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The reasons why Family Guy is a unique show that deserves recognition
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The reasons why ‘Family Guy’ is a unique show that deserves recognition
There are many ways, which people like to spend their time, engaging in activities that they consider as being fun. These activities range from watching the television, reading, surfing the Internet, playing sports, among others. Research has found out that many people are indeed fans of various television programs. The television provides people with an opportunity to have fun, while at the same time, obtain knowledge from watching different programs. Watching comedies is a way, which people can relax easily. Currently, people are finding new ways to make comedy even better, through making it appear in the form of cartoons. An example of such a comedy show is ‘Family Guy’. It is a show that will entertain its viewers, due to its themes that reflect on everyday life.
This paper seeks to give a critical analysis concerning the reasons why ‘Family Guy’ is a unique show that deserves recognition. It will focus on Family Guy’s themes, criticism as well as its awards which make it the best comedy act.
Critical analysis of ‘Family Guy’
Seth MacFarlane is the creator of the infamous American animated sitcom known as Family Guy. It is broadcasted through the Fox Broadcasting Company. The main characters are those from the Griffins family, who are described as being entertaining, yet not normal. They include; a dog (Brian), Stewie, Chris and Meg who are the children, and their parents Lois and Peter. This show has attracted attention all over the world that even children as young as three can be found watching it. Many people were skeptic about the success that Family Guy would have since it was an animated series. Fortunately, the show proved many people wrong, as it had extremely high ratings. The show focuses mainly on the life of the Griffin Family, and in fact, the comedy show has even obtained more fame than the Simpsons. The latter was considered being the best adult cartoon to ever exist. Currently, the levels of rating of Family Guy have shot up to 19 percent. On a weekly basis, Family Guy has over 1 million viewers, and this proves that it is extremely successful.
Family Guy can proudly claim that it can appeal to various audiences both children as well as adults. The television sitcom is popular because it focuses on the American society as well as the things, which take place in it. Furthermore, the comedy is one that is quite satirical, and in turn, makes its viewers become addicted to it. The comedy portrays the various gender beliefs that exist in society. This means that the show, through the interactions of the various characters is animated to fit into various roles in society.
The use of themes that are relevant in the American society has been witnessed in family guy. In one of the scenes in Family Guy, one can view a lot concerning how the American society views and addresses the issue of sexuality. While having lunch in school, Meg and three other girls admire Craig Hoffman, one of their classmates. It seems that, from the way they admire him, they are all heterosexual. In the American society, people believe that by being heterosexual, one is normal as well as dominant. Those who are bisexual or even homosexual are often looked down upon by most Americans. It can, therefore, be claimed that the girls in the scene were portraying their true sexuality. This means that as one watches Family Guy, they are taught about ideas that concern heterosexuality. Therefore, this show is one that educates people about various things taking place in society and many cartoons are not able to do this.
Another reason why Family Guy deserves credit is because is portrays the various gender roles that exist in society. It is through the characters of Meg and Craig that this is expressed. Craig is shown as a guy who constantly puts on a leather jacket that is black. This is often associated with being rebellious and tough. Most girls, even in real life, find such males to be ‘hot’. Craig expresses his gender, by the way he acts, and this is how other people of his gender also act. There is a scene where Meg asks Craig out, but he refuses as he does not want to be seen walking around with someone with the looks of a boy. On the other hand, when Meg transforms after having a makeover, he goes after her. The show is trying to show people about how people from the two genders relate with each other.
Race is an issue that is shown in Family Guy, and it is not uncommon to hear about this issue in the American society. The black people in the comedy are only few as everyone else is white. Even in reality the most dominant race that is often viewed is that of white people. In fact, there is a lot of hate that is directed towards people who are black. For example, in Family Guy, the black boy is shown as being extremely slow, as he is uneducated. On the other hand, there are scenes where the issue of race cannot be avoided. There is a music producer known as Dr. Diddy, and he is black. Furthermore, from the way he is dressed, in bling and saggy clothes, it is evident that he is black. Also, Brian always barks when he sees Dr. Diddy. The latter is a racist action directed towards the music producer, who is black. Many cartoons would not dare to venture into such issues; instead they opt to offer meaningless entertainment that is of no significance.
