Feminism and Romance in Sweet Home Alabama

Summary:

            American director and screenwriter C. Jay Cox’s screenplay, Sweet Home Alabama, which lead to the 2002 film of the same name, follows Melanie Carmichael, a successfully rising New York fashion designer who unexpectedly becomes engaged to the son of the New York City Mayor. However, before she can say have her happily ever after she is forced to go back home to the South to confront her past−Including Jake, her husband, who refuses to divorce her. While the trip back home initially reacquaints her with a past she’d like to leave behind her, she soon begins to reevaluate the things she’s left behind and what she truly wants.

            Here’s a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G_8pI3X8zk

Further Information on Cox:

            C. Jay Cox is known for creating screenplays that are considered romantic comedies in the film industry. Within his screenplays, he features both heterosexual and homosexual identities and relationships. Sweet Home Alabama is his most famous work to date.

Analysis:

            Sweet Home Alabama, as a romantic comedy, accurately conveys the two primary criteria of romance films. First off, the film contains a central story. According to the Romance Writers of America, the plot of a central love story is where “the main plot centers around individuals falling in love and struggling to make the relationship work” (Romance Genre). The central love story takes place between Melanie and Jake. During her visit down South, Melanie and Jake are once again are brought together. And while they at first appear to be bitter estranged spouses, their actions conveyed onscreen show a relationship between two lovers struggling to accept their true feelings for one another. For example, their struggles include Jake refusing to sign their divorce papers and Melanie trying to put him behind without any attached feelings. But they clearly both still hold a flame for one another. The “falling in love” portion of their story occurs as they spend more time together in their hometown and remember the reasons they did love one another. Thus falling in love but all over again. Secondly, the film has an emotionally satisfying ending. Throughout the film, audiences are drawn into the love triangle Melanie has woven herself into. They are either for Andrew or Jake. The way the film is set up audiences end up rooting for Melanie and Jake, due to their history together and the feelings that are still present between them. So when Melanie final realizes her and Jake are meant to be, and they finally get together again that establishes the satisfying ending of the film. Ultimately, the film possesses a central love story and brings it to a satisfying ending that only a true romance film can bring.

            The film manages to both challenge and represent feminist values. Feminism represents equity between both sexes, and challenges the status quo that has been given to both genders and sexes. Melanie is portrayed as a successful, independent, and self-made fashion designer. Whereas, Jake is also a successful, independent, and self-made glassmaker. In the film both man and wife are shown to each be equal to one another. They both had the same ambitions to do something big and were able to do so in their careers. Even in their marriage balance of power is seen, especially during their arguments. They both play the victim and the offender at the same time. Because she left, and he didn’t. Then she sent divorce papers, and he didn’t sign. And most importantly, they gave up on each other. However, the film does undermine feminist values in one particular way in the film. It appears that in order to be successful, independent, and driven you can’t have “roots and wings” (Sweet Home Alabama). Melanie left her home to try and be somebody- Somebody with a promising future. And I felt the film women have to go up part of themselves to be what they aspire to be in life. In which case, feminist values are completely thrown out the window.

            I believe, while the film prioritizes presenting a love story, it also exposes audiences to other important issues that occur in everyday life. The film covers a wide array of topics in an indirect way. Teenage pregnancy, teenage marriage, miscarriage, divorce, abandonment, small town living, achieving dreams and aspirations, lying to protect yourself and the repercussions for doing so, being gay in conservative atmosphere, among others. The incorporation of all of these story lines allows for the story itself to be more realistic because it brings up issues that audience members can relate to. Also the presence of these different types of issues makes the characters more believable and credible. If the film didn’t present any of these topics, it would simply be a highly overrated romantic fantasy. By making the characters more human with these story lines, they solidify the relationships formed in the film.

            The romantic comedy, Sweet Home Alabama, epitomizes the true meaning of feminism and romance.  Through the relationship of Melanie and Jake, a central love story takes place, and a emotionally satisfying ending is achieved by their mutual union. And while the film, does represent feminist values, it also challenges them. However, the draw away from feminist values, and introduction to more societal issues allows for story to be relatable for the audience, and strengthens the relationships seen in the movie. All in all, the film fully represents feminism and romance.

Works Cited

"About the Romance Genre." Romance Writers of America. Romance Writers of America, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2016.

Sweet Home Alabama. Dir. Andy. Tennant. Perf. Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas. 2002. DVD.

