The Power of the Female Voice
The female voice has become a significant aspect of contemporary media, with various forms and styles emerging across different platforms. However, the idea of how a female voice should sound has been distorted, leading to a plethora of voices that are high-pitched, young, and sexualized. This stereotype is perpetuated by the media, with many female voices in anime, internet trends, and even AI assistants conforming to this standard.
The Stereotypical Female Voice
The typical female voice in Japanese anime is a prime example of this stereotype. It is often high-pitched, young, and whispered, with a sexualized tone that is physically nauseating. Similarly, the voice of the wildly popular internet trend is soft, calm, and gentle, but also submissive and ranking. This voice is often used to narrate videos that highlight products or services, with the speaker’s children being put on benadryl to keep them quiet. The voice is so artificial that it has become a caricature of femininity.
The Impact of Narrated Media
The omnipresence of narrated media has distorted our idea of how the female voice should sound. This has led to a generation of women who are learning to cultivate the same voice, with a submissive tone that is breathtaking and highly ranking. The rise of videos that highlight products or services in a soft light has created a new standard for female voices, one that is soft, calm, and gentle. However, this voice is also a reflection of the societal expectations placed on women, with many feeling pressured to conform to this standard.
The Silence of Female Avatars
In contrast, female avatars in video games are often silent, with players choosing female skins for their avatars but not giving them a voice. This is evident in games like Fortnite, where players can choose female skins but the avatars remain silent throughout the game. This silence is a reflection of the societal expectation that women should be seen and not heard. The fact that these avatars are faceless and objectified, with players staring at their butts for hours, is a disturbing commentary on the way women are perceived in society.
The Power of Artificiality
However, there is also a subtle assertion of power in the artificiality of the female voice. By keeping their voices private, women can protect themselves from the male gaze and the societal expectations that come with it. The voice of Jessie, a popular female assistant, is loud and proud, but also artificial and transcendent. It is a voice that seeks to challenge the male approval that is often sought by women, instead choosing to be loud and unapologetic.
Conclusion
The female voice is a complex and multifaceted aspect of contemporary media. While there are many stereotypes and expectations surrounding the female voice, there is also a growing movement towards artificiality and transcendence. By embracing the artificiality of the female voice, women can challenge societal expectations and create a new standard for female voices, one that is loud, proud, and unapologetic.