With her female-centric tour-de-force, Kathryn Bigelow has been praised & condemned. People question whether the film endorses torture (calling Bigelow “torture’s handmaiden”) or merely depicts torture. It raises complex questions on gender dynamics & the War on Terror. Continue reading
Category Archives: Films
‘Les Miserables,’ Sex Work & Fantine as a Symbol for Women’s Oppression
Some have questioned whether or not ‘Les Miserables’ is a feminist film, thinking it sidelines the female characters. But that ignores its feminist depictions of sex trafficking, women in poverty and single motherhood. Continue reading
Does ‘Argo’ Suffer from a Woman Problem and Iranian Stereotypes?
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. When I saw Argo in the theatre, I wasn’t really expecting to have a whole lot to say regarding gender in the film. In the majority of the trailer, all you see is men, men, brief glimpse of the women, and more men. Did Argo reaffirm my fears of making … Continue reading
“A Vegan Thanksgiving” Video Embraces Compassion and Answers the Question “What Do Vegans Eat?”
“The truth is there is no contradiction between eating compassionately and honoring tradition.” — Colleen Patrick-Goudreau Continue reading
My Top 6 Favorite Female Empowerment Songs in Musicals
Originally published at Bitch Flicks as part of their “Women and Gender in Musicals” Theme Week. After reading Lady T’s fabulous post on “I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar…ish,” aka songs that appear to empower women but really just signal faux feminism, I started thinking about actual feminist songs of female empowerment. Let me tell … Continue reading
Female Friendship, Madonna/Whore Stereotypes and Rape Culture in ‘West Side Story’
Originally published at Bitch Flicks as part of their “Women and Gender in Musicals” Theme Week. [Trigger warning for rape] | Spoilers ahead West Side Story is one of my absolute favorite musicals. I adore the catchy lyrics, the breathtakingly exquisite choreography and cinematography, the heartbreaking love story. A modern Romeo and Juliet taking place … Continue reading
Accidental Feminism in ‘Mary Poppins’
Originally published at Bitch Flicks as part of their “Women and Gender in Musicals” Theme Week. “Practically perfect in every way,” declares Mary Poppins, the quirky, assertive and indomitable nanny played with effervescence by stage and screen legend Julie Andrews. For me, that quote could pretty much sum up not only our protagonist but the … Continue reading
The Zoe Saldana / Nina Simone Biopic Controversy Illustrates the Need for More Black Women Filmmakers
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. When Zoe Saldana was recently cast as legendary singer Nina Simone in her upcoming biopic, the decision ignited a firestorm of controversy. People have vehemently criticized the decision. Not because Saldana isn’t a skilled actor (she is). But because her skin is much lighter than the music icon. I’ve wanted … Continue reading
Happy Women’s Equality Day! Celebrate By Watching Media Honoring Women’s Suffrage
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th amendment, women’s suffrage, which the U.S. government ratified the 19th amendment on August 18, 1920 enabling women to vote. Too often, people say women were given the vote. Women weren’t given anything. They valiantly spoke out, organized, protested and fought for … Continue reading
Actor Elizabeth Banks Advocates for Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Rights
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. Check out Elizabeth Banks talking about reproductive rights in the video below. In this Obama for America PSA, she shares how Planned Parenthood was her healthcare provider after college when she couldn’t afford health insurance. Banks obtained birth control and says she doesn’t want to and shouldn’t have to discuss … Continue reading