The representation of women in movies, TV, books, and music has changed over time.
Movies: In the past, the representation of women in movies was often limited to traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Women were frequently portrayed as love interests or sidekicks, lacking depth and agency. However, there were exceptions with iconic films like "Thelma & Louise" (1991) challenging gender norms and showcasing female empowerment.
Thelma & Louise is a 1991 American road film written by Callie Khouri and directed by Ridley Scott. It stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis as two women who go on a road trip, but it soon turns around to a terrifying escape from being hunted by the police, as these two girls escape for the crimes they committed. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the most important feminist films ever made. It explores themes of female empowerment, friendship, and the search for freedom. |  |
In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards more inclusive and diverse representations. Female characters are now portrayed as complex, multifaceted individuals with their own stories and ambitions. Films like "Little Women" (2019) and "Lady Bird" (2017) explore the nuances of female experiences and perspectives. Additionally, there has been a push for greater diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ representation, with movies like "Black Panther" (2018) and "Crazy Rich Asians" (2018) breaking barriers.
TV: Historically, television shows often perpetuated gender stereotypes, relegating women to domestic roles and objectifying their bodies. Women have been characterized in relatively restrictive positions throughout the history of television advertising. That was part of the problem: women were firmly entrenched in the home domain, animatedly discussing cleaning and chores. Women are also frequently shown as family nurturers, something males were not allowed to be.
In recent years, TV has become a powerful platform for telling diverse stories and exploring feminist themes. Shows like "Game of Thrones" (2011-2019) and "The Handmaid's Tale" (2017-present) feature complex female characters and address issues of power, agency, and reproductive rights. Moreover, comedies like "Broad City" (2014-2019) and "One Day at a Time" (2017-2020) bring intersectional feminist perspectives into the mainstream. Moreover, Apple's 1984 commercial is a prime example. It was released on the Apple Mac, which marked the beginning of the personal computer revolution. It is loosely based on George Orwell's novel 1984. It depicts a hushed crowd that is controlled by a guy speaking to them on a screen. A female athlete comes into the door, dressed brightly and wielding a hammer. She then crashes into the 'Big Brother' TV screen, signaling the beginning of the personal computer revolution. It's fascinating that they picked a female. The point I'm trying to make is that when you break away from clichés and offer female characters leading roles, amazing things may happen.
Books: Classic literature often depicted women as passive and confined by societal norms. However, seminal feminist works like "The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir (1949) and "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan (1963) challenged these stereotypes and sparked the second wave of feminism.
"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen (1813): In this novel, the female characters, such as Elizabeth Bennet, are bound by the limitations placed on women in Regency-era England. They are expected to make advantageous marriages to secure their family's social status and financial well-being. The story explores the societal pressures and constraints placed upon women in terms of relationships, marriage, and social expectations.
Contemporary literature has seen a proliferation of voices exploring women's experiences and feminist themes. Authors like Margaret Atwood ("The Handmaid's Tale") and Roxane Gay ("Bad Feminist") have expanded the discourse on gender inequality, reproductive rights, and the complexities of identity. There is also a growing focus on diverse perspectives, with authors such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ("Americanah") and Celeste Ng ("Little Fires Everywhere") capturing intersectional narratives.
In conclusion, while there are still strides to be made, the representation of women and feminist themes in movies, TV, books, and music has evolved significantly over time. The current landscape reflects a greater diversity of stories, complex characters, and a stronger emphasis on challenging societal norms and gender stereotypes.
Source:
https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1001&context=jouruht
I can relate, I always see women as a housekeeper in films or advertisement 😤