Sexism in James Bond

[Frans1980]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19812608

I never really thought of it but the article really opened my eyes. I wonder how many young boys see James Bond as a role model??

[Uppercut]

Do you mean how many boys aspire to be hard-drinking, womanizing, psychopathic killers with invisible cars thanks to James Bond?

Discounting the unhinged... zero?

[EmmelineGoulden]

I think the OP means how many boys are nudged a little further towards the idea that women are basically just sex objects and worthy only of a dalliance (though the Craig movies have added a touch of angst for the 21st century).

Personally I'm surprised that anyone who has seen much of the Bond franchise could be surprised by the sexism. But I am old enough to have grown up with Bond movies as weekend afternoon backdrops. By itself I don't think it's that worthy of comment since the films are hardly unusual in their treatment of women. The article seems more of an excuse to indulge in Bond fandom under the guise of social commentary - typical rubbish BBC "reporting".

But I do think Hollywood treatment of women in general is worthy of analysis and comment. And that media has an impact on how young people especially think of themselves, relationships and what is a successful life.

[TeiTetua]

"Sexism in James Bond" sounds about as surprising as "Catholicism in the Vatican".

[LastMangoInParis]

Erm... with TeiTetua on this one.

[SomersetONeil]

I don't think I've ever seen beyond an opening sequence of a Bond movie - but this is hardly a revelation.

Having said that, they're no better nor worse than 95% of movies. Especially Hollywood ones...

[SomersetONeil]

As an aside, you truly are valiant, Uppercut, in your persistant efforts to stick around here when we do nothing but annoy you with our stupidity and ludicrous opinions.

A lesser man person would've given up long ago and moved on - bored rigid with all the utter tripe being spouted, but not you. I salute you, I really do. Your pain threshold is immense.

[notcitrus]

Playing James Bond was the height of sophistication when I was about 8!

I rather like the Bond movies prior to Daniel Craig - yes, fairly sexist but not intended to be very realistic, and Judo Dench as M was wonderful. Didn't like the last two as made much more grim, dwelling on details of torture. As well as sexist. I get to the cinema about twice a year so want something fun.

Not sure whether St Trinians is exactly feminist but at least passed the Bechdel test unlike 95% of films. And was fab!

[me23]

Of course James bond is sexist it's hardly a revelation is it? I hate the films.

[samandi]

I can't bear to watch the older Bond films, they're awful and the character so smarmy. Can't believe people don't notice the blatant sexism. I don't mind the recent ones so much, though given the option I'd go for Bourne every time :-)

[iklboo]

When I was young my parents told me one day they had a very special treat for me. I was so excited as we drove into the city centre imagining all sorts. The treat was tickets to

The Spy Who Loved Me.

Disappointed & underwhelmed doesn't cover it AT ALL.

I sulked all the way through it ungrateful brat

[AMumInScotland]

I think we worked out it was sexist even at the time, didn't we? I grew up seeing them in the 70s and never thought they were anything to do with real life. I don't think most people (even boys) would look at that aspect of the character and think it was something to aspire to.

[ElephantsAndMiasmas]

I've hardly watched any James Bond films all the way through (maybe none) because any time I see part of one, there's a woman who feels compelled to sleep with Bond and then inevitably dies. It's the punishment of "slutty" women with death FGS that shows just how much the makers must hate women.

[OneHandFlapping]

I liked the woman on the BBC news a few days ago from MI5 (or 6 - not sure), who said it was time for a Jane Bond. I would so go and see that!

[WhenLifeGivesYouLemons]

Trying to balance it out?

They do have some interesting and strong heroines in them occasionally (such as Michelle Yeoh in Tomorrow Never Dies), but they are few and far between.

The other ones are fairly light-hearted. I always considered them to be a caricature of 'manliness'. I certainly don't know of many men that consider Bond to be a role model or any women that consider Bond girls to be something to aspire to. They certainly don't damage the pursuit of gender equality in the same way that Twilight and other Tween movies that portray frankly quite abusive and selfish relationships so casually.

OneHand I second the Jane Bond motion though

[avenueone]

My glass must be half full today but I am just pleased the subject is being discussed by the BBC at all. The pychologists view and word fantasy rang true to me. I guess I feel uncomfortable with the films personally as many are unable to suspend their disbelief and get that.

[rosabud]

Not a fan BUT I would like to a wave a huge flag and cheer for Judi Dench as M!!

Also noone has mentioned Moneypenny - as I say, not a huge fan so may have this wrong - but isn't she the career girl that he never gets anywhere with??

[Beograde]

Of course, the truth is most men i know admire James bond. Who wouldn't? (at least the film version of him)

[ElephantsAndMiasmas]

Yes - Jane Bond please. Who WOULDN'T like that film?

[flatpackhamster]

ElephantsAndMiasmas

I've hardly watched any James Bond films all the way through (maybe none) because any time I see part of one, there's a woman who feels compelled to sleep with Bond and then inevitably dies. It's the punishment of "slutty" women with death FGS that shows just how much the makers must hate women.

As a rule, it's useful to have actually watched the films before passing judgement on them.

[EmmelineGoulden]

As a rule, it's useful to have actually watched the films before passing judgement on them.

That's generally true, but on this occasion Elephants managed to nail it anyway.

[Lexilicious]

I read a couple of articles recently on Skyfall. In one, they loosely described the opening sequence which has a female agent in it as "a sort of modern day Miss Moneypenny with guns" which is the usual patronizing shite, and today I read a fabulous long article about Judi Dench, and another one (or maybe it was the same) in which the creative process between Sam Mendes and Daniel Craig was discussed. It's probably paraphrasing him, but it was something about Mendes 'finishing with the "Bond Girl" once and for all - they are just characters' which I thought was positive. Now for them to be equal characters, which Vesper Lynd nearly was.

[flatpackhamster]

EmmelineGoulden

That's generally true, but on this occasion Elephants managed to nail it anyway.

No she didn't. Not a single girl in a Bond film is punished with death for her sluttiness.

[baddancingdad]

(In all innocence) How is James Bond sexist? Just about all the women featured are strong, intelligent and independent women.

[Sausageeggbacon]

flatpack actual if you look at the films... Goldfinger Jill Masters dies at the start of the film, murdered by Oddjob while in James Bond's bed. Moonraker the girl who is killed by the dogs for betraying Drax. Paris Carver in Tomorrow Never Dies is tortured and killed in Bonds hotel room. I could go on but...

My father and my ex both loved Bond so I saw a lot more of it than I wanted.

[flatpackhamster]

sausageeggbacon

I didn't say women don't die in it. I said they don't die for 'sluttiness'. And they don't.