meganbmoore (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
meganbmoore) wrote2008-05-03 06:30 pm
meganbmoore) wrote2008-05-03 06:30 pm
Entry tags:
gender based judgements
Fandom side of things: avianthropy posted on something I've tried to say a few times-judging female characters on gender, not on value as characters in general-but probably said it better. Go read. I...ah...may or may not be spamming the comments.
I hate how female characters, regardless of whether they are viewed positively or negatively, are nearly always viewed through some sort of "female character lens." Their personalities, motivations, and actions are reflections on their worth as not just a character, a person, but a FEMALE CHARACTER and how much they fit or defy FEMALE stereotypes and roles. I'm not even excusing myself and saying you're all horrible people for doing it that way and I'm better than you because I don't. I DO IT TOO. As I showed in the CFO poll. And that's the way it is because society, male privilege etc., even if we want to believe we don't think this way to any extent, being male is viewed as the "norm" and therefore males are viewed as just characters and people without the same degree of importance on the MALE! part. I understand why the "female character lens" exists, I just. Hate that it does, and the lack of awareness of it.
RL side of things: And just to whine a bit: While I was pushing Jackson's stroller around at lunch, I swear, every eye that went "oh, cute little boy" immediately went to my left hand looking for a ring. STOP THAT! I mean, is it not possible for me to go somewhere with my nephew without everyone judging me to be a single mother because I'm out with a kid and don't have a wedding ring. And, seriously, the kid was obviously happy, well fed, clean, and wearing good, clean clothes. What does it matter beyond that, as you don't know us? (Plus, I have seen you people when my brother is walking around with him without Jen in tow. The guys don't bother looking, and the women aren't looking at his hand!) *kicks something*
(Flipside: we passed I think 4 snack places and kiosks and got offered free samples at every single one.)
avianthropy posted on something I've tried to say a few times-judging female characters on gender, not on value as characters in general-but probably said it better. Go read. I...ah...may or may not be spamming the comments.I hate how female characters, regardless of whether they are viewed positively or negatively, are nearly always viewed through some sort of "female character lens." Their personalities, motivations, and actions are reflections on their worth as not just a character, a person, but a FEMALE CHARACTER and how much they fit or defy FEMALE stereotypes and roles. I'm not even excusing myself and saying you're all horrible people for doing it that way and I'm better than you because I don't. I DO IT TOO. As I showed in the CFO poll. And that's the way it is because society, male privilege etc., even if we want to believe we don't think this way to any extent, being male is viewed as the "norm" and therefore males are viewed as just characters and people without the same degree of importance on the MALE! part. I understand why the "female character lens" exists, I just. Hate that it does, and the lack of awareness of it.
RL side of things: And just to whine a bit: While I was pushing Jackson's stroller around at lunch, I swear, every eye that went "oh, cute little boy" immediately went to my left hand looking for a ring. STOP THAT! I mean, is it not possible for me to go somewhere with my nephew without everyone judging me to be a single mother because I'm out with a kid and don't have a wedding ring. And, seriously, the kid was obviously happy, well fed, clean, and wearing good, clean clothes. What does it matter beyond that, as you don't know us? (Plus, I have seen you people when my brother is walking around with him without Jen in tow. The guys don't bother looking, and the women aren't looking at his hand!) *kicks something*
(Flipside: we passed I think 4 snack places and kiosks and got offered free samples at every single one.)