Free Essay: Postmodern Feminism

Postmodern feminism refers to the feminist theory system that is inclusive of postmodern ideals and post-structuralism theory. In this regard, it is believed that postmodern feminism goes past the modernist polarity of open-minded and far-reaching feminism. Various forms of entertainment media have been out to use by postmodern feminists for purposes of furthering their ideologies. The effect of this is the influence of feminist studies that intersect sexuality, race, gender, and race issues. Film and TV are among the media widely used for purposes of furthering intersecting roles.

Film and TV are noted to incorporate the female hero concept in the majority of the films and programs. Xena for instance is among females’ heroes that have become more of a cult presented in various parts across the globe. It is not just women who followed the series but men as well who have proven to be great fans of the program. A similar phenomenon has been noted with Lara Croft’s personage video games and film which have become a cult as well. This is an indication postmodern feminism has changed gender roles from how they were traditionally perceived. Females have taken a more active role in society, a position that in the past, exclusively belonged to men. TV and film make it certain that the role of women in society has shifted from a passive one to an active one.

It is crucial as well to note postmodern feminists incorporate the approach to sex as the basis for their ideologies. This aspect is also used widely in varying TV programs as well as films. Postmodern feminists argue language is the major determiner of gender and sex. However, TV and film programs show that women have changed their language for the one previously reserved for men. For instance, profanity used by women has risen in various films and programs. This has been carried out as an effort of portraying the strength and independence of women in society today.

Television and film have proven critical towards ensuring the social standing of women is equal to that of men. In the past, women were projected as capable of being heroes and villains. The film industry throughout the globe has numerous female super-villains and superheroes. The roles they play have proven critical in aiding their male counterparts. For instance, Black Widow has proven beneficial towards ensuring the Avengers and Ironman succeed in their mission. This indicates postmodern feminists have already identified the fact men, on their own are not powerful enough as such, they require assistance from women. It is also crucial to note male filmmakers and TV program directors have adopted strong levels of feminism in the postmodern industry of entertainment.

Some notable films that highlight feminism in the postmodern era include films like Kill Bill volume 1 and 2 where Quentin Tarantino, a renowned filmmaker reverses women’s role and highlights them as very strong and with the capability of fighting for their rights. Though this means the use of violence in measures that are equal to their male counterparts, women are noted for standing up for their rights. Other TV programs highlighted to have played a crucial role in the portrayal of this ideology include Dark Angel and Dr. Quinn the Medicine Woman where the women are portrayed to use crude techniques to fight for the rights of others as well as the rights of the people they love.

Also, postmodern films are seen to play the crucial role of recognizing roles women played in historical events. Before postmodern feminism, TV programs and films lacked enough information highlighting the role of women towards the liberation of past societies. For example, Inglorious Barristers, a program by Quentin Tarantino portrays the role women played towards the liberalization of German Occupied France as well as their role in shifting the war to the side of the Allies. Though the context is fictional, it is important to note it is a reflection of the role women played in the historical events that changed the world.

This has proven critical as well in asserting the position of the woman in society as well as how they have contributed towards the development of diverse world issues. The role of women in the past was ignored in TV programs and films. This aspect plays a crucial role in making sure women receive recognition for the roles they took up in the past despite the fact that society looked down on them and often ignored their roles.

Films and TV also play a crucial function towards ensuring celebrated works of women before the postmodern era are accredited as highly praised works that could as well have been recognized during their times. Numerous adaptations have also taken place of novels and play into TV programs and films using the work of well-known works of women. For example, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen have already been adapted as an award-winning film in the postmodern era. This is regardless of the fact her work was first published in 1813 and it received critical positive acclaim, formerly, the work was not recognized in the TV and film industry till the year 1995 when a movie based on the film got released.

There are also other works that play a crucial role to highlight that since time immemorial, women have been as creative as their male counterparts. For instance, Jane Austen can fall in the same ranking as William Shakespeare. However, discrepancies have been noted in their recognition till the postmodern feminist begun airing their feeling that men and women artists are supposed to be treated in a similar manner. This is regardless of the fact they come from varying generations.

While it is accepted universally that men need women to be complete, it is crucial to note the role played by women has been portrayed as a passive one while men are always assumed to take the active roles in society. Postmodern feminists also seek to change this perspective on the basis women are able to do all the things men can do. This fact has been illustrated in TV programs and films where women have varying characteristics that previously, were possessed by men. This has proven critical in establishing the rights of women who have been empowered accordingly in other areas of life like economic activities, politics as well as careers.