As television and entertainment become more diverse, we begin to see a surge of new leads and characters. The slow but sure integration of women has become more prominent in the 2000s. Additionally, the representation of women of color has greatly improved with skilled leaders, resilient survivors, and strong-willed professionals. These portrayed narratives go in straight opposition to the usual female subservience, the damsel in distress trope. A few characters exemplify this standard: Kate Sharma from “Bridgerton,” Olivia Pope from “Scandal,” and Katara from “Avatar the Last Airbender.”
Often, these characters receive far more backlash than their male counterparts simply for existing and challenging the male-led dynamic. This article poses the question of why, beyond this positive progress, there is a deep-rooted discomfort within society when faced with strong, complex female leads.
These aforementioned female leads tend to yield traits often associated with men, such as leadership and confidence, and they are often not afraid to express their opinions. While male leads are applauded for displaying these traits, female characters are often labeled as unlikeable and, as a result, are under constant scrutiny.
This constant double standard only proves how deeply ingrained gender norms are within society. This disparity in the treatment of women goes beyond just the big screen; this maltreatment can often be applicable to real life, too. This scrutiny also reflects our ever-changing world and how we, as a society, handle more independent women.
As women become more career-oriented and less reliant on men, it shows how we as a society are changing. Women are slowly beginning to become more career-oriented, shifting their perspective from the usual housewife stereotype. Many more women opt out of this in an effort to pursue a higher education. This rapid change shows the attitude regarding gender in our society. The discomfort and double standard can be attributed to a multitude of factors deeply within our culture’s conditioning.
These beliefs are the culmination of factors such as internalized misogyny, flawed writing, and gender roles. Internalized misogyny is the subconscious entrainment of norms that are inherently sexist for both men and women. As children, we are exposed to media that heavily perpetuates gender roles and stereotypes. Seeing a characteristically complex or empowered woman on TV goes against everything we were taught. Because, as women, we are taught from a young age to act a certain way, seeing something directly juxtaposed will bring up negative feelings.
Flawed writing is often why women characters are often disliked. Women, who are often written by men, often seem to be for mere fan service or male validation, can also often be likened to a “2D character.” Additionally, when women characters are predominantly created by men they often neglect to acknowledge the key aspects of what it truly means to be a woman. The encompassed struggle and resilience of being a woman. They are often depicted in a superficial or unrealistic manner, further contributing to their two-dimensional facade and dismal complexity. Addressing these concerns is crucial for promoting more authentic and empowering representations of women in storytelling and media.
As children, we are taught to behave in a certain way. Girls and boys, despite growing up together, can often have very different upbringings. Girls often grow up with internalizing messages that diminish their worth as individuals. From the way they play to what they play with, stereotypes are placed upon them during pivotal developing years. Women are often shown as caretakers, while men are providers. Seeing a woman challenge all of these roles disrupts what we were subconsciously taught. Therefore, individuals who devoutly believe in these norms are intimidated by them.
It is crucial that all girls and women feel adequately represented in the media. I vividly remember watching Katara in ALTA as a young girl and deeply identifying with her character. Young girls need a character that looks like them and can challenge gender roles. However, the problem starts to arise if a girl identifies with a character who is constantly bombarded with hate and dislike. How will she feel?
We as a society must learn to adequately represent someone and slowly rid ourselves of biases that hinder us from doing so. By embracing diverse women and talent, we can create a more inclusive environment. By confronting why we as a society are so deeply offended by seeing an empowered woman on TV, we can create a better future where women can finally feel rid of this deep societal persecution.
Who is a woman who empowers you, whether on the big screen or in real life? Let us know @HerCampusSJSU.