(watch from 2:45-3:11)
Chapter 3 from Female Chauvinist Pigs by Ariel Levy begins by highlighting the career of Sheila Nevins, who worked for HBO as its president of documentary and family programming. The chapter explains how Nevins was criticized for her work on the documentary G-String Divas, which depicts women in a sexual nature (specifically, the show was about strippers). The show was argued as degrading to women, to which Nevins responds proudly that she loves the “sex stuff” and questions, “What’s the big deal?” Nevins used sex to advance herself within a male dominated field, arguing that women taking off their clothes for the pleasure of others is far less degrading than the idea of not being able to provide for one’s family. Who’s to say Nevins is wrong? She is an example of a powerful woman, yet she uses sex to her benefit.
Female Chauvinist Pigs highlights that women who embrace sexuality often feel empowered and confident. They let go of their “girly-girl” sides and embrace what men seemingly love: the sexual nature of females. Does this harm feminism or help to build it? By using sexuality to empower ourselves are we degrading the female body or does it make us powerful because we gain the upper hand? These questions are up for debate, but in the end it’s all up to your interpretation of the matter.
I chose this clip from That 70’s Show not only because I think it’s funny, but also because I believe it represents this debate quite well. Jackie makes a point that sex can manipulate men to a woman’s liking, giving her power. The viewer may find humor in this because she believes Jackie is correct, or that Jackie is stupid and a disgrace to females. Again, it’s up to interpretation.
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