Whedon Women II

[Response to a post on NEBrowncoats board re: Hating Buffy — any good female characters out there?]

See my recent "Spike" comment. I've got no trouble with terrific male leads (Malcolm Reynolds/Nathan Fillion) and masculine strength.

But I'm finding that the networks* have smartened up a (tiny) bit — "strong" female characters are showing up more and more (especially in Dramas).

The difficulty lies in their definition of "strong". Big ol' gender difference: what constitutes female strength vs. male? I see many women (based on the Maggie Thatcher model) whose strength just mimics that of any male lead. (most action stuff, certainly in the movies.) I guess the message is, if you're female and you're gonna be strong, better just emulate stereotypical male leads. Be terse. Kill stuff. Oh, and wear tight leather clothing and high heels while you're at it.

And sometimes, it's just a wolf in sheep's clothing (to really confuse things with a metaphor.) It was a boyfriend who pointed out to me that the initially "strong" female is often quietly punished in mainstream tv movies and film; she has neglected her traditional role and has dared to become involved in a career. Thus she is by definition unfulfilled and a 'failure' as a "true" woman. Social convention dictates that inevitably, the woman, just having played at being strong, must end up in a more 'traditional' relationship, i.e., as more of a sidekick to the male. Can't drive off those important 'red state' ratings! (and yes, please think of a few mold-breakers here…)

The Lie of It? All the women are just dolled up as can be. Definitely seriously sexualization. Even CSI's "Catherine" just 'has' to be an x- topless dancer. The funny part is that when they put a woman in a suit (e.g., lawyer) she still's gotta have on that push-up peeking out the jacket. (Even Scully!!) Well, no one claimed tv is realistic – it's must-see-eye candy, and I suspect the suit jacket is their laughable token concession to an emerging key demographic – women w/$$$.

Haven't actually seen much of the new Geena Davis vehicle - am hoping against hope that it's not duplicitous. After all, she's stuck trying to re-create the uber male bastion of the U.S. presidency. I `spose Patricia Arquette's character in "Medium" is definitely headed in the right direction. Any more to add to this list?

Joss Whedon often writes his female characters as having many traditional male strengths. However, Buffy with all of her "male" physical skills, uses a much more feminine strategy to defeat the final enemy. She "shares" her gift with ALL potential "strong" women (i.e., girls).

Can you picture a male hero deciding to do such a thing?

I do like the way that in Firefly, Mal's character treats Zoe as an equal and easily accepts her counsel. (Kaylee, Inara & River, although possessing real strength, are treated by Mal in a more traditional way –- younger sis, love interest, little crazy person. Well, maybe that last one's not too traditional.) It would be very interesting to see how the Captain's relationship with River evolves now that she's intellectually and physically his superior. Mal's still got maturity, emotional strength and experience on his side and would probably make a good mentor for her.

Anyway, please feel free to come back with some examples that support of disprove any of this.

Any of you guys object to the way men are portrayed on tv?


*I don't have cable, so there might be some good ones out there.