Positive Representations

Are you sick of all the negative gender and sexuality portrayals in popular entertainment? This blog will give suggestions on tv series, films, books, and more with positive gender/sexuality portrayals! If you have any comments, please react to the post or send a message!

[ayeforscotland]

The Onion’s journalism is the only journalism that matters. Holy fuck.

[cyberstarlope]

Pride Potions

I’ve wanted to do a series like this for a while and what better time than pride month? From left to right, top to bottom, the flags are, respectively: gay, lesbian, pan, bi, nonbinary, trans, aro, and ace

These are all available for purchase on my redbubble!

[findlgbtmerch]

Look at these! Each one is unique, not just the colors but the bottle shapes and flowers! Creative as heck!

- mod raph

[black-bloc-antifa]

[shamespirallingcavemonkey-deact]

Nick Randhawa 

I love this idea so much honestly… make them look themselves in the mirror.

[james-flint]

- prophecy 2,213

[liberalsarecool]

The Republican Party has a war on Christian babies, toddlers, and children held in their custody. They are being treated worse than terrorists.

Trump and Stephen Miller should be at the Hague.

[f1m2pete]

And if your response is “well they and their parents broke the law” then:

A. Many of them are asylum seekers. Seeking asylum is NOT illegal, in fact, it is a legally protected right we have agreed to uphold.

B. By that logic, if you are SUSPECTED OF mispaying your taxes the IRS should be able to kidnap you and keep you on a concrete floor with a tinfoil blanket and no soap. People don’t magically lose their rights or status as human beings just because they’re awaiting an asylum hearing or deportation trial.

C. If you say “well they aren’t American citizens like me, so they don’t get the same rights.” -It doesn’t work like that, and it shouldn’t. If your citizenship and right to be somewhere must exist and be proven in order for your basic human rights to exist, then the government can just steal or destroy your ID or passport and boom, no more rights for you. The State has declared you an Un-person. Who are you to argue against the State?

Regardless of your stance on immigration policy this is an outrageous and immoral way to treat human beings. The government has lawyers trying to argue that they aren’t obligated to provide soap or blankets to people that the government has locked up. Defending that shows a staggering level of blindness to the possibility that this treatment could someday happen to people like oneself.

Either everyone has basic human rights, or very quickly nobody but the powerful does. Choose wisely which way you’ll support.

[fanonical]

honestly if you’re gonna defend JK Rowling following people who hate trans women, supporting people who hate trans women, whose entire ideology is about hating trans women, if you’re going to defend her agreeing with a statement that compares trans women to “foxes identifying as hens just to get in the coop”, if you’re going to say she’s just misguided, or confused, or that everybody’s flawed, or that this isn’t definitive evidence that she hates trans women; if you’re going to tell fans to stop criticising her, and to keep politics out of fandom —

unfollow us. And whilst you’re there, unfollow any trans women you follow, because they don’t deserve such a negative, dangerous presence that you are to them.

And to everybody asking us how we can still enjoy the series whilst hating JK Rowling, I leave you with this —

[positiverepresentations]

In which I have all the feminist feels about “Suffragette”, a new film about the courageous women who fought to give us the right to vote.

More film reviews here.

By @emily-rose34

[positiverepresentations]

Desert Flower

 Desert Flower is a film based on the autobiography of the Somalian model Waris Dirie. It’s the story of a girl who grows up in Somalia, facing the horrors of an extremely misogynistic community. The big theme is the circumcision of young girls, which is very dangerous, extremely painful, and traumatic. Waris goes through this experience as a young girl, and when her family forces her to marry an old man she flees. She is sent on a plane to England, where she experiences a great culture shock. Not only does she have language difficulties and problems at the customs, she is also very shocked when she learns that her friend has sex. In her experience, it is normal that women are circumcised, and when she agrees to have an operation to cure some of the damage that has been done she feels like she is betraying her culture. This film is not just a tragic and dramatic story, but also gives hope for the future, and inspires activism to change the world. Waris Dirie has a foundation to raise awareness of and eliminate genital mutiliation.

- Floor

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[930club]

VOTD: Red Hot Chili Peppers - “Dark Necessities”

There’s always a little anxiety mixed in with the excitement of a well-loved band’s record release, but when the band in question is Red Hot Chili Peppers, a band your parents listened to in college and you have listened to since infancy, there’s serious concern that they are going to ruin what they got. Leading up to The Getaway, I was getting myself ready for the depressing reality of aging band members struggling to be relevant and sub-par tunes. All of my worries were in vain. The Getaway is a great album – so great, in fact, that many critics have been calling it one of the legendary band’s best releases.

