👩Feminism in Television Unit 1 – Feminism in TV: An Introduction

What's Feminism Again?

• Feminism advocates for social, political, and economic equality of the sexes
• Recognizes and challenges patriarchal systems that perpetuate gender-based discrimination
• Intersectional feminism acknowledges the interconnected nature of social categorizations (race, class, gender, etc.) and how they create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage
• Seeks to dismantle oppressive structures and promote gender equity in all aspects of life
• Feminism has evolved through multiple waves, each focusing on different aspects of gender equality
  • First wave (late 19th to early 20th century): Primarily focused on women's suffrage and legal rights
  • Second wave (1960s-1980s): Broadened the debate to include sexuality, family, the workplace, and reproductive rights
  • Third wave (1990s-2010s): Emphasized individuality, diversity, and challenging the notion of a universal "women's experience"
  • Fourth wave (2010s-present): Characterized by the use of social media to combat sexual harassment, violence against women, and rape culture
• Feminism in media, including television, aims to critique and challenge the representation and portrayal of women, promoting more diverse, nuanced, and empowering depictions

TV Through the Ages: A Feminist Lens

• 1950s: Women portrayed primarily as housewives and mothers, reinforcing traditional gender roles (Leave It to Beaver, I Love Lucy)
• 1960s: Emergence of more independent female characters, though still limited by societal expectations (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Bewitched)
• 1970s: TV begins to address feminist issues, such as workplace inequality and reproductive rights (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Maude)
  • Maude (1972-1978) tackles controversial topics like abortion, divorce, and domestic violence
• 1980s: Strong, career-oriented women become more prevalent, challenging traditional gender roles (Murphy Brown, The Golden Girls)
  • The Golden Girls (1985-1992) features older women living together, defying ageist and sexist stereotypes
• 1990s: More diverse representations of women emerge, including LGBTQ+ characters (Ellen, Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
• 2000s: Complex, flawed, and multi-dimensional female characters gain prominence (Sex and the City, Grey's Anatomy)
• 2010s-present: Increased focus on intersectionality, with more shows created by and starring women of color (Scandal, Orange Is the New Black, Insecure)
  • Streaming platforms offer more opportunities for diverse and inclusive storytelling

Tropes and Stereotypes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

• The "Manic Pixie Dream Girl": Quirky, eccentric female character who exists solely to help the male protagonist grow or change (Garden State, Elizabethtown)
• The "Strong Female Character": One-dimensional portrayal of women as physically strong and emotionally stoic, lacking depth and vulnerability (early depictions of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe)
• The "Smurfette Principle": The inclusion of a single female character in an otherwise all-male ensemble (The Smurfs, The Lord of the Rings)
• The "Madonna-Whore Complex": Female characters are either depicted as pure, virtuous, and nurturing or as promiscuous, manipulative, and seductive (Betty and Veronica in Archie Comics)
• The "Magical Negro": Supporting black characters who possess mystical powers and exist to help the white protagonist (The Legend of Bagger Vance, The Green Mile)
• The "Sassy Black Woman": Stereotypical portrayal of African American women as loud, opinionated, and confrontational (early depictions of Mercedes in Glee)
• The "Model Minority": Asian characters portrayed as intelligent, hardworking, and submissive, often lacking depth and individuality (Cho Chang in Harry Potter)
• Positive tropes: Strong female friendships (Parks and Recreation), complex mother-daughter relationships (Gilmore Girls), and women supporting each other in male-dominated fields (The Bold Type)

