5. Solutions: The Use of Geographical Lens to Challenge Existing Norms
An analysis of the bodily representations of Singapore Girls has revealed the SIA business model to be highly feminized, with an inscription of the corporation and nation on an extremely specific body type deemed ‘attractive’. Unfortunately, the exclusion of ‘Other’ body types is a ‘problematic’ result.
However, the use of geographical concepts can present ways to resist industrial stereotypes, shown by (1) how the oppressed air stewards can invent new ways to (re)perform the traditional expectations of masculinity, and (2) how concept like intersectionality can complicate existing norms to provide a new way of thinking of the body.
5.1 A (re)performance of traditional expectations of masculinity among air stewards
Air stewards are seen to be constantly rewriting their role of doing gender in this service-oriented occupation. From the interview, Miss C explained how air stewards perform in accordance with the cultural script of masculinity (Dahle 2005), by taking the initiative to handle work that requires physical strength, such as lifting heavy baggages, perhaps “to appear more gentlemanly”. Also, Simpson (2009) argues how straight air stewards resist embedded expectations of gender and sexuality tied to their ‘deviant’ bodies by engaging in frequent displays of interest in women, or bringing up conversations about their girlfriend or wife (Murphy, 1998).
5.2 Complicating existing norms inscribed on body with concepts of intersectionality.
There is a need to see bodies as multiple and diverse, and one way would be to invite people to generate of new ways of thinking about power relations, where bodies and spaces are concurrently situated at both the center and margin (Johnston, 2009). In the case of the flight attendants, we need to see their bodies beyond binaries of being “in-shape” (being curvy, attractive and feminine), OR “out-of-shape”(fat, unattractive and masculine) but AND and ALSO (Gibson-Graham, 2002). In this blog, we have also weaved in concepts of intersectionality, by complicating the gender identity with identities like age and sexuality to showcase how dominant bodies can also be subjected to marginalisation (slender young Singapore girl > older but experienced Singapore girl that is losing shape?) and vice versa (male flight attendant = gay?).
Last but not least, there is a need to problematize the way people think of bodies, by seeing bodies not as fixed but fluid, that is, contingent upon time and place (Cream, 1992), as spaces and bodies are performative and do not have an ontological position or fixed traits (Johnston, 2009). The body is a social construct, and thus should be embraced by viewing it along a spectrum.
photo credit: http://www.benbeechphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/MG_0807.jpg
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