-obsessive/stalker-like behavior
-clingy/needy
-manipulative
-attention-seeking
-emotional instability
-lying
This stereotype is definitely seen a lot in the media. Throughout my life I have heard women being called "crazy", "crazy bitch", or "psycho bitch" for this sort of behavior. And, from my experience, there doesn't seem to be a male equivalent to this label. These Virgin Mobile commercials are perfect examples of CGS.
Now, here is a popular music video by a male band called Busted. It depicts a very similar scene, with stalker-like behavior, except it is portrayed as comical and cool. The stalking part begins at 1:30:
Lyrics: I climb a tree outside her home, to make sure that she's alone
I see her in her underwear, I can't help but stop and stare
This music video depicts a scene very similar to one of the Virgin Mobile commercials, but they are portrayed so differently. When a women is in a tree stalking someone, it is creepy and crazy. But when men do it to women, it is comical. This stereotype is harmful because I think it pathologizes a lot of normal female behaviors. Women do tend to be more overtly emotional, but instead of seeing this as healthy behavior, we exaggerate it and demonize it in the media. I wanted to explore this stereotype for my project because I think it harmful to women and to people with mental illnesses (and especially to women with mental illnesses). Even if some women do have these CGS symptoms, it isn't funny; it's serious. In my future blog posts, I will explore each of the symptoms associated with CGS.
Emily- I think this is a really cool idea to explore. I like how you gave it the name "The Crazy Girl Syndrome." I completely agree with you that there is no male equivalent to this. The women in the videos you posted are shown as weird stalkers, but the males in the music video aren't seen that way: its portrayed in a less serious, almost comical way. I can't wait to read what else you find out!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reply Lynn!
ReplyDeleteEmily, This is a serious topic and it upsets me when I see it portrayed as being "funny" in the media. The reason it upsets me is I had a friend who had "crazy girl syndrome". Many of her friends would make fun of her when she did stuff, like stalk a guy that wanted nothing to do with her. It's very serious that stuff like this happens and that it gets stereotyped. My friend is ill and has been seeking help. The media takes a stab at women in general, and it groups us women all together, sending a message that we are all crazy, when in fact we are all different. If a man was portrayed this way in the media everyone would be calling that man a creep or a dirty man that likes to stare at women through windows. The differences is this man stands alone and isn't grouped with all the other men on the planet. (my opinion). Cannot wait to see where you take this topic! Great post Emily!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Laurie. I also have known woman who exhibit these symptoms and people thought it was funny and/or annoying.
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