Would anyone be interested in a Feminist critique of The Big Bang Theory?

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Inspired by the Friends thread from years ago (was it by SOH?) I watched an episode of TBBT tonight and it genuinely repulsed me.

Howard is a creepy, pushy, sex pest.

Leonard is even worse though. He's the Ross from Friends style 'nice guy'. He's nasty, manipulative, possessive, and in the episode I watched earlier, lorded over and sneered at Penny when she forgot his birthday, then made a joke out of the fact that he'd read her journal, and massively invaded her privacy.

When I first watched TBBT I thought I enjoyed it, but the raging misogyny has put me off. Any other thoughts on it?

Exalted if the standard of discussion here is beneath you then do feel free to find somewhere else where your talents will be appreciated.

Sez you.

It's times like these where I really want a "hide poster" button. What was an interesting discussion gets derailed again. Sigh.

That last to Exalted.

Isn't it sweet when they come on here, wave their testicles of objectivity then get more and more upset when their hormonal tantrums aren't taken seriously?

Exalted if the standard of discussion here is beneath you then do feel free to find somewhere else where your talents will be appreciated.

Would that I could. It appears that there is a rampant spread of misinformation on this area of the forum, and, alas, it is incumbent upon me to correct it. Or at the very least, provide an alternative opinion to challenge the preconceptions of close-minded feminist rhetoric.

It's times like these where I really want a "hide poster" button.

If that were the case, then almost every post on this thread would be hidden from my critical and unrelenting gaze.

Exalted - if you read my post, you'll see that I said I'd only watched half of one episode, at no point did I say that all the comedy was about it. I found the jokes so beyond the pale that I couldn't watch any more.

I'm pretty sure that the episode was one of the first ones, where they didn't know each other, and so they were making jokes at a stranger's expense, not the comradely ribbing you're suggesting.

I'm by no means singling out the Asian comedy as a problem above all else - I watched and really enjoyed Aziz Ansari's Master of None - a comedy which actually did include comradely jokes at the Asian's character's expense and thoughtfully prodded at assumptions both around racism and sexism in a much deeper way than BBT seems to.

there is a rampant spread of misinformation on this area of the forum, and, alas, it is incumbent upon me to correct it

ROFL - watch out - it's the internet police out to make sure you've thought through and can back up every opinion you have.

Exalted, can you tell me what qualifies you to correct it? Can you provide some proof of your qualifications please?

My critical and unrelenting gaze wouldn't let someone in to read the meter without viewing his credentials, so if you're going to be judging if my arguments are worthy I'm going to be needing something pretty substantial

Hmm... I didn't mention names. Funny you assumed it was you. (Bursts into song)... You're so vain, I bet you think this thread is about you. ..

I hate the storyline where Penny asks Leonard to pretend they are still dating because she hasn't told her father they've broken up, and he basically takes the opportunity to keep kissing and groping her. She is visibly cringing away from him, really uncomfortable viewing.

My critical and unrelenting gaze wouldn't let someone in to read the meter without viewing his credentials, so if you're going to be judging if my arguments are worthy I'm going to be needing something pretty substantial

I do not request entry to your house, only to your mind; that I might liberate it from the reluctant grasp of ignorance.*

Hmm... I didn't mention names. Funny you assumed it was you.

I suppose you fancy yourself as a skilled manipulator of the English language, capable of hinting at something in a subtle yet meaningful manner? If that is the case, then allow me to swing the hammer of truth in your direction.

I hate the storyline where Penny asks Leonard to pretend they are still dating because she hasn't told her father they've broken up, and he basically takes the opportunity to keep kissing and groping her. She is visibly cringing away from him, really uncomfortable viewing.

Analyse the situation as a whole, LurcioAgain. She uses him like a piece of meat in an effort to deceive her father, and he takes advantage of the situation for his own pleasure. Both are actions and exploitative and contemptible, though for differing reasons.

*Both actions are exploitative and contemptible, though for differing reasons.

"Swing the hammer of truth" - seriously? Are you out for most pretentious troll of the year award? Careful not to peak too early, it's only Jan 1st. At least see if you can last out till April 1st.

No she asked him if he would play along, and he said yes. He didn't give her the same choice before sticking his tongue down her throat and took advantage of the fact that she was worried about disappointing her father because he's a creep.

Exalted - if you read my post, you'll see that I said I'd only watched half of one episode

Considering your extreme lack of familiarity with the TV show, your opinion is of limited value.

I'm pretty sure that the episode was one of the first ones, where they didn't know each other, and so they were making jokes at a stranger's expense, not the comradely ribbing you're suggesting.

Incorrect. The group of 4 friends had known each other for many years prior to Penny's arrival during the 1st episode. It is clear that you know very little about the program; you have formed your repertoire of opinions based on the events of half an episode! Thus, you cannot possible appreciate the dynamic between the friends that has developed over the years, nor the range of humour it offers.

Exalted, considering your extreme lack of familiarity with feminism, I'd say your opinion on this board is of pretty limited value.

No she asked him if he would play along, and he said yes. He didn't give her the same choice before sticking his tongue down her throat and took advantage of the fact that she was worried about disappointing her father because he's a creep.

This changes nothing. She regarded him as a piece of meat that could be used momentarily for the purposes of deception and then tossed aside thereafter. She took advantage of his status as a single male and the fact that he was clearly besotted with her and would do anything she asked. In turn he exploited the situation. In both instances, they acted selfishly and to the detriment of the other party.

She didn't force herself on him physically though so the situations aren't comparable and I'm not really interested in the view of someone who thinks they are tbh. I found it uncomfortable to watch.

Only one of them used the opportunity to physically assault the other...

Might I take a moment to suggest that we stop feeding the troll?

Unless you're enjoying playing with it?

HNY all

Please let him swing his testicles of objectivity a while longer. I haven't laughed so much in ages.

The pretentiousness is just so precious

He is definitely one of the more amusing ones, that's for sure.

Uses long words like he almost knows what they mean, bless him.

Well, that's me told.

I'm actually looking for a new series to watch, I had a brief try of 'how I met your mother' but didn't really gel with it.

I did enjoy Community, and as I said, Master of None. Catastrophe was pretty good (but too short), I came around to 30 Rock, but haven't enjoyed either of the 'The Office's. Anyone got any other recommendations? Something amusing, a bit thoughtful, happy with geeky, interesting characters, preferably happy plot line, and isms used thoughtfully (if at all)

Incorrect. The group of 4 friends had known each other for many years

Must just be poor acting then, or bad writing. Another reason not to bother watching beyond my first impressions, because for 4 friends Raj definitely seemed like an outsider (goodness, for something I've watched so little of it does seem to have made an impression - the only other characters I remember are Blossom, the curly haired guy from Roseanne, and Sheldon - I don't think I remember Penny at all).

Greentomato, I quite liked Lena Dunham's "Girls".

Also "New Girl", which can also be problematic, eg mainly male characters, but is quite fun and some good ensemble comedy.

From the UK quite liked "Fresh Meat" and (older) "Green Wing".