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Remembering to keep your eyes open
Apr. 9th, 2013 12:41 pmIt's tempting, when you begin watching a show/reading a book/watching a movie, etc. that you like, in part because it's progressive in some aspects, to turn a blind eye to its faults.
I suppose I didn't have a problem with going to town on OUAT's treatment of PoC characters this season, because OUAT for me has become less and less enjoyable to watch over time. But I had a much bigger problem acknowledging some of the shortcomings of Scandal--because it was fun and had interesting stories to tell, and because it featured an awesome PoC female lead.
But it does have shortcomings.
I came across a Tumblr that claimed it to be misogynistic, and while I hesitate to use that descriptor, I have felt uncomfortable with the way some of the female characters have been treated. Ever since the start of the show, I haven't felt comfortable with the "forbidden" relationship between Olivia Pope and Fitz, and as time has gone one it's been becoming more and more problematic. Fitz misuses his powers as the president to keep Olivia under video and photo surveillance, which comes off as hugely stalkerish. All this even though he told Olivia in the coldest terms possible that their relationship was over.
And Mellie. Oh, Mellie. I will never stop being confused by her attitude towards Fitz. In season 1, it seemed that she didn't like him (as their marriage was "dead"), but in season 2 she keeps trying to win him back. She's simultaneously presented as a threat both to Olivia/Fitz's relationship and to Fitz's presidency, as she threatens to ruin Fitz politically if he divorces her. All that, even though she's presented as a highly intelligent and capable woman.
I'm afraid to watch the latest episode because I've seen hints on the internet that there's a rape attempt, and that scares the bejeezus out of me.
I wish shows/movies/books could be progressive period, but the sad reality is that "progressive" can and often is intertwined with problematic elements. I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn't acknowledge that.
I suppose I didn't have a problem with going to town on OUAT's treatment of PoC characters this season, because OUAT for me has become less and less enjoyable to watch over time. But I had a much bigger problem acknowledging some of the shortcomings of Scandal--because it was fun and had interesting stories to tell, and because it featured an awesome PoC female lead.
But it does have shortcomings.
I came across a Tumblr that claimed it to be misogynistic, and while I hesitate to use that descriptor, I have felt uncomfortable with the way some of the female characters have been treated. Ever since the start of the show, I haven't felt comfortable with the "forbidden" relationship between Olivia Pope and Fitz, and as time has gone one it's been becoming more and more problematic. Fitz misuses his powers as the president to keep Olivia under video and photo surveillance, which comes off as hugely stalkerish. All this even though he told Olivia in the coldest terms possible that their relationship was over.
And Mellie. Oh, Mellie. I will never stop being confused by her attitude towards Fitz. In season 1, it seemed that she didn't like him (as their marriage was "dead"), but in season 2 she keeps trying to win him back. She's simultaneously presented as a threat both to Olivia/Fitz's relationship and to Fitz's presidency, as she threatens to ruin Fitz politically if he divorces her. All that, even though she's presented as a highly intelligent and capable woman.
I'm afraid to watch the latest episode because I've seen hints on the internet that there's a rape attempt, and that scares the bejeezus out of me.
I wish shows/movies/books could be progressive period, but the sad reality is that "progressive" can and often is intertwined with problematic elements. I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn't acknowledge that.
