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Comparing The Woman Men Don T See And Thelma & Louise

Decent Essays

‘I hope you’re packed, little housewife, ‘cause we are outta here tonight.’
‘It’s a normal source of companionship, Don 't’ tell me you’re trying to be some kind of man hater.’
The Woman Men Don’t See by James Tiptree, Jr (1973) and Thelma & Louise (1991), directed by Ridley Scott teach audiences that attitudes and stereotypes are the strongest form of control. These texts instruct audiences to believe that attitudes and beliefs that differ from the norm are responsible for creating oppression, alienation and discrimination.

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 …show more content…

Don goes on to describe Esteban, displaying the motif of sexual references present in both mediums, “Are they having fantasies about Esteban?” Don often reverts to reluctant romanticised image of Mayans. Throughout the novelette, Don presents himself as superior to Esteban as he demonstrates him imperialistic and white superiority/colonial mentality: “[The Yucatan people’s independence] comes from never having been conquered.” The Might is Right concept is a clear form of suppression from a powerful institution or people group that see themselves as superior. As demonstrated in the novelette, women are also subject to this oppression. Ruth Parsons’ character explores the female experience in the Second Wave of Feminism (1960s-70s) through the motif of sexual innuendos, “classic penetration target.” A subtle form of oppression is highlighted when Ruth says, “Men live to struggle against each other; we’re just part of the battlefield,” Parsons places significance on the fact that men either treat women as collateral damage that can be tossed away, or be ‘kept’ as prizes and trophies which only serves to objectify women, “We’ll be back where we always were: property.” Additionally, Thelma & Louise emphasises the oppression females face through sexual references and being sexualised through the character of Harlan and his predatory archetype.

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