Benevolent Woman - Male Gaze vs. Malevolent Woman - Male Gaze

Attribute	Benevolent Woman - Male Gaze	Malevolent Woman - Male Gaze
Depiction	Portrayed as kind, nurturing, and caring	Portrayed as sinister, manipulative, and dangerous
Characterization	Often seen as a mother figure or love interest	Often depicted as a villain or femme fatale
Power dynamics	May be submissive or passive in relation to male characters	May challenge or threaten male authority
Objectification	May be objectified for her beauty or nurturing qualities	May be objectified for her sexuality or perceived threat

Introduction

When it comes to the portrayal of women in media, the male gaze theory has been widely discussed and analyzed. The male gaze refers to the way in which visual arts and literature depict the world and women from a masculine point of view, presenting women as objects of male pleasure. Within the male gaze theory, there are two main archetypes of women: the benevolent woman and the malevolent woman. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two archetypes within the male gaze framework.

Benevolent Woman - Male Gaze

The benevolent woman archetype within the male gaze is often depicted as kind, nurturing, and submissive. She is typically portrayed as the idealized version of femininity, embodying traits such as beauty, purity, and innocence. The benevolent woman is often seen as the love interest or damsel in distress, existing solely for the pleasure and protection of the male protagonist. She is passive, selfless, and willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of others.

• Kind
• Nurturing
• Submissive
• Idealized version of femininity
• Beauty, purity, and innocence

Malevolent Woman - Male Gaze

In contrast, the malevolent woman archetype within the male gaze is portrayed as manipulative, seductive, and dangerous. She is often depicted as a femme fatale or villain, using her sexuality and power to control and deceive men. The malevolent woman is seen as a threat to the male protagonist, challenging his authority and disrupting the patriarchal order. She is assertive, independent, and unapologetic in her pursuit of her own desires.

• Manipulative
• Seductive
• Dangerous
• Femme fatale or villain
• Challenges patriarchal order

Comparison

When comparing the attributes of the benevolent woman and the malevolent woman within the male gaze, it is clear that they represent two opposing ideals of femininity. The benevolent woman is passive and submissive, while the malevolent woman is assertive and independent. The benevolent woman is portrayed as innocent and pure, while the malevolent woman is seen as dangerous and seductive. These archetypes reflect the patriarchal values and expectations placed on women in society.

Furthermore, the benevolent woman is often rewarded for her selflessness and sacrifice, while the malevolent woman is punished for her assertiveness and independence. This reinforces the idea that women should conform to traditional gender roles and be subservient to men. The male gaze perpetuates these stereotypes and reinforces the power dynamics between men and women.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the benevolent woman and malevolent woman archetypes within the male gaze represent two contrasting portrayals of women in media. The benevolent woman is idealized as kind and submissive, while the malevolent woman is demonized as manipulative and dangerous. These archetypes reflect and perpetuate patriarchal values and expectations of women in society. It is important to critically analyze and challenge these representations in order to promote gender equality and empower women in media and beyond.