The show has a lot of humor as viewed in almost all the episodes, in Family Guy. Many cultural icons and events that are modern are made reference to, and this takes the form of gags. The humor that is used in Family Guy is known as being self-referential, whereby the jokes are directed towards the audience. This is referred to as ‘breaking the fourth wall. The latter is quite rare in many cartoons as they often direct the jokes on each other’s characters. Furthermore, most secondary and primary characters use catchphrases that catch one’s attention even more. Some of the most famous catch phrases in Family Guy include; ‘Bring it on’ by Joe, ‘Freaking Sweet’ by Peter and ‘Giggity giggity goo’ by Quagmire.
There is enough positive criticism to further prove that Family Guy is indeed a show to be reckoned. Critics have had positive remarks and reviews concerning Family Guy. It has been described as being an extremely funny, but nasty cartoon, by an editor at the National Review Online, known as Catherine Seipp. Family Guy has been rated at being the top in other parts of the world, other than in the United States. For example, Family Guy was rated by the Sydney Morning Herald, in the year 2009, as being the best show. There are not many cartoons, which can achieve such success, yet alone in other parts of the continent. Moreover, many celebrities have claimed that they are fans of the show, and even so, others would like to feature in it. An example of such a star is Emily Blunt, who claims that family guy is the best series she has ever watched. It had a reached a point whereby, Family Guy was voted after Saturday Night Live as being a hit show.
Many people are especially attracted to Family Guy by the fact that they can easily laugh without having to force themselves, and think hard to find the joke. Almost everything, which other cartoon shows would look down upon, are shown in Family Guy. This means that it has many gags and jokes that people can relate. A famous TV critic known as Robin Pierson praised Family Guy as he claimed that no other cartoon had the same level of jokes. Even in the United Kingdom, there are frequent re -runs of the show because it is popular. The show is extremely popular that even Robert Downey came up with a character, as his son was a fan. Other notable celebrities that have praises for Family Guy are Britney Spears and Rihanna.
Many awards have been given to Family Guy as well as other people that are involved in it. As many as thirteen Emmy Award Nominations were given to Family Guy, and they were fortunate to win at least four of them. The cast members such as McFalane and Murphy were awarded for their outstanding music as well as performances. Also, Family Guy got nominated for the Annie Awards in the years 2006 and 2008 and won as much as three times. It even got nominated to win an Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy in the year 2009. The only other animated program that had an opportunity to reach this level was in the year 1961, when the Flintstones was nominated. The only other cartoon that almost achieved this distinguished recognition was by The Simpsons in the year 1993. Therefore, there is no reason for anyone to claim that Family Guy has not reached the ultimate levels in production, as well as concepts of humor. Other awards, which Family Guy has won after being nominated, are People’s Choice Awards and Teen Choice Awards. Family Guy has also been accorded the status of a cult show, as well as a cartoon that is above standards. The awards presented to Family Guy are credible evidence of its success, and no one has a right to refute its influence that is wide spread.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Family Guy has indeed proven that it is a comedy act that is famous for its message content, controversy, awards, as well as the clever paradoxes. No other cartoon comedy can compare to it as it has reached significant heights in entertainment. Those interested in coming with cartoons should follow the lead of Family Guy to come up with such concepts in order to appeal to a variety of audiences.
The question of homosexual marriages has over the years been a source of great debates
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Gay Marriages
The question of homosexual marriages has over the years been a source of great debates, with proponents putting forth a number of seemingly valid arguments, while opponents also put forth strong counterarguments and arguments against their legalization. Bennett however, presents arguments against the legalization of homosexuality, beginning with the concern of how its legalization may affect the very definition and perception of marriage, before proceeding to discuss how acceptance of gay marriages would go against religious and cultural teachings. Further, Bennett also argues that taking the step of legalizing gay or lesbian marriages despite their open approach to relationships, would effectively challenge the concept of faithfulness as a major pillar of marriage, not to mention leading to confusion amongst the youths as well as forcing same sex marriages to be regarded in the same vein as heterosexual marriages, even when it comes to parenting. Overall, I do agree with Bennett’s argument that allowing gay or same sex marriages would not be a good idea.
