Finally, I've figured it out
Jun. 15th, 2012 10:24 am"Very briefly, some very basic things I look for in female characters are: protagonists with agency not tied directly to their sex appeal; transformative story arcs where characters are struggling with or overcoming personal flaws; and some emotional depth and expression."
(source: Interview with Anita Sarkeesian of Feminist Frequency: http://www.gamespot.com/features/from-samus-to-lara-an-interview-with-anita-sarkeesian-of-feminist-frequency-6382189/)
So finally, finally I've found someone who articulates one of my major probems with a lot of female characters in storytelling media these days.
The fact is, I've always felt that sexy dominatrix-type characters (*cough* Irene Adler from BBC's Sherlock *cough*) cater more to the Male Gaze rather than function as a form of female empowerment. Give me strong, intelligent female characters who use something other than their body to conquer obstacles in their way, please.
(source: Interview with Anita Sarkeesian of Feminist Frequency: http://www.gamespot.com/features/from-samus-to-lara-an-interview-with-anita-sarkeesian-of-feminist-frequency-6382189/)
So finally, finally I've found someone who articulates one of my major probems with a lot of female characters in storytelling media these days.
The fact is, I've always felt that sexy dominatrix-type characters (*cough* Irene Adler from BBC's Sherlock *cough*) cater more to the Male Gaze rather than function as a form of female empowerment. Give me strong, intelligent female characters who use something other than their body to conquer obstacles in their way, please.