that stood to keep people separate. 

A small group of friends from Sunway University’s School of Actuarial Sciences decided to capitalise on the unifying effect of food by starting the Sunway Makan Club. Meet President Lim Yih Teng, Vice President Ryan Teng Yew Xiang, and their fellow committee members: the Secretary, Kong Jia Jin and Head of Research and Development, Gan Huai Shien. Piquing an interest in the newest club on the block, we have interviewed these individuals to gain a clearer impression of what the Sunway Makan Club is really all about.