Groundbreaking Shows and Characters

• I Love Lucy (1951-1957): Lucille Ball challenged gender norms and paved the way for future female comedians
• The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977): Portrayed a single, career-focused woman, breaking away from traditional roles
• Ellen (1994-1998): Ellen DeGeneres' character came out as gay in 1997, marking a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003): Featured a strong female lead and tackled themes of empowerment and feminism
  • Introduced complex, multi-faceted female characters like Willow and Anya
• Sex and the City (1998-2004): Openly discussed female sexuality, friendships, and career aspirations
• The L Word (2004-2009): Groundbreaking representation of lesbian and bisexual women
• Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019): Diverse cast and intersectional storytelling, addressing issues of race, gender, and sexuality
• Transparent (2014-2019): Explores the experiences of a transgender woman and her family
• Jane the Virgin (2014-2019): Subverts stereotypes of Latinx characters and portrays complex, multi-generational relationships
• Pose (2018-2021): Features the largest cast of transgender actors in a scripted series, showcasing ballroom culture and LGBTQ+ activism

Behind the Scenes: Women in TV Production

• Historically, women have been underrepresented in key creative roles (directors, writers, producers)
• Women comprised only 31% of creators, directors, writers, producers, executive producers, editors, and directors of photography for TV shows in the 2020-2021 season (Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film)
• Female representation behind the scenes correlates with more diverse and nuanced portrayals of women on screen
• Showrunners like Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy, Scandal), Jenji Kohan (Orange Is the New Black, GLOW), and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, Killing Eve) have created groundbreaking, female-centric content
• Initiatives like the "ReFrame Stamp" aim to promote gender-balanced hiring practices in the entertainment industry
• Mentorship programs and networking opportunities help support and elevate women in television production roles
• Advocating for better representation in writers' rooms, directing opportunities, and executive positions is crucial for creating more inclusive and authentic storytelling

Representation Matters: Diversity and Intersectionality

• Intersectionality recognizes that individuals can face multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, class, and other identities
• Diverse representation in television helps challenge stereotypes and promote empathy and understanding
• Shows like Orange Is the New Black, Pose, and Insecure feature diverse casts and explore intersectional experiences
• Authentic representation involves not just casting diverse actors, but also ensuring that stories are told by creators with lived experiences
• Tokenism, or the inclusion of marginalized characters in a superficial or stereotypical manner, should be avoided
• Representation should extend beyond the screen, with diversity in writers' rooms, directors, and executives
• Inclusive storytelling can help validate the experiences of marginalized communities and promote social change
• Accurate and respectful representation of LGBTQ+ characters, people with disabilities, and people of color is essential for fostering a more equitable society

Feminist Critique: How to Watch TV Like a Pro

• Analyze the representation of female characters
  • Are they complex, multi-dimensional, and given agency?
  • Do they exist solely to support male characters or further their storylines?
• Examine the Bechdel Test: Does the show feature at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man?
• Consider the male gaze: Are female characters portrayed through a heterosexual male lens, objectified, or sexualized?
• Evaluate power dynamics and relationships between characters
  • Are there imbalances based on gender, race, or other factors?
  • Are unhealthy or abusive behaviors romanticized or normalized?
• Look for stereotypes and tropes, and consider how they may perpetuate harmful ideas about gender, race, or sexuality
• Analyze the show's creators and writers
  • Is there diversity behind the scenes?
  • How do the creators' identities and experiences influence the storytelling?
• Consider the show's target audience and marketing
  • Is it reinforcing or challenging societal norms and expectations?
• Engage in discussions with others and seek out diverse perspectives to broaden your understanding and analysis

The Future of Feminism on the Small Screen

• Continued push for diverse and inclusive representation both on-screen and behind the scenes
• More shows created by and starring women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities
• Increased focus on intersectional storytelling that explores the complexities of identity and experience
• Challenging and subverting harmful tropes and stereotypes in favor of authentic, nuanced representation
• Greater accountability for showrunners and networks in terms of hiring practices and creating safe, equitable work environments
• Exploring new formats and platforms (streaming, web series) to tell stories that may not have found a home on traditional television
• Empowering and elevating marginalized voices in the entertainment industry through mentorship, networking, and advocacy
• Encouraging viewers to critically engage with the media they consume and demand more inclusive and representative storytelling