These days, following a newly born interest back into the world of science fiction television (I spent some days in junior high days with ST: Next Generation). I have been reflecting, from my feminist podium (see Mere Women 1, 2, and 3) on the portrayal of women in this genre.
When I fist began these musings, I thought that women in sci fi productions were viewed in terms of their sexuality. The “bad girls” are always beautiful. The “good girls” were beautiful in a scrappy sort of way, like they smoke cigars or have grease on their face. And these good girls always have crushes on someone, usually an elite man, in one way or another, with whom they think they will never be until, surprise! It happens. I think the reason I automatically did that is because – in television, here at my job, walking down the street, it happens. (At least, I think it does. What do you think, dear reader?)
Anyway, I was discussing these thoughts with a friend who is an avid sci fi fan and I mentioned one thing I appreciated: that women in the stories are able to take care of themselves. For example, when Sabretooth had Storm by the throat in the first X-Men movie, she was able to electrocute him. She had a power with which she could use to fight back, all by herself. After I point that out, my friend put his finger on the point I was trying to make: in these stories, women are equally as powerful as men. They are not more vulnerable to victimization because of their gender.
This is such a refreshing and – it seems to me – outrageous possibility for the real world. I cannot imagine walking to the car after my evening classes without the vigilance of a potential attacker. It’s certainly nice to think and dream about, however. I think I am becoming a sci fi fan.
Female power - only in science fiction?
By sahara - Posted on November 15th, 2008
Tagged: Society
• better future
• Books
• culture
• Movies
• PERSONAL FREEDOM
• Entertainment
• Television
since middle school, but I think this varies from story to story. Some authors are more likely to paint female characters. I once read a novel called Here There and Everywhere (I think Chris Robeson wrote it, not too shore.) about a girl who gets the ability to travel through time. Not only is she the single most powerful person in the novel, but there are only a few male characters, and only one or two of them are really shown in a positive light. I really enjoyed it when I read it a couple of years back, but I can't really remember much about it.
"when you hold a pen, you are at war" Attributed to Voltaire
I know some women who can kick my husband's ass! When I was in shape, I was a pretty savvy wrestling opponent.
Personally, I began taking karate and yoga when I decided to leave a long abusive relationship. It was a strange experience, feeling my body become stronger and more agile. My boyfriend at the time took notice, and started to treat me worse. I think he might have felt threatened because I was shedding my vulnerability.
One day he tried to assault me. I didn't fight back, I still can't bring myself to inflict violence on anyone in any circumstance, but I did defend myself effectively, and he was shocked. I could tell he was suddenly scared of me.
That felt pretty damned good. I am not in that kind of shape anymore, but it is something I want get back into. My life is different now. I have an amazing husband, and a little girl. I want to be strong like that again in order to protect her if necessary, but also to be an example to her.
Cheers to real life female superheroes!
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
I am so proud of you. That kicks so much ass you need special shoes. How awesome! My dad is abusive, and I remember the first time that - when he had the power to hurt me - I took it away from him. It felt so incredible.
Good on you!
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
H.D.Thoreau http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sahara
I took JuJitSu for about six years and grappled competitively. it was fun and it gave me confidence in the real world. i had the right moves to defend myself.
real women can have power too!
we just need to learn the right moves.
I just realized you are female! Hello, my sister from another mother!
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
jajjajajaja!! The same thing happens with me with other bloggers. i try to guess the gender through their comments and blogs, but i have gotten a few wrong.
it is interesting how we can form assumptions without evening phyiscally knowing the person. :grin:
Ha...Even when I had a picture of myself many...well one person... insisted I was male. I did not know I typed male and I ended up feeling really self conscience for a few days. Actually I am still weirded out by that and its been over a year I think.
There is one here with user name that is totally feminine and the picture looks like a pretty girl and the name is signed at the bottom is a girl's name but just refered to himself as a he and refrenced his boyfriend... I felt so decieved!
Just to be sure...you are female right?
Love is like a box of chocolates; if you chose wisely you won’t be disappointed and have to spit it out. ~T
I want to pick on one little part of your nice blog. You said "I cannot imagine walking to the car after my evening classes without the vigilance of a potential attacker." after saying "when Sabretooth had Storm by the throat in the first X-Men movie, she was able to electrocute him". If Storm had 'walked to the car with out the vigiliance of a potential attacker' I am pretty sure should would not have been charged up to electrocute Sabertooth.
The point is to be able to handle ourselves on an equal basis of others... not that there is no danger.
Good blog.
Love is like a box of chocolates; if you chose wisely you won’t be disappointed and have to spit it out. ~T