Master Thesis Myrthe Tiemessen

Abstract

Cameron-James Wilson created a computer-generated imagery (CGI) model called Shudu which represents perfection. By using CGI model Shudu as the perfect example for beauty, Wilson wants to ensure people are embracing beauty and perfection as there are many issues surrounding it. These issues mainly concern the negative influence technologies and media have on the self-esteem of women. These contribute to the widespread promotion of the perfect image. However, there are different approaches to technologies and the role they play in society from different perspectives. Shudu plays a role in the fields of tensions that emerge between these approaches. This thesis investigates her virtual identity by looking at her Instagram account @shudu.gram through the lens of the Cultivation Theory, and different perspectives on Simulations and Cyborg, which attempt to answer the following research question: How does CGI model Shudu and the degree of her authenticity, constructed through her Instagram page, contribute to the discourse around perfection and its influence on women’ s self-image in the digital age? This question is answered by conducting a slightly modified version of Teun A. van Dijk’s Critical Discourse (CDA) Analysis. First, the structure set up by the CDA allows the analysis of visual and textual elements in 10 Instagram posts of Shudu. This is done based on a matrix that analyses the tensions between authenticity and fakeness, and perfect and imperfect. In addition, the discourses surrounding the text production are analysed to see what Wilson’s intentions are with the creation of Shudu and check whether this is also portrayed as such at her Instagram page. Finally, this research examines the societal structures and power structures in which Shudu and the kind of perfection she represents reside. This relates to dimensions of power and access, and the tensions between fake and authenticity and perfect and imperfect. This gives insight into the form of perfection Shudu represents and the role its authenticity plays in the meaning of perfection. This research shows that Shudu’s virtual identity represents a humane form of perfection which makes her look authentic. Instead of being, as Wilson pointed out, an inspiring art project for people to enjoy, Shudu is considered authentic and understood as a digital creation consistent with the views of the fashion industry. It can be argued that Shudu’s degree of authenticity contributes negatively to the discourse around perfection, as she doesn’t deviate from the conventional beauty standards. The perfect image she portrays is received in such a way by society that she ultimately serves as comparison material, adding to the societal pressure among women to pursue the beauty standards.