Blog post #20 - Female stereotypes

 What pulls the characters together in a scene is how they are represented. It shows their personality, relations, capabilities, and overall character. In order to determine the characters, this film needs stereotypes alongside counter stereotypes. Although everyone is different, they still fall under categories.

Common stereotypes found in women:

• Dependent
• Submissive
• Emotional
• Talkative
• Indecisive
• Gentle
• Kind
• Nurturing

Now, these don't relate to all women, however, these are common stereotypes found in this gender. In movies such as Cinderella, she aligns with women stereotypes. Cinderella needed a man to save her. She was dependent, submissive, emotional, gentle, kind, etc. These stereotypes allow for the viewers to understand her character and how the story will play out.

In contrast, women similar to ‘Jo’ from the movie ‘Little Women’ go against typical women - like stereotypes. Jo is adventurous, opinionated, dominant, independent, educated, and logical. All of those characteristics are counter-stereotypes for women. Stereotypes can be hurtful especially when assumed by others. 

For my character, Bonnie, she has a mix of both. Since she suffers from a mental illness, she is already deemed illogical, emotional, dependent, and fragile. However, she will carry over counter-stereotypes such as tough and independent.