From a religious point of view, the bible quite clearly condemns and discourages same sex relationships, let alone same sex marriages. Bennett’s assertion that his position on same sex marriage “…mirrors the accumulated wisdom of millennia and the teaching of every major religion,” is actually very true, more so from a Christian standpoint. The bible is fraught with instances in which homosexuality is condemned, and in some instances, such as in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah even severely punished. The book of Genesis, which follows the story of Lot, Abraham’s brother; details how Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed due to its sinful ways, with specific implications towards the sole reason being the widespread homosexuality witnessed. The destruction that occurs soon after the arrival of the angels actually occurs due to the misbehavior of the men of Sodom, who despite being offered Lot’s daughters, refuse and insist that they only want the men who he had in his house (the angels) (Genesis 19: 4-24). Other scriptures that expressly forbid the practice of homosexuality, include the book of Leviticus chapter 18 verse 22 actually states, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination,” with chapter 20 verse 13 stating that anyone who broke this rule would have to be put to death. Similarly, Islam also prohibits homosexuality, with a number of scriptures referring to it as transgression. Bennett’s claim that gay marriages go against the teachings of major religions is therefore, quite true, and considering that religion is an aspect of human kind that has been in existence for millennia, arguing that same sex relationships and marriages go against accumulated wisdom of millennia is a valid claim.
On the basis of culture, marriage is traditionally defined as a union between a man and a woman, which makes Bennett’s claim that it is no coincidence that marriages are universally recognized as a union between a man and a woman convincing. Indeed in no traditional society in the world is marriage regarded as being a choice between heterosexual couples and homosexual couples, with the strict definition in all cases, being a union between a man and a woman. Indeed part of the reason for the universal homogeneity when it comes to marriage can be said to arise from the views that most cultures have on the role of marriage. Most cultures view the institution of marriage as an avenue through which two individuals can continue the family line, and thereby by extension, serve the interests of the family. In fact one of the greatest cultural arguments against homosexual unions is their inability to bring forth natural offspring or heirs. Due to this purpose of marriage, it has always been regarded as a union between a man and a woman, changing that would indeed amount to throwing millennia of cultural beliefs and practices out the window.
Claims by Bennett that norms applicable within same sex relationships are usually different to those applicable to heterosexual relationships, and therefore, promote infidelity hence gay marriages may essentially water down the significance of marriage are also quite valid. Explanations provided by Martell and Prince (2005) not only serve to affirm these assertions by Bennett, but also serve to provide explanations for this distinction in norms. These authors argue that due to the fact that same sex relationships are usually a statement against, as well as signify the rejection of cultural norms, same sex couples are usually tempted to go even as far as to go against monogamy, which may be viewed as oppressive and backward. The difference in norms therefore, encourages unfaithfulness, which in turn is allowed to, may actually be detrimental to the perception and purpose of marriage.
Homosexuality changes the idea that marriage is a single, moralistic model. Allowing homosexual marriages will be disagreeing with the idea that marriage is moral affair that highly depends on belief and therefore should not be boarded. Homosexuality tends to provide extramarital outlets according to William Bennette. Since these outlets provide change of beliefs other factors such as sibling marriage or incest will not be exempted. Therefore, it is essential to respect that marriage is a contract that strongly relies on belief and striving to broaden it will mostly change the belief thus resulting to lower value of marriage. Considering marriage as a single, moralistic action will provide a clear understanding of what should be expected in a marriage morally and issues as infidelity will be condemned automatically. Therefore changing the imaginative narrowly designed meaning of marriage will be openly discussing the changes that can be made to existing definitions of marriage.
Homosexuality signals a change on human sexuality causing confusion on societal differences. The youth for instance is the group that has already started changing the traditional meaning of marriage where heterogeneous marriages were the only way. According to the article the by Bennette the youth are actually openly proclaiming that they are homosexual even those who are not. In fact, to the youth it is regarded as a better life style according to school counselors. By changing the society image on marriage other beliefs relating to the topic will also be questioned. For instance, by changing marriage to be between man and woman as the society perceives to be a union between two people will further mean that other societal issues such as infidelity, long term contract view of marriage will be questioned. In that light changing the basic view of marriage will not only change the parties that should be involved but also raise several other issues that should not be questioned by the society. It is also essential to embrace that it will be difficult for the youth to clearly understand the normality of heterogeneous marriage because accepting homogeneous marriages will mean that school curriculum will incorporate the same teachings.
