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!

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.

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.