Cringe-Worthy Double Standards in Women’s Portrayal in Films and TV

When it comes to the portrayal of women in movies and TV series, there are some cringe-worthy double standards that persistently challenge our perceptions of gender stereotyping. This article explores some of these issues, providing examples from popular culture and critically examining the underlying implications.

Double Standards in Realism and Authenticity

Consider the old West or the era of knights, where instances of rape are often present. In many films and TV series, the depiction of rape is criticized as unrealistic if it does not serve the central plot. Producers often defend these portrayals by claiming they seek historical authenticity. However, when it comes to the justification of seemingly trivial details such as women shaving their armpits and brushing their teeth, the same criteria are conveniently abandoned. This highlights a dual standard where female characters' physical appearance is scrutinized more stringently than their narratives.

Authenticity and Grooming

The authenticity argument is often used to justify maintaining anachronistic beauty standards for female characters. When women are portrayed in historically or culturally specific settings, they are expected to match the authentic look of the period. This includes groomed physical appearance, despite characters being involved in violent or degrading situations. For instance, a woman being raped or humiliated is often depicted with well-groomed features, even when her clothes are torn off and her face is pushed into the mud. This can be seen as a form of objectification that further dehumanizes the character.

Character Development and Emotional Journeys

Another double standard arises in the portrayal of female characters’ journeys. Characters like Gamora and Black Widow from Marvel’s MCU are praised for significant character development, yet their arcs often culminate in their deaths, seemingly to advance the emotional journey of male characters. Despite being well-developed characters in their own right, their stories frequently end climactically with their deaths, which can feel like a devaluing action. The use of fake characters to replace the original can further emphasize the superficiality and lack of importance given to these female characters, highlighting a broader issue of gender inequality in narrative representation.

Departmental Standards in Praise and Criticism

The standards of praise and criticism for male and female characters are starkly different. A male character can perform any action, be it violent or heroic, and still be celebrated. Conversely, a female character must achieve superhuman feats to be recognized. Even small acts that might be considered impressive for a woman are often dismissed as unnecessary and border on narcissism. The suggestion that female characters need to be better than men to be worthy of attention is a blunt form of gender bias. This criticism raises questions about the underlying motives of these portrayals and the broader cultural context.

Conclusion

The double standards in the portrayal of women in films and TV series continue to be a contentious area. These standards not only affect how female characters are perceived but also influence the broader narrative and cultural expectations around gender roles. It is crucial to challenge these standards and advocate for more realistic and fair representation of all genders. By doing so, the film and TV industry can move toward a more inclusive and equitable future.