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Postmodern Feminism

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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
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 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 female hero concept in majority of the films and programs.
Xena for instance, is among females hero that has 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
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 the 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

preserved for the 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 postmodern
industry of entertainment.
Some notable films that highlight feminism in postmodern era include films like Kill Bill volume
1 and 2 where Quentin Tarantino, a renowned film maker reverses womens role and highlights
them as very strong and with the capability of fighting for their rights. Though this means 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 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 Barsters, a program by Quentin Tarantino portrays 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 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 towards 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 plays a crucial function towards ensuring celebrated works of women before
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 plays into TV
programs and films using the work of well known works of women. For example, Pride and
Prejudice by Jane Austen has already been adapted as an award winning film in 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 plat 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 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.
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