Feminism Rant

Sunday, April 4, 2010 12:30 AM

I posted something earlier about the Bechdel test today because I happened to be thinking about it. For those of you who aren't aware, the Bechdel Test is a writing tool for creating strong female characters. According to the test, well rounded female characters should have enough of their own hobbies/pursuits/conversation topics to be not have to resort to talking to each other about their romantic male interests, or their relationships with them.

Here's the reference material, reposted.

http://thehathorlegacy.com/link-roundup-more-on-film-industrys-reluctance-to-promote-female-characters/

http://thehathorlegacy.com/why-film-schools-teach-screenwriters-not-to-pass-the-bechdel-test

Specifically I was thinking about how my Inara probably kinda sorta FAILS that test.

But then, I feel this is a problem that's inherent in the writing of Firefly itself. Inara as she's represented is kind of a hanger-on that's utterly dependent upon Mal for her characterization, even though Word of Joss says that there's deeper layers to her character.

That's not to say that Joss doesn't write strong females in his series, in fact I posted those articles because they specifically call out Joss Whedon for passing the Bechdel test with a number of his female characters. Unfortunately, Inara, Kaylee, and even Zoe often seem to fall short of this (very few people understand what River's talking about at any given time, so she's exempt).

But maybe I'm wrong, I'm interested to see counter viewpoints.

Also, this:

http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23709577>1=32023

Is the most CREEPY damn thing ever. What is up with the market targeting here? Did msn.com made a checklist of women interests to cover by watching Sex in the City once? Are they all stalkers? None of this sounds like any kind of healthy romantic relationship I'M aware of. "Make your man jealous by making him wonder what you're up to"? Uh, yeah, sounds like a GREAT idea. *sarcasm mode*

They're consistently offensive to both MEN AND WOMEN, it's like those awful teenage girl magazines force feeding the general population hurtful and obsessive messages. Grr. Hello complaint department, my name is Bytemite. Please FIRE everyone. FOREVER.

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