The single off The Getaway, “Dark Necessities,” is a classic Chili Peppers song, complete with clever lyrics, epic bass lines, and stunning rhythm. The song’s beauty is complemented with a wonderful video that gives me an excuse to talk about both the Chili Peppers and feminism, two of my absolute favorite topics.

The video’s duration is split between classic music video shots of the band playing their instruments, rolling around on an old couch, and sitting in sinks, and a girl gang skating through L.A.. While the moments with the band are fun, I am going to spend the rest of this piece going off about how much I love the girl gang in the video.

Women in the majority of popular music videos are traditionally used as eye candy and/or as the trophy for the male main character. They’re models who exemplify the media standard of perfection: they wear nice clothes, expensive jewelry, and makeup, but they definitely don’t fall down or get dirty. The new Chili Peppers video, however, introduces the female leads with close-ups of their fresh scrapes, bruises, and busted toes. These women are not objectified in the video at all; in fact, the only man with whom they interact is the tattoo artist they have ink their bottom lips.

Having women riding around L.A. on skateboards may not seem to be a statement, but it’s actually quite a bold one. This group of young women gets into antics usually performed by men on film. They spend all day and night riding around L.A., picking up beer at convenience stores, getting tattoos, and falling down constantly. One portion of the video focuses exclusively on the women taking hits while riding. They slide across pavement at full speed, knock into one another, and fly off their boards – all of which is practically unheard of.

Marginalized groups all too frequently have to be seen as perfect to demand respect. This is especially true for women in traditionally male spaces. In order for women to gain the same respect as their male counterpart, they have to not just be talented, but beautiful; powerful, but not emotional; intelligent, but not intimidating, and god help you if you mess up. Modern feminism is pretty good at celebrating female success stories, but with all those successes, we frequently forget to mention that women are allowed to make mistakes, and even outright fail. Watching women dressed in worn-out t-shirts and ragged shorts falling off their skateboards and slamming onto the pavement breaks the ridiculous image of female perfection that mainstream media helps enforce.

I firmly believe that art is the best catalyst for social change; what is at first radical is normalized through artistic exposure. The Chili Peppers using their substantially influential platform to normalize girls having the kind of rough and tumble fun that has been deemed “unladylike” helps women be seen as more than just a pretty face or something to be protected.

The “Dark Necessities” video, along with the rest of The Getaway, shows just how good Red Hot Chili Peppers are. The album, while definitely in the same vein as their previous releases, proves that accomplishment has not lead to laziness. The band continues to play with passion and energy, and they don’t seem like they are ready to quit any time soon. Meanwhile, the “Dark Necessities” video shows that the band is not just turning out material to be consumed by their longboarding, bro-y fan base; they are still pushing the envelope, still functioning in a very inclusive punk attitude.

-Helen Hennessey

[positiverepresentations]

I don't often reblog stuff on this page but I couldn't have put this better myself ❤️

[positiverepresentations]

In which I celebrate a group of characters who make me laugh and cry whilst not fitting into the box our society perceives as the “normal”. From jealous husbands to lovestruck teenagers, all these characters are fascinating, complex and unique.

More book reviews here.

@emily-rose34

[positiverepresentations]

Jane the Virgin

Suggested by Kelly

I fell in love with this show immediately when I started it, and bingewatched it completely! Jane the Virgin is a satirical romantic drama-comedy about a woman who gets accidentally artificially inseminated, and is pregnant while still a virgin. The show is inspired by the Venezualan telenovela Juana le Virgen. The show is absolutely hilarious and amazing in many different ways. Firstly, it plays with different genres and current events. Next to this, there are lots of crazy plotlines, and the voice over comments on these in a hilarious way, this keeps the show light and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

In terms of gender, there are many female characters with completely different personalities and backgrounds. Many of them are in power positions, and are trusted with important decisions. The male characters are also amazing: they have FEELS. Telenovela star Rogelio is extremely dramatic, loves taking care of himself (facemask, spa day, etc), he loves his family and would do anything for them. Jane’s boss Rafael has complicated relationships with everyone, whether it’s romantically or in his family. Jane’s fiancé Michael is an absolute babe who is not afraid to speak about feelings, also with his male friends!

Next to great female and male characters, the show also has romance between women! And there is a lot more to these characters than just their sexuality.

Lastly, since Jane Villanueva and her family have Venezuelan roots, the show has lots of latin American themes such as language and immigration stories. It is clear that the script is very well written and researched.

This show is absolutely amazing, enjoy!

