The Glorification of Domestic Abuse in Media

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Domestic violence is socially considered a terrible thing however; the media finds ways to glorify it. Domestic violence is a romanticized theme throughout media history. In advertisements, the fashion industry shows a romanticism of domestic violence towards women. In literature, “Are These Actual Miles?” shows a man's rationalization of abuse towards his wife while similarly in 50 Shades of Grey where Ana engages in an abusive sexual relationship with Christian Grey. Finally, in music, artists such as The Crystals sang a song comparing a man hitting her to a sweet kiss and recently rapper Eminem dueted with Rihanna to perform a piece romanticizing a violent relationship. These media examples can be contused as misinterpreted, rather they were meant to be ironic or as a light hearted joke.
In “Are These Actual Miles?” Raymond Carver's theme of domestic abuse is very subtle. Leo and Toni are going through a second bankruptcy so on a final whim, they decide to sell Toni's car; meanwhile Toni spends more time out selling the car that Leo starts to question Toni's true intentions and motives. However, it’s subtly hinted that Leo worked as a pimp for his wife. Leo spends his time drinking scotch as he waits for Toni, reflecting on their relationship. When Toni finally gets home we see Leo take a drunken swing towards Toni, without worrying about her intoxicated condition. Leo even goes to the obsessive lengths of checking Toni's underwear for evidence of a sexual encounter (page 589.) Additionally, Leo also views Toni more as an object rather than a loving wife. Intoxication, intent for violence, and obsessively checking his wife's clothing is a definite signs of domestic abuse towards Toni. On the other hand, the short story sho...

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...lism of domestic abuse being romanticized is a concept constantly shown throughout media history. Within advertisements the fashion and beauty industry links domestic violence and beauty within makeup ads, Fluid’s hair salon ads, and beauty ads. In literature, “Are These Actual Miles?” shows a man pimping out his wife and rationalizing his alcoholic abuse by questioning her character; additionally, 50 Shades of Grey shows the sexually abusive relationship between Ana and Christian as Christian ignores the basic ground rules of BDSM. Finally, in the music industry The Crystals compares a man’s abuse to a sweet kiss and within modern times Eminem and Rihanna are a prime example of romanticized abuse as they sing about a violent relationship. Although these media examples can be contused as misinterpreted, rather they were meant to be ironic or as a light hearted joke.

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