ASeriousLady

“If filth is not yet an acknowledged aesthetic category, it’s high time we make it one.”

Positively loved this entire article, as well as Pink Flamingos, the only Waters film I have yet to see. It is impossible for me to recommend this film to most that I know, who would or do see this as pure revolting, or question how I can be a passionate fan of something that depicts and makes light of things that are truly upsetting. Others could try this and do so terribly and offensively, yet when Waters does it I laugh and gasp and indulge in doing so in safety.

Very well-written article. The only additions I would include are found in many of the other comments–there is an odd, fuzzy line between portraying women sexually and vulnerably in an empowering way and in a male-oriented, stereotypical way that enforces norms. I believe you understand this, and it would be nice to see a bit more of that recognition in your article, as these things are rarely clear-cut.

I am much more familiar with Buffy, and I think you make excellent points. At times, her sexuality and vulnerability are empowering. She can be and do the traditionally feminine while kicking ass and being the central figure of her show, yet she can also be all these things to a point that it so unrealistic and unattainable, as though her ass-kicking is still seen through the male-gaze. Willow is a wonderful addition to the show, and her character does a lot to balance the reality.

I love this topic–great article. This ties in so intimately with what types of women are portrayed in television ion a grander scale. Part of the reason why so many abortion stories are presented with young, white, middle or upper-middle class women as the character considering having an abortion is is because these are the types of female characters who are represented in television, period. The first step is to diversify the characters, then greater diversity in situations and circumstances can, and hopefully will, follow.