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[positiverepresentations]

Turning Pointe

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/turning-pointe-short-film--2/x/14204279#/

Guest blogger Emily Rose writes about her new short film, Turning Pointe:

I’ve always been obsessed by dance. Not just beautiful girls onstage with tulle and pointe shoes, but the hard work and determination of men and women who torture their bodies to achieve a few moments of beauty onstage. What would it be like, to be constantly compared to others? Do you crumble under the pressure, or do you find a way to live with the competition?

That’s what I wanted to find out with my latest short film, Turning Pointe. It follows Alicia, a ballet student in her final year of school, as she prepares for the most important audition of her life. Alicia is a dedicated dancer, but she’s spent her whole school career as second best to star pupil Sophie, and now she’s determined to take centre stage in her academy’s production of Giselle.

This film is about Alicia’s relationships with the other girls in her class, specifically her rival Sophie. For this film, I felt it was important that we make Sophie a likeable, bubbly personality, because that makes Alicia’s situation all the more difficult. They’re competing for one role, and for Alicia to succeed, Sophie has to fail. It’s a cutthroat world, and this film explores what Alicia may have to sacrifice to achieve her ambitions.

Women are still woefully underrepresented in the British film industry: less than 30% of producers and less than 20% of writers are female.[1] That’s why Floor (my co-producer) and I made a decision to work with the most creative and hard-working people we could find, regardless of gender or race.

I’m still new to the film industry - I only graduated from university a year ago. When you’re on the bottom rungs of the ladder, it’s almost impossible to attract funding from professional sources, which is why we turned to Indiegogo to raise the money we need for production.

We need more films about teenage girls whose aspirations don’t revolve entirely around getting a boyfriend. I love a good swoon worthy romance as much as the next person, but I just don’t feel like they have anything to do with my life. In my experience, boys drift in and out of your life, but it’s your female friends (and sometimes enemies) who weather the highs and lows alongside you.

It was the lasting and sometimes fraught relationships with my female friends which inspired Turning Pointe. I wanted to celebrate ambitious young women who have drive and determination, even if they don’t always get what they want. I wanted friendships which are complicated by the jealousies and insecurities which we all feel (whether we admit it or not). Most of all, I wanted to celebrate the amazing feeling  of finding the people who will make sacrifices for you and encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

BIO: Emily Rose is a British writer and producer. Her previous projects include the web series Elinor and Marianne Take Barton, a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, and The Stuff of Legend, a short film about the girlfriend of a superhero vigilante.

- Emily Rose 

Want to know more? Check out the Indiegogo campaign to see the promo video, perks, and more!

[positiverepresentations]

Once Upon A Time

Once Upon a Time is a show that imagines fairytales as a reality in a different universe, and its characters end up in ours. I must admit I have a love/hate relationship with this show, because of its less than desirable visual effects and questionable plotlines (backstory of backstory). But I always seem to find my way back to this show somehow! Perhaps that is because I don’t notice myself complaining a lot about gender issues in this show, which is rare. Also it is just a lof of fun to watch!

In this reimagination of fairytales, the female characters are more positive, and they often drive the story. Many of them are strong and round characters, but not flawless. The ‘heroes’ are not perfect, and often their bad sides are explored. Additionally, the ‘villains’ are not completely evil, the reasons for their actions are explained, or they change their ways throughout the show.

Although it is not perfect, this show offers a nice alternative to fairytales as children learn them (Disney). The modern twist is not only carried out in the storyline, but also in the lessons that the show can teach its audience: You are only as good/bad as you make yourself, and you can always change your path.

- Floor

Photo 1, photo 2

[positiverepresentations]

5x18 ‘Ruby’s Slippers’ SPOILER BELOW!!!

I just wanted to celebrate with you guys that there was finally a SAME-SEX TRUE LOVE’S KISS in Once Upon A Time! I hope we will get to see more of this relationship during the rest of the season!

Gif 1, gif 2

[positiverepresentations]

Jessica Jones

CW  of this post: rape, depression, alcoholism, violence

Jessica Jones is a Netflix original/Marvel superhero show featuring a FEMALE SUPERHERO! Jessica deals with lots of mental issues, as a result of a toxic relationship and rape. I think this show deals with rape in a realistic and respectful way, mostly because rather than showing the action, it shows the trauma and scars it leaves behind. The show also deals with discussion of what is considered rape, as Jessica’s rapist genuinely believes he didn’t do anything wrong. Luckily his behaviour is condemned by all other characters in the show. Jessica’s PTSD is portrayed in a very realistic way, as well as her ways to deal with it (mental excercises from a therapist). The same goes for the alcoholism that Jessica has spiralled into due to her trauma.

Another great thing about this show is the amazing portrayal of female friendships! The bond between Jessica and Trish is always clearly more important than any boyfriends or whatever.