Gender and Pop Culture Updates: Lady Gaga Reveals PTSD

           Earlier this week on Monday’s airing of the “Today” show, American-singer Lady Gaga publically announced she suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD. Her announcement was made while visiting LBGT youth in Harlem for her campaign #ShareKindness. The admission comes nearly two years after she revealed she had been raped at age 19. She states that her own experience to trauma has made her more empathetic to the trauma of others. While searching for ways to heal from the aftermath, she found kindness to be the best remedy. Due to the kindness she received, Gaga wishes to share and promote kindness to others, including fellow trauma victims.

            Within this current event gender and sexuality play dual roles by representing an individual’s intersectionality and their privilege/ oppression in society. Gaga’s status as female in society puts her among other women who are subjected to male patriarchy through forms of violence such as rape- a crime notoriously known for being committed by dominantly portrayed males who want control and who ultimately victimize and oppress women. Somewhat similarly, the LBGT youth in Harlem are oppressed in society and are victimized through physical and emotional abuse because they don’t follow the privileged and traditional gender/ sexual identities. When compared to similar pop culture current events, Gaga’s story loosely follows that of other celebrities who suffer from mental health problems, such as Selena Gomez and Kayne West. And while the mental health issues faced by Gomez and West aren’t crucially defined by gender or sexuality, they can be seen in across all of the multiple identify categories. Based on our class discussion, her story connects to our class discussions by showing the objectification and oppression women and LBGT groups face in society. When women, like Gaga, are victims of rape they are being seen as objects not human beings− Objects with a specific purpose in mind. Oppression, as we discussed in class, results many times from going against traditional identities and norms. LBGT groups are a prime example of those who face oppression and suffer consequences. They too are stuck in a world whose eyes are clouded by traditional male patriarchy and intersectionality. Lady Gaga is certainly not the first nor the last celebrities that will contribute mental health awareness across the pop culture platform. But as she does, she is helping pave the pathway towards a world where kindness welcomes all forms of gender and sexuality.

Below are links to articles on Gaga’s PTSD Revealation:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lady-gaga-ptsd-rape_us_5845cacce4b028b32338b17c

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/Lady-Gaga-Talks-PTSD-I-Suffer-From-a-Mental-Illness-404787106.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_PHBrandEarlier this week on Monday’s airing of the “Today” show, American-singer Lady Gaga publically announced she suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD. Her announcement was made while visiting LBGT youth in Harlem for her campaign #ShareKindness. The admission comes nearly two years after she revealed she had been raped at age 19. She states that her own experience to trauma has made her more empathetic to the trauma of others. While searching for ways to heal from the aftermath, she found kindness to be the best remedy. Due to the kindness she received, Gaga wishes to share and promote kindness to others, including suffering trauma victims.

            Within this current event gender and sexuality play the role of representing an individual’s intersectionality and their oppression in society. Gaga’s status as female in society puts her among other women who are subjected to male patriarchy through forms of violence such as rape- a crime notoriously known for being committed by dominantly portrayed males who want control and who ultimately victimize and oppress women. Somewhat similarly, the LBGT youth in Harlem are oppressed in society and are victimized through physical and emotional abuse because they don’t follow the privileged and traditional gender/ sexual identities. When compared to similar pop culture current events, Gaga’s story loosely follows that of other celebrities who suffer from mental health problems, such as Selena Gomez and Kayne West. And while the mental health issues faced by Gomez and West aren’t crucially defined by gender or sexuality, they can be seen in across all of the multiple identify categories. Based on our class discussion, her story connects to our class discussions by showing the objectification and oppression women and LBGT groups face in society. When women, like Gaga, are victims of rape they are being seen as objects not human beings− Objects with a specific purpose in mind. Oppression, as we discussed in class, results many times from going against traditional identities and norms. LBGT groups are a prime example of those who face oppression and suffer consequences. They too are stuck in a world whose eyes are clouded by traditional male patriarchy and intersectionality. Lady Gaga is certainly not the first nor the last celebrities that will contribute mental health awareness across the pop culture platform. But as she does, she is helping pave the pathway towards a world where kindness welcomes all forms of gender and sexuality.

