5/30

I thought it was very interesting that consumerism from the female population can exemplify resistance. I am used to discussing acts of resistance in regards to family expectations, traditions, religion, or something along those lines but this time we’re looking at shopping which is a nice change. Fiske explains that a shopping mall or a department store is where women can feel like they are in charge and that is the place they can feel empowered. This reminds me of my own family since my mom does pretty much all of the shopping. I’m not sure if my mom would say she feels empowered in a mall but she’’s definitely more comfortable shopping than my dad. Anytime there is an occasion where a gift is needed, my mom is the one who is responsible for buying a gift. Whenever I receive a gift from my parents, it was usually picked up by my mom but has both of my parent’s signature on it. In fact, last year for Chinese New Year I saw my mom put money in little red envelope and give it to my dad before he called me over and gave me my new year money.


On another note, I found Shopping for Pleasure to be slightly sexist because it is implied that all women belong in shopping malls where as men belong in places with power. When the writer said that a woman’s place is the mall it reminded me of the saying a woman’s place is in the kitchen. I don’t think it is necessary or have that divide between who is empowered and who is disempowered but I can definitely see where he is coming from.

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