In terms of other representation, there is a great black superhero! He is a really interesting and round character, and another thing to celebrate about him is that he is in an interracial relationship! Sadly, it is still rare to see a black man an a white woman together on television, so I feel like this show gets some points for that.

Speaking of things that are on television: lesbians! It is quite a non stereotypical portrayal of lesbians, although they do fall into one trope we all don’t like (spoiler).

All in all, Jessica Jones is a super thrilling series, with many exciting developments, both in the characters and in the plot. Definitely worth watching if you’re into sci-fi and badass women!!

TW for the show: rape, depression, alcoholism, ptsd, violence, drugs, addiction, eating disorders, many more just be careful <3

- Floor

[positiverepresentations]

The Broad-cast

The Broad-cast is a podcast in which Natasha Kingston covers all kinds of feminist topics with various cohosts. In the description of the first episode she writes: “I’m tired of being disgusted, scared, frustrated, and angry. I’m tired of preaching to the choir on my Facebook feed or barely scraping the surface when a subject happens to come up on a podcast. I want to do something.” These episodes are aimed at educating people who are interested in feminism, and she has a website and facebook page with a platform to discuss these issues. The episodes often focus on current events such as the Black Lives Matter movement, and the bathroom bills. Natasha is absolutely amazing, her energy and anger are very infectious, and made me feel like fighting the patriarchy even more than usual. I strongly recommend this podcast to anyone who is looking to learn some more things about feminism!

- Floor

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[positiverepresentations]

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

(I’ve tried to remain spoiler free here, but to be honest, if you don’t know what happens in this film you’re probably living under a rock. How have you managed this while also knowing what Tumblr is?)

One of the most highly anticipated releases of this decade, the first film of a brand new Star Wars trilogy is not one to miss. JJ Abrams’ reboot of the extremely popular franchise is miles ahead of its predecessors regarding representation, with the two main characters being a white woman and a black man, portrayed by newcomer Daisy Ridley and John Boyega respectively.

Ridley’s character, Rey, is a breath of fresh air in science fiction; after years of being told that ‘Star Wars is for boys,’ women finally have the Jedi role model we deserve. Rey is incredibly strong and capable, having survived on a desert planet alone for most of her life. We see her able to take on several opponents at once with her chosen weapon – a long staff. However, at no point does her characterisation fall into the common trope of the ‘strong female character.’ While Rey is incredibly skilled and certainly both physically and emotionally strong, she is still allowed to show emotion; she cries freely and everything she feels written on her face. She is everything that many other films have failed to create: a well-rounded female protagonist that genuinely resonates with the audience and is allowed to show emotion and to care about the other characters.

John Boyega’s character, Finn, is a stormtrooper, trained from childhood to fight and kill for the evil first order. However, in his first battle, he refuses to shoot his blaster and decides to escape from the order with pilot resistance captive Poe Dameron before being subjected to conditioning. Finn frequently defies typical stereotypes of black men, rejecting the hyper-masculinity that comes with common portrayals. He is clearly suffering the after effects of his experiences in the order throughout the film, showing very clear signs of distress, which is unusual for a black character. The film is about him as much as it is about Rey, and the equality of these two protagonists in the narrative makes it clear that this film is aware of the impact it is having.

As well as good gender and race representation, there is a chance (if the fans have anything to do with it) that some characters have been deliberately coded as queer. While there is no certainty in this, Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) has frequently stated in interviews that he thinks his character should be gay. The chances of this becoming canon have been potentially reinforced by rumours that rewrites for Episode VIII are happening at the moment. You never know, we could potentially see some excellent and visible queer representation on our mainstream cinema screens very soon.

These characters are just the main examples of the great representations that ST: TFA portrays. It’s a fantastic thing for Sci-Fi and Action film genres to have more diversity in their characters, especially in a franchise so popular and ingrained into our society as Star Wars. With an excellent and diverse supporting cast in the form of Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, and the fantastic and inspiring Carrie Fisher, this film truly symbolises a new hope (get it?) in representation in mainstream cinema.

- Charlotte @manicpixiedreamfeminist

[positiverepresentations]

the persepolis anon again ;) Thank you for your suggestions! I also just stumbled upon the german author "Mehrnousch Zaeri-Esfahani" who wrote a novel about her childhood in iran aswell! the period of time is about the same as in satrapi's! maybe you can find it in english aswell :)

Nice to hear from you again! With my limited knowledge of German I found 33 Bogen Und Ein Teehaus, is that the one you mean? I haven’t been able to find an English translation for it unfortunately. But you’d be more than welcome to submit a review on it if you have read it (maybe even in German!).

By the way, you might also be interested in my last post about The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian! :)

- Floor