Time for a Change: The (Mis)Representation of Women in Geek Media

Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley in Aliens (1987)

It’s the end of 2015. Feminism is in full swing. Like it or not, change has arrived, and it shows no intention of slowing down. But has change gone far enough to influence our traditional social values? Hollywood might be on the fence about that. Specifically “geek media,” the sci-fi films, superhero movies, and television shows based on comics.                     

In my video project, “Time for a Change: The (Mis)Representation of Women in Geek Media,” I highlight the absurdity to which women are regularly subjected to on film. Whether a performance is demeaning, or just in poor taste (or both), women and young girls need to be exposed to better examples of true representation on this medium. Throughout the video, I introduce and develop the “geek media spectrum,” with the worst form of representation being a woman who lacks agency, and who’s self-worth (and in many cases, survival) is dependent on the presence of a man, to the highest form of representation, a character with full agency, power, and control over her actions and sexuality, who subverts the societal discourse placed on women.

Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Early on, choosing which movies to use in my project proved to be extremely difficult. It felt like no matter which film I chose, someone was bound to disagree with me, and potentially debunk my argument. But as our readings and class discussions went further, I grew confident in my ability and went forward in video production, with conviction. I’m no longer afraid of criticism, even better, I encourage it. It may lead to disagreements, but more importantly it leads to discussion.  I’ve learned so much about the representation of women through this project. My newfound viewing of all films critically has led me to no longer acknowledge films I used to love, and I’m pleasantly surprised with the movies and shows that I’ve since discovered.

Marvel's Jessica Jones on Netflix

My evaluation of these films and television programs helped me to develop a “critical eye” and be more cautious in my media consumption. With this project in my proposal, and having shared it to Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Wordpress, I hope to help others do the same, and spark a greater discussion of women’s representation in geek culture as a whole. Women and girls need something real to look up to, and I think it’s time for a change.

Bibliography

Mad Max: Fury Road

Marvel’s Jessica Jones

Aliens

Spider-Man

Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man 3

Superman

Man of Steel

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Underworld

Underworld: Evolution

Resident Evil

Resident Evil: Apocalypse

Resident Evil: Extinction

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II

Articles relevant to project

http://bit.ly/1Nk1BHb

http://bit.ly/1RJnk0l

http://bit.ly/1HXu88H

http://bit.ly/1xkC2io

Project Inspiration

http://bit.ly/1J19Tli