First paragraph:
Start with the quote – “We’ve always been waiting for female superheroes. Because women want to be them and men want to do them”
Explain the quote, contradicting itself, in one aspect female superheroes are portrayed as an idol or role model for other women, however the quote also reinforces the stereotypical view of women being a “sex object” The fact that men want to “do” women (sex) shows that there is no progress in the representation of women, and shows no respect towards them.
Is this still the case with superheroes? Originally superhero genre – male dominated. The hero was a strong male character, and if there was a female character she was represented as subordinate and inferior to the man (also had no superpowers)
-However, in women seem to be represented more equally such as wonder woman and in Heroes, the main character is Claire, who is central to all the other characters and the main plot.
Second Paragraph:
What is a superhero? What are the conventions, and what it takes to be a superhero?
Originally: wore a cape
Outfit – tightly fitted/skin tight.
Secret identity, therefore they have a second character – eg
Heroes does not conform to these common traits: None of the characters wear any time of costumes, no second name.
However, they do try to hide their ability as they are afraid they will be taken away, and “tested” on like an animals.
Similar to Smallville, superman is not shown in the stereotypical manner, and portrayed as “normal” which all the characters want to be.
Eg nikki, Nathan and Claire trying to hide and fight against their abilities, and lead a “normal” life.
This may indicated a change in the genre, superhero was seen as more of a fantasy, fairytale, in which enabled the audience to create a form of escapism.
However, now the superheroes portrayed – sci fri. thriller ( eg the murders in Heroes by sylar)
Third Paragraph
History of superheroes
Originated from comics e.g. dc comics created the first – superman.
First comic/first superhero firm. Examples.
The Golden Age of superheroes –
Why/When did they become increasingly popular =
World War Two – rise of superheroes. Presented a tale of good vs evil, and therefore created patriotically themed superheroes as they needed a hero – to be saved.
A form of escapism during the hardship of war.
Also during the second world war women started working and took on the roles of men. Therefore they obtained more freedom of will.
This was also reflected in the comics – 1941 – Wonder Woman made her first appearance.
It soon become the second best selling comic in the DC line of superhero characters.
Fourth paragraph
Various representations of characters and gender roles – presented in superheroes.
Originally men had always been portrayed as macho and masculine.
“masculinity is a socially constructed performance” (on paper)
Men feel the need to be masculine (– large, bigger than a female, powerful) in order to take on the role of a breadwinner and support the women.
e.g. Superman – high angle shot used to reinforce the superiority, and male dominance of the characters.
Commonly women were shown as passive, weak and emotional. No superpowers.
Just the typical role “a bit of skirt” (essay)
They were not regarded as important either, main focus on the male character.
“they were overshadowed by the apparent visibility of young men” (book)
Fifth Paragraph
Explain the theorists that you need to talk about.
Representations of women
Laura mulvey – the male gaze
Although women taking on similar roles to men, still wearing skimpy revealing clothing, fitting into the expected images – what the audience want.
They want a set genre and need they expectations to be met.
Cortese – perfect provocateur.
This was not only for women, but also accounted for men, and the new expected image of men shown. (similar to casino royale – and the fact that superheroes have always worn skin tight clothing)
Women shown as two ends of the spectrum –
Madonna – Claire – Thelma
Whore – Nikki – Louise
Sixth paragraph
Is this still represented in superheroes?
Women have progressed in the sense that they are also the main characters and have similar superpowers to male characters.
Taking on the role of men (men facing a masculinity crisis)
They are able to take on the similar roles to men – could indicate a decline in “masculinity”
However these characters still represented as sex objects.
Wonder woman – “infected with the need to conform to certain images of beauty” – Germaine Greer (ibid.: 23-24)
Thelma and Louise – taking on mans role. Road trip seen as a typical mans film.
Thelma – goofy housewife, married to a controlling husband. madonna
Louise – young, free single and more outgoing. – whore
Seventh Paragraph
Further indicated in Heroes
Claire is the main character, she is central to the plot and all the other characters, showing that she is the main focus and has taken over the male role.
Shown as a superhero, throughout the seasons sylar is after her power, showing that she is vital and the strongest character. Also characters such as Suresh reveal that they “need” Claire in order to live (her regenerating blood)
Fighting against men as well.
Saves the man from a burning fire, showing that she is the only character to have a “masculine” role as she partakes in physical strength e.g. running into the fire, and carrying the man out. Also enduring the pain of the fire – similar to superman (typical scene of him pushing an airplane)
On the other hand they are still shown as weak – “save the cheerleader” the tagline of the show indicated that she needs proctected – connotes she is weak and vulnerable. Needs support from a man.
Also shows the female character in a typical American stereotype of a cheerleader – also with blonde hair.
“shocking lack of women” –
Get the quote of women being under represented – more men are generally shown on tv.
Nikki conforms to the stereotype of women represented as “whores”
She is strips on camera – for money. Showing she has become desperate and in need of support. Is not financially able to support herself and her son.
Eighth Paragraph
This is similar to men
Men in older films were shown as more muscular – bulging biceps (popeye)
Emphasizing the fact that they can “abuse their power” over women and other characters for example the villain.
(Bryson, Valerie (1999) “Feminist debates” pg 37
Conversely, heroes does not conform to these traits of superheroes – characters such as Hiro is similar to “lame” characters like “Brother power of the geek” – not very strong, weak little man.
However Hiro is still a powerful character, fighting with the sword – phallic symbol to indicate his strength even though he looks like a “geek”
Peter Petrelli – is a nurse – showing the masculinity of men is difference. Had is declined. (
The new man)
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