Below are links to articles on Gaga’s PTSD Revealation:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lady-gaga-ptsd-rape_us_5845cacce4b028b32338b17c

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/Lady-Gaga-Talks-PTSD-I-Suffer-From-a-Mental-Illness-404787106.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_PHBrand

Women in Politics: Tulsi Gabbard

        Within the last century the most notable change in the workings of United States politics is the inclusion of women. Even though the government is composed of primarily men, every year more and more women are entering and aspiring to reach high ranking governmental positions. Each with the mutual goal to be the voice of the people and to bring about changes in the communities they represent, along with the country as a whole. However, these women politicians face one big mutual hurdle in doing their job− being a woman. Be that as it may, when taking into consideration reality and the fictional women of politics intersectionality, oppression, and privilege certainly differ. But I’ve found that despite this obstacle amongst her gender, one woman in particular, Tulsi Gabbard, embraces the baggage of being a woman in politics in order to focus on the bigger picture.

            During her career, Gabbard has faced many issues were her intersectionality overshadows her capabilities and competency in her position. When Gabbard first began to pursue a role in government in her early 20’s, she was told she was a “nice girl” (Tulsi Gabbard) and asked, “Do you know what you’re getting into? Can you handle the heat?” (Tulsi Gabbard). These doubts in her abilities stemmed from the fact she wasn’t a white-rich-middle-aged-man. But rather a non-white-middle-class-Hindu-woman who had “no background, no training [in politics], [and was] extremely shy, a total introvert” (Huettman). These differences between the traditional government official and herself took away from news about her policies and positions. By addressing Gabbard as a “nice girl” (Tulsi Gabbard), the public along with politicians immediately held a biased towards her abilities as a potential politician in legislature because of her gender. The context of these two words alone, along with the two questions that follow make the assumption that a female can’t do the job−that they don’t have what it takes to do the job. For example, in the article Pluralism Reaches A Milestone In America, author Mihir Meghani, describes Gabbard as “the first Hindu elected to the United States Congress.” The whole premise of Megani’s article is on how Gabbard currently represents the Hindu people in government. However, the article fails to give her acclaim for holding the position as representative of Hawaii and the United States. Instead they focus on her representation as a Hindu in government. Gabbard, herself, has stated, “My responsibility is to the people of Hawaii and the American people to stand up and fight for what is right and what is in the best interest of our country” (Huettman). Due to the pieces of her intersectionality that differ from the traditional male-centered political world, people are using pieces of Gabbard’s image for categorical use. As a result, her real role as a politician can be lost. These differences take Gabbard’s high ranking positions and use it as an iconic pillar, which in essence takes away from Gabbard’s main intentions to be where she is.

            Gabbard’s circumstances greatly differ from those of the fictional characters presented in the television series Parks and Recreation, Scandal, and Veep. In Parks and Recreation, Scandal, and Veep, Leslie, Selina, and Josie all have much more privilege as women in politics than Gabbard. Leslie and Selina are both white women, who presumably practice some form of Christianity and come from a well-endowed upbringing. These differences show the privilege women hold in by being a part of the majority in politics, rather than part of a more minority oriented demographic like Gabbard. The women portrayed in the television shows further hold more privilege than Gabbard due to their age. Each of the women (Leslie, Selina, and Josie) are well over the age of 30, in comparison Gabbard is still in her 20’s, and officially entered the Hawaiian Legislature at the age of 21. While each of the fictional characters were embraced in their political worlds, Gabbard was told she was too young and inexperienced to be in politics. Instead, she should sit back and wait awhile (Tulsi Gabbard). In reality, Gabbard’s situation represents oppression. Those among the political world and outside it didn’t believe she was capable of effectively doing her job at such a young age. The fictional women politicians are given all of the power, while women in real life struggle to keep a grasp on it. Television portrays the female politicians as individuals who are always heard, and rarely are they ever not heard. However, the real truth is women like Gabbard face issues with oppression and privilege more much often than her fictional counterparts let on.

            Today, women, while relatively small in size, have a voice in the American government and political systems. Since day one, all women who have held government positions haven’t had it easy. Be that as it may, many fictional representation of women in politics do not reveal the true ordeals real women in politics face. In reality time and time again they are judged based on their intersectionality and face drastic differences between their oppression and their privilege. When taking into consideration Tulsi Gabbard, an American politician, gaining a truly heard voice can be hard due to the acclaim women politicians are receiving for being women in politics−they are always politicians identified by their gender.

Works Cited

"Daily Hurdles." Makers, www.makers.com/moments/daily-hurdles. Accessed 17 Nov. 2016. 

"Clarity after the Military." Makers, www.makers.com/moments/clarity-after-military. Accessed 17 Nov. 2016. 