Though sexual revolution arguments may state that homogenous and heterogeneous marriages are the same, it is not actually correct. The heterogeneous marriage cannot at all compare to homogenous marriages based on the fact that the two marriages differ in areas such as relationship duration, level of commitment, number of children the couple decides to raise, health risks, promiscuity and partner violence. According to Allan Howrwitz , homogenous marriages faced lower levels of commitment and children in this kind of marriage were more likely to be abused. According to A Longitudinal Study of a Cohort of Young Adults (896), though there are many divorce cases among heterogeneous couples sixty-six percent of first marriages among heterogeneous couples last longer than ten years. This is different among homogenous couples whose level of commitment is too low, while highest percentage relationship only last a few months. Further, homogenous partners are less likely to take good care of a child while compared to heterogeneous partners. A child with two male parents is not likely to receive the same care as a parent with both male and female parents. Study by Matthew Bramlett and William Mosher (2001) show that children with both male and female parent have less behavioral problems.
All in all, Bennett is therefore, quite accurate in his claims against the legitimization of same sex marriages. More so when one considers the effect progressive legitimization has had on marriage as an institution, as well as on family life. Not to mention the numerous valid religious, cultural and social arguments against same sex relationships. I therefore, do agree with Bennett’s proposition that gay or same sex marriage is not a good idea.
Works Cited
Allan Horwitz. Becoming Married and Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study of a Cohort ofYoung Adults. Journal of Marriage and the Family, November 1996: 895-907
Matthew Bramlett and William Mosher. First marriage dissolution, divorce and remarriage:United States. National Center for Health Statistics, 31 May 2001
Martell, C., & Prince, S. Treating infidelity in same-sex couples. Journal of Clinical Psychology,61, 1429-1438. 2005.
The purpose of the report is to provide a wide evaluation of the value of the London Fashion industry
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London Fashion Market
The purpose of the report is to provide a wide evaluation of the value of the London Fashion industry. The principal focus of the report is to provide a robust estimate of sector’s economic value. The report also partly explores the wider social impacts of the fashion industry. The results of the report indicate that the London fashion industry contributes significantly to the entire UK economy, both in terms of employment and Gross Value Added (GVA). The fashion industry is majorly composed of the designer fashion. The London fashion industry has a richly-deserved reputation globally as one of the fashion design leaders and trendsetters (MacKie, 88). The fashion industry is more than just the designer fashion as it encompasses textile production, complex web of materials, manufacturing, wholesaling, clothing design, and marketing. The report also refers to the designer fashion industry relating to the London designer company sales such as the companies that normally have shows at the London Fashion Week and other similar events.
The creativity of the London designers makes it become more distinguished. Diverse shopping opportunities with the retail sector unique in terms of its strong linkages with the designers and a strong education system offers a world-class support in mentoring the potential designers. However, the industry faces several ongoing challenges like the lack of entrepreneurial training and business skills- and high rate of failure of designer businesses. In manufacturing and textiles, there is low level of linkages with technical and scientific innovations with the UK, as well as threats to the ongoing support for the apprentice schemes that seeks to nurture skills on the younger generations. Online selling development and globalization offers new opportunities for the fashion industry, with export growth potential heightened by depreciation of sterling (Vincent, 104). The other challenges that the London fashion industry has to deal with include educational funding pressures, increased skills in the emerging markets, environmental concerns, and the emergence of other cities competing to become a leading fashion centre. The report however presents an analysis of a number of policy opportunities, research and communications initiatives that would make it possible for the fashion industry to exploit its opportunities and strengths more fully and learn how to face the forthcoming challenges.
The UK economy currently goes through a hugely challenging outlook. This has made the fashion industry to attempt to frame some potential interventions by the government, in line with stated goals of the administration such as re-balancing production and up skilling the workforce. To overcome such problems, there is need for interventions to help in tackling the gap in business skills within the industry. This may include a campaign on fashion careers with an aim to promote awareness on a wide range of the available career opportunities and provision of education on fashion and design courses (Sanders, 98). There is the need to adopt a long term plan and strategy to ensure that there is a continued performance and success of the major showcasing events like the London Fashion Week in light of international competition. The fashion industry also needs to support high skilled manufacturing and adopt policies that would attract foreign direct investment.
