Feminism and films etc

[EarlyWelcome]

I will start by saying that this is intended to be a lighthearted post.

I've only recently, in the last few years started to feel strongly about feminism.
Since I've started to become more involved in feminism, I find things such as re-watching films that I used to love a depressing experience because there is so much misogyny in them that I previously didn't even think about. I find myself ranting to my DP about micro-aggressions.

I can't honestly say that I'm happier now that I can see the everyday sexism that we as women face. It makes me miserable. Has anyone else found it to be the case when they re-watch films they used to love that they are full of sexism that they didn't previously see?

[VestalVirgin]

I have been a feminist since basically forever, so haven't had this happen much, but sometimes, when re-reading books, I suddenly notice sexism that I had just not remembered.

Being aware of sexism is not a happy experience. But then, your brain is hit by it even if you are unaware; your subconscious takes the messages and undermines your confidence, so I'd say overall you are better off noticing it.

The best solution is to find new favourite books and films.

[NoLoveofMine]

I know where you're coming from EarlyWelcome. I sometimes almost wish I was unaware of feminism as there's so much I don't really enjoy due to noticing sexism - films, television, theatre, things I notice day to day. However I think it's best we are aware so we can challenge these things and not just accept them. Increasing numbers of women doing so is leading to change, and more women taking the lead in writing, directing and so on.

As Vestal says the best solution is to seek out these books/films/plays etc as there are many out there and I still enjoy all these things, just possibly not the same ones or not as many as I would if I was unaware of feminism. I try to go to plays which are directed and/or written by women, with strong female characters and the same with films I watch. Not exclusively but making an effort to has lead to much more enjoyable experiences - and many fantastic plays.

I also find myself regularly ranting to friends and family about sexism I notice when viewing films/television etc. I consider myself to be providing them a useful service

[Miffer]

I made a thread about this not so long ago for exactly the same reason.

It's so annoying.

On the other hand I rewatched Showgirls the other day for the first time since it was released (I was a teen) and thought it had some strong feminist undertones.

[InigoTaran]

I agree, it's frustrating and exhausting. This may make you laugh tho...

www.theonion.com/article/woman-takes-short-half-hour-break-from-being-femin-35026

[EarlyWelcome]

InigoTaran that article did make me chuckle - thank you!

[DinosaurPirateMam]

I agree Earlywelcome! My father was responsible for giving me my strong belief that anything a man can do a woman can do plus child birth...ha! He taught me to never rely on a man and always value knowledge and the power that it can bring. Films are just utterly lazy, they try to portray a strong female lead one moment than BAM! she's GOT to have her sexuality visually stamped by sticking on that 'sexy' dress or stripping off and getting male approval...going weak at the knees when that guy looks at you...o for f##k sake HOW many times do we have to endure this! Women are one dimensional characters in film. I do find it strange how creative works have stuck themselves in an 'ideal' world of females...where works such a medea and mcbeth challenged the aims and needs of women. I find medea more in tune with who I am than the women in any of these Hollywood films!...a mother stuck miles away from her people, felt to feel like a foreigner and have her spouses family treat her like rubbish.I have two boys and I all I can hope is that I enstill a strong feminine streak in them as my father did for me!

[April229]

Ladies, I hear you. But let's stop watching and reading this rubbish then? But from forward thinking feminist authors, don't watch films that paint the usual gender narrative. One thing is for sure, if we keep watching and buying, they will keep making films and writing books like this.

[Ava5]

Netflix is doing a pretty impressive job of putting feminist (or at least female led) shows on the air among their originals.

Someone mentioned Showgirls. I really do need to see it. Coincidentally, I've been thinking about Kyle MacLachlan (as I'm a Twin Peaks nut). Judging by his life and career choices, he seems like a certifiably feminist dude (which is a minor miracle in Hollywood). In fact, I have wondered if that's part of the reason why he never became a big name despite 3 false starts. It seems like participation in the misogynist bro club is a must for all major male stars in Tinseltown.

The reason I bring him up is that I've noticed something interesting in the body language and personalities of the few genuinely non-sexist male celebrities out there. I've observed them closely in interviews and they all share this really relaxed, emotionally healthy, non-narcissistic manner. They also have some minor feminine gestures in their mannerisms. While the biggest Hollywood misogynists tend to look miserable, tense and have hyper-masculine body language. They have turbulent facial expressions. Whenever the sexist scandals break out around them, I'm never surprised, because I could already predict it by just looking at these men.

It's real food for thought.

[SerendipityFelix]

jezebel.com/i-rewatched-love-actually-and-am-here-to-ruin-it-for-al-1485136388

[NoLoveofMine]

I agree April. I try not to and regularly irk my parents by vetoing theatre trips if a play seems not to have any good female characters. Thankfully it's meant the majority of plays I've seen over the past couple of years have been written and directed by women and often centred women.

[April229]

Must have made for some interesting viewing Noloveofmine.

Has anyone seen Kingsman? The very worst example I have seen for sometime! 😡

[NoLoveofMine]

It certainly has April and far more enjoyable experiences!

[April229]

Kingsman.... well there are spoilers below but you may well be watching already.

Overview, it's like a Bond film with advanced technology.

Due to a death a role opens as a super spy, and a number of trainees are voted in as contenders. They have to go through a series of training exercises. 6 boys one girl. By the end the main character Eggy is left to compete for one place with the only other trainee, the girl. The female trainee beat him. Fine so far.

The rest of the story involves a global crisis in which the Eggy storms about saving the day, while the girl that actually beat him, is sent on a bit of a shit mission which she is very nervous to complete, Eggy has to hold her hand and reassuringly tell her everything will be ok. Needless to say she achieves the mission, to which Eggy tells her she's a 'Good girl'. She is then pretty much out of the picture while the Eggy, who she BEAT at spy camp saves the day.

There is one girl a baddy who is pretty bad ass, but the other female characters wERE Eggy's mum, a lame downtrodden victim of DV, and a captured princes who reduces herself to playfully offering Eggy anal sex to release her from her cell.

So disappointing. There was an opportunity for the male and female spy's to save the day together, or for her to dramatically parachute back in and be amazing. She was too busy making phone calls for the boys in the background though.

Overall, the key message seemed to be, even if you beat all the boys at spy college, you're still less capable than the boy who came second, who gets to call you a 'a good girl' for the little jobs you manage. More dated in some respects than an original bond.

Sorry if I've ruined it for anyone saving it for a rainy day.

[April229]

Let me know what you think :)