"Frustrations of Congress." Makers, www.makers.com/moments/frustrations-congress. Accessed 17 Nov. 2016. 

Huettman, Emmarie. "Tulsi Gabbard, Rising Democratic Star from Hawaii, Makes
     Mark on Party by Defying It." New York Times [New York], 28 Nov. 2015. 
          New York Times, www.nytimes.com/2015/11/29/us/politics/tulsi-gabbard-rising-democratic- star-from-hawaii-makes-mark-on-party-by-defying-it.html. Accessed 17 Nov. 2016.
Meghani, Mihir. "Pluralism Reaches A Milestone In America." Hinduism Today 35.2 (2013):    56-57. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 Nov. 2016.

"Patsy Mink: A Woman Unafraid." Makers, www.makers.com/moments/patsy-mink-woman-unafraid. Accessed 17 Nov. 2016. 

"Tulsi Gabbard." Makers, www.makers.com/tulsi-gabbard. Accessed 17 Nov. 2016.  

An Overview of the "Suffragette"

Summary:
           Director Sarah Gavron’s 2015 film Suffragette, follows the life of Maud Watts, a young working wife and mother living in 1912 era London. Unexpectedly, Maud finds herself thrown into the suffragette movement, alongside a number of women, fighting for equality and voters rights. She and her fellow suffragettes soon finds themselves facing backlash at every corner- from their families, employers, neighbors, and local law enforcement. Ultimately, Maud finds herself at a crossroads between keeping her family together or continuing to support a just cause. 

Here's a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=056FI2Pq9RY

Analysis:

                    Throughout the history of mankind, women have faced dehumanization. Time and time again, they have fought and struggled for their own power against men. Their power to be equal to the male gender without the barrier of sexism between the two. Sarah Gavron’s 2015 film Suffragette, illustrates the challenges women have faced to gain the same freedoms and liberties as men. Many feminist concepts and principals found during the film’s duration illustrate the limits of the female image and challenges modern day feminist values.

            From the very beginning of the movie, power is shown to be strictly reserved for men. One of the very first scenes of the film features Maud walking past a shop with mannequins− two children and a mother− in the display. Suddenly, a number of women start throwing rocks through the window, yelling, “Vote for Women” and “Fight for Women!” Following their act of public disobedience, the acting women are quickly taken down by the all-male police officers, both through physical means and actually taken to jail. By immediately handling the situation, the police −the men− demonstrate their power over the protesting women. They indirectly relay the message that women are not supposed to speak out nor are they to challenge men. This message completely challenges the foundation of feminist values, who believe both men and women are equal to one another, while the women of the time epitomize the values of feminism.

           Many more similar acts of male dominance over women take place during the film. For instance, following Maud’s further commitment to the women’s suffrage movement and being kicked out by her husband, her son is given up for adoption. Maud’s husband, Sully, does this completely on his own without notifying or receiving permission from her. The example again goes to show that men hold power over women within the family. These actions reflect how limited the image of a women was during the time period. The role of wife and mother was entirely separate from that of partner and parent. This distinction represents why feminist values were established. Because they recognize that they’re everyday roles are downplayed by men and strive to reach a point where husband and wife, father and mother, are equally partners and parents in the relationship.

            Further into the film, Maud’s testimony to parliament displays the complexities of oppression and privilege between men and women. During her testimony, Maud describes how the dangers of working at her workplace, Glass House Laundry, under the control her employer Mr. Taylor. She elaborates on the poor conditions, child labor, unequal pay, and health risks of women. Additionally, she mentions how men have higher pay, aren’t as likely to suffer under the poor work conditions, and receive less health risks in comparison to women. These different factors between each gender represent gender oppression and privilege in the workplace. Women are oppressed in the workplace by being forced to endure worse conditions than their male coworkers. Due to their gender women are denied the basic human rights that are given to men. By having their human rights identified by their employer men hold both privilege and power over women. The discrimination of women in the workplace reflects women as objects, replaceable and cheap. Maud’s testimony on men and women in the workplace reflects what feminist want to move away from− unfair and unjust treatment alongside males− and ultimately change.

            Women have always played the supporting roles in the history of the world. Often times these supporting roles have limited the images of women in others eyes. However, goals towards equality and voters rights have worked to transform feminist values to what they are today. The Suffragette bring to lights the many issues concerning gender, power, and oppression./ privilege in early 20^th century Great Britain.