Feminism / Films / TV

In ‘Women, War & Peace’s ‘I Came to Testify’ Brave Bosnian Women Speak Out About Surviving Rape as a Weapon of War

Cross-posted at Bitch Flicks. When we discuss war and security, we don’t often explore its ramifications on women. Rape and sexual assault are common threats women face globally. But of all the artillery and tactics soldiers use, we rarely think of rape as a weapon of war. And yet too often, it is. On Tuesday … Continue reading

Feminism / Films / TV

Warriors & Peacemakers: Innovative PBS Documentary Series ‘Women, War and Peace’ Explores Women’s Role in Conflict

Cross-posted at Fem2pt0. As crystallized in the coverage of the North African revolutions, journalists, media pundits and the public often forget women’s participation in conflict and security. When people discuss war, they often don’t take women or gender into account. Women become the forgotten collateral. Yet they consistently play a pivotal role. Women govern and … Continue reading

Feminism / TV

The Feminist / Sexist See-Saw Ride of the 2011 Emmys

Cross-posted at Fem2pt0. Some assert women fare better on television than in films; more complex roles, feminist issues explored. With some feminist series receiving nominations – Parks & Rec, Mad Men, The Killing, Friday Night Lights, The Good Wife – I hoped the Emmys awards show might reflect its nominees. Well, it did…and didn’t. The … Continue reading

Feminism / TV

Emmy Week 2011 at Bitch Flicks: Why Steely Homicide Detective Sarah Linden of ‘The Killing’ Is So Refreshing

Originally published at Bitch Flicks. Who killed Rosie Larsen? This is the pivotal question that motivates The Killing. While a murder mystery, the true catalyst of the show resides in the nuanced characters, particularly steely homicide detective Sarah Linden. Often I lament the gender inequity in films and TV shows, bemoaning their flagrant displays of … Continue reading

Feminism / TV

‘Mad Men’ Week at Bitch Flicks!

I don’t know about you, Mad Men Fans, but I’m not sure I can wait until 2012 for the stellar show’s return! While we ache for Peggy’s feminist badassery, Don’s incessant “What’s?,” Pete Campbell’s douchebaggery and Joan’s all-around awesomeness…you can get your Mad Men fix at Bitch Flicks. Co-founded by the phenomenal duo Amber Leab … Continue reading

Feminism / TV

The Warrior Princess and the Beast: A Look at Two Strong Female Dancers & Their Feminist Repertoire on SYTYCD

Last night, I watched the Season 8 finale of So You Think You Can Dance. After weeks of battling it out onstage, it all came down to the two best dancers of the season, Sasha and Melanie. As I previously wrote, dance can evoke feminism and female empowerment.  While the season featured many talented dancers, … Continue reading

Feminism / TV

Guest Post: Straight Girl on Girl: How Fetishizing Woman on Woman for Men Objectifies Women & Trivializes Lesbians

Written by Seren Pendleton-Knoll. Originally published at Bright Light Thinking. Re-printed with permission. A few days ago, NBC’s show “Community” posted a picture on their Facebook fanpage of their two female leads being featured in GQ. An incredibly sexy photo, it features the girls engaging in S&M like activity while clad in lingerie. Within hours … Continue reading

Feminism / TV

Dancing Queen: How Dance Evokes Feminism and Female Empowerment

Do feminism and dance go together? Film, literature, sculpture, paintings and music can all be feminist or reveal a feminist message. Can artists convey feminism through the power of dance? I’ve been mulling over these thoughts when I watch So You Think You Can Dance. Initially, I didn’t think so. But why not? Dancers can … Continue reading

Feminism / TV

V Does Not Mark the Spot: How Summer’s Eve’s Sexist & Racist Ads Get Female Empowerment Wrong

I am more than my vagina.  Yep, it’s true.  While my va-jay-jay is pretty fabulous, the power I feel in being a woman doesn’t come from what’s between my legs.  But if you’ve watched the latest Summer’s Eve feminine care products’ commercials, you’d never know that. One of the reasons I have no qualms using … Continue reading