Hairspray - Lens Question: Public Perception and Prizes

Phenomenon:
Velma von Tussle depicts the typical stereotype of a pageant winner (especially of that time) - tall, blonde, beautiful, slim. How do prizes impact the public's perception of beauty?

Secondary Text:
'Showbusiness of a serious kind': a cultural politics of the arts prize by James Street
"Prizes create winners, not just in the obvious sense, but also by establishing the rules and conditions that define the type of winner... implicated in the choice of winner." (pp. 833)

Framework and Main Claim:
Street claims that a prize winner is chosen with the reputation and media coverage in mind, and has the power to generate public discourse. This influences the public's perception on the winners, and creates a general stereotype when the public sees a certain pattern in the winners. I will illustrate how Velma von Tussle is a typical example of a beauty queen that further perpetuates the public's definition of beauty. Furthermore, my analysis will take into consideration the lyrics of her song "Miss Baltimore Crabs" and challenge the mainstream ideas of beauty.

A Reality Show Where Islam Is the Biggest Star - A Response

The tonality and word choice of the author portrays the show to be dramatic.

The prizes offered stand out as a motivation for people to take part. However, I am mindful to note that it appears that the show is commercializing religion, and using prizes and the media to attract the younger generation, which in general appear more apathetic towards religion today. It is an interesting method, but trivialises the sanctity of religion.

It also comes across as a form of propaganda for the Islam-dominant country, considering the mention of the show being a collaboration with the government body.