Why 'Justice League's subtle sexism made us miss the progressive 'Wonder Women'steemCreated with Sketch.

in sexism •  7 years ago 

636467307712352618-XXX-JL-06722rv3CC.JPG

1. Lois Lane is called "thirsty

In Justice League, Martha Kent aka Superman's mom (Diane Lane) is having an intimate conversation with Lois Lane aka Superman's love (Amy Adams), after Superman's death. Martha tells Lois that her late son always thought of her as "the thirstiest young woman he had ever met." Yes, she meant to say "hungriest," but instead we get a joke about desperate women. Ha?

In Wonder Woman, however, the women are so self-sufficient and unconcerned with flirting with men that Diana (Gal Gadot) tells Steve (Chris Pine) "that men are essential for procreation but when it comes to pleasure, unnecessary." Ha!

636467306869161808-XXX-IMG-WONDER-WOMAN-JENKINS-1-1-TCJ55IU6.JPG

2. Wonder Woman has distractingly low-cut shirts

There's been plenty of online debate about the Amazons' outfits in Justice League and how they're skimpier than before. But the more distracting and low-cut outfits in the new movie are worn by Wonder Woman as she meets with Batman and other superheroes. They're all fully clothed; she has a deep V-neck sweater that plunges almost to her belly button.

Diana didn't show cleavage in Wonder Woman. Remember when she tried to be inconspicuous in her buttoned-up trench coat? That was fun. And how about when she strategically lugged around her sword in a tasteful gown? Those outfits made sense.

3. There's mild sexism

To Batman's (Ben Affleck) credit, he treats Wonder Woman like a fellow professional, and tells his butler, Alfred (Jeremy Irons), that he needs her on his superhero team because he's interested in her skill set. It's Alfred who makes the sexist joke, "I'm sure you are."

Back in Wonder Woman, though, Diana was treated very differently. Steve revered her powers so much by the end that he decided to die for Wonder Woman because, as he said, "I can save today, (but) you can save the world."

4. The male nudity is almost uncomfortable

No, we are not here to complain about seeing shirtless heroes. But Superman (Henry Cavill) spends so much time topless in Justice League that it borders on voyeuristic.

There is nudity in Wonder Woman, too: Steve is bathing when Diana, who's never before seen a man, surprises him and asks an invasive question. "Would you say you're a typical example of your sex?" Steve's naked reply: "I am above average." The scene isn't uncomfortable to watch, but rather one of the funniest-ever DCEU exchanges.

All of this begs the question: Can the comic book franchise do better going forward? We can probably answer that in November 2019, when Jenkins' Wonder Woman sequel is slated to premiere.

https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/357373049/download?client_id=a3e059563d7fd3372b49b37f00a00bcf

Podcast: Straight Up Hollywood: Unpacking what became of 'Justice League'

More: Brett Ratner scandal: Gal Gadot says he's out of 'Wonder Woman' sequel; Henstridge speaks

Also: How 'Justice League' weathered supersized setbacks to assemble DC's greatest heroes

Authors get paid when people like you upvote their post.
If you enjoyed what you read here, create your account today and start earning FREE STEEM!
Sort Order:  

Hi! I am a robot. I just upvoted you! I found similar content that readers might be interested in:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2017/11/20/why-justice-leagues-subtle-sexism-made-us-miss-progressive-wonder-woman/879436001/

Congratulations @techmala5510pro! You have completed some achievement on Steemit and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :

You published 4 posts in one day

Click on any badge to view your own Board of Honor on SteemitBoard.
For more information about SteemitBoard, click here

If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word STOP

By upvoting this notification, you can help all Steemit users. Learn how here!