This document discusses several feminist media theories and how they relate to an image of Rihanna on a magazine cover. It analyzes the image through the lenses of Laura Mulvey's Male Gaze theory, which argues that media is created from a male point of view and sexualizes women as objects, and Betty Friedan's Feminine Mystique theory, which suggests media portrays women as traditional figures like housewives. The document concludes the Rihanna image sexualizes her through a provocative pose and exposed skin, conforming to the Male Gaze theory by appealing to men and eliciting sexual thoughts.

1. Laura Mulvey’s Male Gaze theory
(1975)is that she believes that the
media is created to be enjoyed
through the eyes of men.
Subsequently, women are
sexualised in the media and viewed
as objects.
Frieden’s Feminine Mystique theory suggests the media
is created by men who aim to portray women as
traditional for example like housewives. This cover goes
against this theory as it shows Rihanna in a provocative
pose with a provocative facial expression. Additionally,
Rihanna has a tattoo on show; this is not seen as
feminine or motherly.
In this image Rihanna is sexualised
because she has a provocative pose;
she is bent over. She also has red
lipstick on and her mouth is open,
drawing attention to it.
This image also
conforms to The Male
Gaze Theory because
lots of her skin is
showing, which has
been done to appeal to
men.
Her clothing is a bralet,
which is essentially a
piece of underwear.
This in turn makes men
think of sex.