Civic Duty is Sexy
In her book
Pin-Up Grrrls: Femenism, Sexuality,
Popular Culture, Buzek argues that the pinup, often seen as an oppressive representation
of female sexuality, can actually function as a feminist icon. Chronicling the
history of the pinup from this perspective, she discusses the pinup’s
historical significance in prosex terms, choosing to interpret through a lens
of liberation, though she recognizes that not all angles will be as flattering
as this one. She sees pinup girls as active and powerful subjects, not passive
sexual objects, and believes that women throughout history have gained a sense
of personal and sexual agency thanks to the subversive way the pinup girls enticed
their way into mainstream culture. For example, Buzek argues that the “Gibson
Girl” added a layer of sexual development to the economic and intellectual
development the “New Woman” was already seeing at the turn of the century, and
that during WWII Varga's pinups helped to glorify the patriotic, independent woman. To
claim that pinups are mostly progressive, or that they played a causal role in
enacting change may be somewhat of a stretch, but at the very least, I can
agree that certain empowered pinup girls were symptomatic of feminist progress.
The image
above is Gil Elvgren’s 1958 pinup “It’s Up to You.” Examined from Buzek’s point
of view, this image seems to promote women’s involvement in politics, an idea
that was largely unpopular throughout most of America’s history. The pinup girl
here seems enthusiastic about voting, and is encouraging others to do it, too.
Her conventional blonde beauty and sexuality speak to men, but her inviting
message and friendly smile are equally seductive to women. Girls with political
opinions are not unfeminine, she says, but rather glamorous. Her dress, equal
parts red, white, and blue, and the plushy mascots of both the Democratic and
Republican parties to her right convey a nonpartisanship that might appeal to
people along all points of the political spectrum, as well. She encourages everyone to vote, regardless of affiliation or gender. Furthermore,
she is not merely posing next to the “Vote!” advertisement, but is posting it
on the wall, wielding a tiny but powerful hammer to demonstrate her active and
influential role. This pinup girl, though sexualized along the lines of
idealistic standards, can certainly be seen as a strong feminist for her
involvement in a traditionally masculine area and for the way she promotes
political involvement in other women, as well.
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