Considering the importance of brand of a product in the fashion industry, it is of great importance to consider the aspect of promotional activities that are undertaken particularly by the retailers in order to boost sales. Expenditure on marketing contributes largely to the Gross Value Added (GVA) through job creation and potential boost on profits. The definition of marketing includes advertising, event organizing, PR, and modeling agency works. To estimate contribution of PR, marketing, and associated activities to the fashion industry, it is advised to use the approach used for estimating the textiles. This implies that it is possible to estimate the amount that fashion manufacturers, fashion wholesalers, and fashion retailers spend on PR and advertising. It is estimated that fashion advertising and other related activities contribute an estimated 241 million pounds to the GVA. This has an implication that advertising and other related activities is very vital to the success of any fashion industry. The other important aspect about the fashion industry is brand equity which essentially describes the name of the product brand. Products having a brand label may highly be valued by the consumers than other identical products without such a label due to the feelings and knowledge that the consumers have about the product brand in question and the qualities that they associate with it. Branding plays a major role in the domestic fashion industry of the UK (Gehlhar, 108). The associations and images that the London consumers have of the fashion products are very vital in terms of their decision to purchase the fashion products as well as the enjoyment they get from such purchases. London presently enjoys some level of international brand equity due to the international perceptions of the country’s role as one of the major fashion trendsetters and international fashion centers.
The good image presented to the outside world by London is partly shaped by the London fashion and its cultural associations with the arts, popular culture, and music throughout the recent history. Designer labels like Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry, Stella McCartney, and Mulberry have greatly influenced the global perception of London at various periods across diverse cultural contexts. Given the important roles played by branding in the London fashion industry, brand equity concept is for that matter of obvious importance in measuring the value of the industry. However, owing to the intangible nature of brand equity, it has proven to be a concept that is too difficult to measure. The other problem associated with brand equity is that marketers have always associated its value as that of a single product rather than that of the whole economy or the industry (Vincent, 120). Quantitative estimate can be used to determine the brand equity of the London fashion industry, while the qualitative work is used to indicate the importance of international brand equity elements that come about due to the existence of the London fashion industry. Market research and advertising plays a critical role in developing the brand equity, which is a long term investment that focuses on the “build the brand”, rather than just being short term expenditure.
As much as the UK seeks to promote its brand at the local level, the value of international brand equity can never be underestimated. International brand equity is a reflection of a number of factors, including the country’s images of culture and exports. The perceptions of the trends in fashion form part of the overall image of the nation to the outside world. Images associated with the fashion industry of the UK largely affect the behavior and attitudes of the people living outside London. People might purchase London fashion exports or choose to travel to the UK to shop for the fashion items or pay a visit to the fashion museums. The value of such activities would be reflected in the fashion sales and exports by the UK retailers. However, even if the visitors from abroad never visit London or shop for the items there, they might still form a positive image of the London fashion products because of the presence of London fashion industry and its associations and images. The international brand equity associated with fashion industry is very difficult to quantify as is the case for the domestic brand quality. The UK uses other measures like the Nations Brand Index (NBI) to compare its performance in the fashion industry with other countries since the quantitative measure for the international brand equity does not exist (MacKie, 116). The NBI results have been used by various institutions and governments including the British and Scottish governments to determine the nation’s strengths and weaknesses and the possible remedies that can make the countries enjoy a competitive advantage. As much as the index is designed in a way that it provides the country’s overall ranking for the perception and image, it is also built on several other dimensions, including culture, governance, tourism, population, exports, immigration, tourism, and investment.
A recent research on the performance of the London fashion industry indicated that amongst the nations covered in the research, the fashion industry international perception of the UK came second to that of France. In addition to this, fashion was ranked ahead of all other industries as majority of the respondents only associated the UK with fashion. This has an indication that fashion is considered the “top tier” national product in the UK. Other studies also show that the UK is considered an important fashion centre by other global fashion centers like Italy, France, and the United States. The London fashion market enjoys a regional diversity, with various areas and individuals specializing in different techniques of production. Survey data on the household expenditure can be use to estimate the retail spending by the residents on the fashion products in London (Vincent, 87). London has a very large population and has an above average income. This makes it account for the largest share of the retail spending in the UK. Recent studies have shown that retail spending in London was higher than expected even if given its huge “fundamentals”. However, the report can be justified given the disproportionate number of foreign tourists who only go to London, while domestically; London fashion attracts a large number of shoppers from Home Counties and even beyond.
