From Library Journal
A British academic and a journalist, McNair is optimistic about the increasing sexualization of culture and the media. Going forward from his Mediated Sex, he reports that the presentation of diverse kinds of sex in the media is a "barometer and a catalyst" for democracy in capitalist cultures because it makes the society open to many realities. McNair uses (but does not limit himself to) the usual examples of gender-bending in society, films, television, magazines, art, and the "pornosphere," both British and American. Among his subjects are Stonewall, Monica Lewinsky, Robert Mapplethorpe, Deep Throat, Sex in the City, The Full Monty, Sade, and Brett Easton Ellis. Some examples are given thought-provoking historical analysis, while others are just mentioned. Part of his analysis shows how advanced capitalist countries arrived at this point. Another strand looks at "striptease culture," where ordinary people bare themselves physically or emotionally on the Internet or on confessional or reality television. All of these things make capitalism and the social order more inclusive and thus more stable, argues McNair. This is a provocative thesis, intelligently argued. Suitable for media studies, gender studies, popular culture, academic, and large public library collections. J. Dunham, John Jay Coll., CUNY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
This book explores the increasing 'sexualisation' of contemporary life, considering the impact on mass culture and relating it to wider changes in post-war society.
