Having just subscribed to cable for the first time ever in our lives (no – I’m not kidding), I thought it might be a good time to introduce my kids to some classic television. You know – back when tv was a little more wholesome and innocent? I recall discovering some of my first strong female role-models from some of these shows, many of which had female leads who showed independence and grace. Off the top of my head, my favorites were probably “Laverne & Shirley”, “Facts of Life” and “Designing Women”. Don’t get me wrong, there are some good shows for kids on right now, but I can only take so much of “Hannah Montana” and “That’s So Raven” before I shuffle the kids outdoors to play. (Fortunately my kids are not showing signs of becoming couch potatoes since we had cable installed.)
So I’m hoping some of you cable veterans can help me out by letting me know what cable shows are good influences for women and which ones deserve to be eliminated from my remote. I’m looking more for classic tv, but I won’t impose any limitations. Is there an episode that inspired you or helped you learn a lesson? Did you identify with a particular character or situation?
I have a couple of articles in the works about my favorite shows, but I’m short on time today so I’ll post them soon. Feel free to login and post your own. Or if blogging’s not your thing, you can always leave a comment. Oh and hurry – I hear Disney’s having another “Hannah Montana” marathon!
5 comments
Idetrorce
very interesting, but I don’t agree with you
Idetrorce
gretchen
“the woman is presented in such a fashion, in just enough of a way to round out HIS character.”
Wow – I never thought of it that way. :-? I’m not much of a tv or movie watcher (I much prefer to read), but I am going to pay more attention when I’m watching now and see if I notice anything new.
Can you think of any shows or movies where this is not the norm? It is true that a lot of women’s issues are never addressed. And even when a women’s issue such as menopause is the main topic of the show, it often makes the woman out to be temporarily insane or something while the men on the show crack jokes about it. /:)
Thanks for posting that, Kiqs! :)
Kiqs
Well…this might take a second…
Women, as we write them, are designed to be one of two things: a mirror image to their male counterparts (successful, i.e., her husband is a doctor, she is also one or something comparable, a lawyer) or placed in a supportive position (housewife, non-romantic best friend). It is all dependent on the goal of the show. The purpose is to be able to only expand on the male’s point of view, position or belief through another character. Does that make sense? The same is true for many movies as well… sometimes the maternal role is eliminated completely or the opposite if the show attempts to fixate on the women– she will lack a completely developed male counterpart if any at all are consistently in the picture.
Shows to witness… I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, The Cosby Show, Honeymooners, Dinah Shore Chevy Show, All in the Family, The Brady Bunch, The Wonder Years… even Home Improvement.
While every new show comes a long way.. think of yourself and how many women you completely identify with… It’s interesting that we are normally a blend of characters. Then compare it to the man… the woman is presented in such a fashion, in just enough of a way to round out HIS character. Again, present shows have come a little way…but think of how many everyday issues, or concerns are never truly addressed… cervical cancer, miscarriage, menopause, weight gain (or loss), adultery when children are involved, re-entering the work force after raising a family… I’m sure you can think of more.
Our lives revolve around how it best serves the male and how best we will, with our dilemmas, our trials and triumphs, our attire and careers, best emphasize his story.
gretchen
“women, on television are defined by their relationships with men”
Interesting angle. :-? Care to expand on that? I’m going to think about it and come back. I really hadn’t thought of the women being defined by the men in their lives.
Kiqs
So…love the blog (and the title to boot), and will definitely keep an eye on this question, considering there really isn’t a show out there, classically, that portrays strong women. That’s So Raven, not classic, but to tell you the truth, women, on television are defined by their relationships with men…. and I write for TV.