London has also put emphasis on the aspect of manufacturing in order to attain a competitive advantage. Manufacturing in London is basically focused on the high-end designer products. Clothing and textile production units in London is typically competitive and lean, with most of the units “traded up” to produce a high added value products having customers worldwide and a global reputation. Such manufacturing units remain very critical in the areas where manufacturing industries developed from the periods of industrial revolution (Sanders, 112). The London manufacturing industries have also embraced the modern knitting techniques from Japan, which involves seamless garment that particularly look contemporary. London has a renowned manufacturer called John Smedley who makes his own brands like the fine-gauge knitwear for several international designers.
The next point to put into consideration in order to give London a competitive advantage is the aspect of innovation. It is evident that innovation and creativity is very inherent in the London fashion industry. This can be broadly divided into two parts: the product side innovation and business side innovation (use of marketing and PR techniques; the supply chain management, and so on). Product innovation involves two main channels: first, there is an inherent creativity among both the textile and fashion designers in London. Evidence shows that London designers are distinguished for their individual and edgy styles, which is very important in helping the country create a very strong international brand. It is also noted that London designers have always in the past engaged in the world leading innovation of products in more practical and prosaic ways. Some of such products include odour-resistant socks and sweat-resistant shirts.
The London retail market portrays a very good performance in terms of flexibility and innovation in managerial practice. It should also be noted that the London retail market had become a world-leader in terms of marketing techniques and supply chain management. Most retailers in London have the opinion that market research and PR had continually become very vital tools to replace the more traditional techniques advertising (Vincent, 89). Statistics show that the firms’ gross output involved in the market research had tremendously grown by approximately 8.3% per year in 1995 (MacKie, 103). Similarly, management consulting gross output had also grown by 1.4% per annum in the same year. This is only comparable to the advertisement’s 4.3% annual growth and that of the 6% per annum economy-wide average growth. A SWOT analysis into the London fashion industry provides a reflection of the internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) that are most likely to affect the fashion industries in London and how the industries can respond to external opportunities and threats(MacKie, 103). The major focus of the retailers is the strengths and the opportunities that they have. It is very important for the fashion industry to focus on its strengths very deeply so that it can attain a high competitive advantage over other industries.
The first major strength of the fashion industries in London is the creativity of London design. London products retains a unique and “edgy”, making it distinct from other brands across the world. This creates a substantial brand image. The other cited strength is the variety of products and designs on the London high street. Shopping on Oxford Street offers a very unique experience, in comparison to other fashion centers. London also offers a world class education system, which promotes creativity and design thereby enabling the industries retain a significant competitive advantage. The next strength of the industries is the specialist manufacturing, which has remained extremely lean; employing highly specialized and skilled workers. The other aspect that the industries put focus on are the opportunities. One of the opportunities is the rise of new large markets abroad. Rapid rise in emerging markets such as Russia, India, Brazil, and Mexico has equally led to a rapid rise in the external demand for designers and retailers all over the world (Gehlhar, 98). This implies that there is an increased demand for London’s fashion products. In conclusion, London controls a significant portion of the worlds fashion production due to the sustainable strategies put in place that has for a very long time given it the competitive advantage over other nations across the globe.
Works Cited
Gehlhar, Mary. The Fashion Designer Survival Guide: Start and Run Your Own Fashion Business. New York: Kaplan, 2008. Print.
MacKie, Erin. Market a La Mode ; Fashion, Commodity, and Gender in the Tatler and the. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2002. Print.
Sanders, Lise. Consuming Fantasies: Labor, Leisure, and the London Shopgirl : 1880-1920. Columbus: Ohio State Univ. Press, 2006. Print.
Vincent, Susan J. The Anatomy of Fashion: Dressing the Body from the Renaissance to Today. Oxford: Berg, 2009. Print.