While originally reading the Negra article I was really surprised to learn that the late 1990s brought a rush of programming with neoconservative and post-feminist values. Without considering this ideology, I assumed the twenty-first century has brought more equality for woman, yet after considering the issue longer I realized this may not be the case. In many instances, women today are held to a double standard in the media. They are encouraged to embrace their sexuality, but are often criticized when doing so.
I saw this problem most vividly in the episode we watched of The Girls Next Door. Although I appreciate that the programs aims at embracing feminine sexuality and freedom, I found it highly offensive. I feel it enforces patriarchy and sexual control by a more dominant male. The women who live on the Playboy property are allegedly all sleeping with Hugh. These women are not expressing their sexuality with multiple men, but rather with one man that they all share. Additionally, the episode fails to investigate why these women are even interested in Hugh, thus leading to many stereotypical assumptions. He is wealthy as well as more than twice their age reinforcing the stereotype of a “gold-digger” who depends on a man for stability. The episode fails to investigate each females relationship with Hugh. Perhaps, if more interactions of deeper significance were portrayed with Hugh than their relationships could be considered less shallow. They are aware that he practices polygamy to a certain extent and accept it. They may be using him to advance their career, but the fact that they need to use a man (and their sexuality) in order to do so reiterates the lack of social progression for females. These women appear to lower their intelligence levels for both the show’s comedic value as well as for Hugh. It would be exceedingly more effective if it were to portray these women in a more positive light. Perhaps, show them in other elements outside the other playmates while accomplishing something of social value.
The Hills also embraces a double standard for women. The show attempts to portray Lauren and Whitney in a working environment as they express their individuality and feminine power. However, the girls’ dialogue consistently relates back to their relationships. When the show captures them at work, they are not discussing upcoming or interesting career topics, but rather gossip amongst their friends. This lack of social awareness belittles their intelligence. They are especially interested in their relationships with men. The editing even mocks the absurdity of their conversations by holding the take a few seconds after they speak. This exposes the blank expressions on their faces insinuating that there really is nothing there.
1 comment:
I totally see your point and agree, but it also reminds me of Abhi's presentation and makes me wonder if similarly narrow portrayals exist of men. I think of the male-focused shows we watched and they almost all focus around the men discussing girls and getting laid. I think in some cases that it's less that they are putting women in this box as people who can only think about relationships, and more that that's the kind of juicy information that fits into the story arcs of the TV shows. And I DEFINITELY agree, Girls Next Door would be a very different and interesting show if it had the girls talk about their relationship to Hugh in any sort of depth. It's difficult because TV shows and movies must always have a romantic arc, but it also seems to undermine the seriousness of the protagonist by default. Is Legally Blonde a better portayal of women? It CERTAINLY creates stereotypes and I feel like today's feminists would not want a bunch of Elle Woods characters walking around, but at the same time-- she is pursuing a career and then ultimately love just happens.
I prefer personally prefer female characters like the ones we saw in Showtime in Weeds and Nurse Betty, but think that shows like Girls Next Door and The Hills give insight into the power dynamics of more old fashioned notions of gender roles and identity.
Isn't there a famous quote, "Behind every powerful man is a more powerful woman?" To me, this has always meant that while the men had the societal control, the formal power structures were somewhat of illusions, as the women at home had far more control over the daily functions of the home and the power to manipulate her husband into behaving and thinking a certain way (usually using her sexuality). This too is a stereotype, and not a positive one-- but it is what comes to mind when I think of more traditional families. Shows like The Girls Next Door exemplify this dynamic very well-- the man has the official power, but really the woman is calling most of the shots that matter to her. Again, not a lifestyle I would choose or necessarily approve of, but I am certainly interested in the portrayals of them.
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