Summary Of The Woman Men Dont See And Thelma And Louise
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Both mediums instruct audiences to believe that attitudes and beliefs that differ from the norm are responsible for creating oppression, alienation and discrimination. The Woman Men Don’t See by James Tiptree, Jr (1973) and Thelma & Louise (1991), directed by Ridley Scott, both incorporate the effect stereotypes and beliefs that differ from society’s as the central idea. The texts depicts the difficulties that some face due to their gender, race or opinion of their institution.
Throughout both The Woman Men Don’t See and Thelma & Louise, the idea of, oppression has a profound impact on the characters. This ideological concept is highlighted in both mediums through the theme of Institution versus the Individual or Might is Right. This theme is seen on multiple levels and concerns one who tries to make a difference but is unable to due to institutional force and/or influence. The ‘might is right’ ideology is a form of suppression, as seen in Thelma & Louise, a struggle between Detective Hal Slocumb and the Police Force is presented. An example is presented when Slocumb pleads with a colleague, “You know what happens. The volume gets turned way up and the next thing you know those girls are going to get shot.” The detective’s request to speak and stop the girl from doing anything rash is denied by his superior. The term ‘volume’ refers to the fact that the officers will turn their head and ignore the experiences and viewpoints of these women and shoot them on sight.