Gender/Feminism/Queer Studies; Alison Bechdel & The Bechdel Test
Today, please watch the following videos at the links. Then, post a COMMENT in the COMMENT section of this blog (below) about a film, novel, or tv show that does not pass the Bechdel test. Explain why this may be an issue of concern or problem. If it's not, why not?
Then explain what the Bechdel test is (what are its rules, for example) and why it might be important when examining pop culture, media, or literature? Feel free to comment on the linked videos.
With the rest of the class period today, please continue reading Fun Home and use the book to answer the following questions as a "take-home" quiz (due Thursday, see homework).Then explain what the Bechdel test is (what are its rules, for example) and why it might be important when examining pop culture, media, or literature? Feel free to comment on the linked videos.
Fun Home: discussion questions:
- An "artificer" is a skilled craftsman/craftsperson or inventor. Give some reasons where, how, and why Bechdel uses this trope in the book. (Note: there are 3 parts to this question: where does Bechdel use the idea of an "artificer," how is it used, why does she make this allusion?)
- Allusions abound in this book. List examples of allusions used in the book. [hint: look for graphics or illustrations in the book that show titles of other books...what are some of these books?] Research the books and explain the significance of at least 3 of these allusions.
- Who were Daedalus & Icarus? Comment on Bechdel's use of this mythological allusion in the book. Are there other allusions that you caught? What might the allusion mean? How does she use the myth as a thematic structure to provide meaning in her graphic novel?
- Explain why the setting of this book (and its title) are both ironic and appropriate for this story? Remember: irony is verbal, situational, and dramatic.
- As much as it is unraveling the mystery of her father's strange life and death, how does Bechdel's own life parallel that of her father? Is this an effective strategy to use, do you think? Why or why not?
If you have time remaining in class, please continue working on your Atwood Style short story draft, or try your hand at a graphic novel like Fun Home. You might also write an essay examining a favorite film or tv show and how it does or does not pass the Bechdel or Mako Mori test(s). Written work can be workshopped and created for your upcoming portfolio for MP3.
HOMEWORK: Complete the 5 questions posted above as a "take-home" quiz (and complete Fun Home for our discussion Thursday). Answers to the 5 questions are due by Thursday (no late work accepted for this "test"!)
Comments
-they interact and talk with each other
-talk about something other than men
It isn't really much to do with feminism and more to do with the interactions of gender within film and media. It's a very simple and basic test that doesn't require much and it's very surprising that a lot of modern movies don't pass.
A film that does not pass the Bechdel Test:
Finding Nemo 2003: There are lots of male characters and approximately three females (Dory, Flo, and Peach). The female characters don't have a conversation.
This is an issue because we don't see the female characters engaging. Disney films inspire lots of kids as children are always watching animations. Kids are like sponges and when they see that females are not having good relationships, it affects their overall view. They start to think that the only reason that females interact is to talk about a male, which is not true. Females are able to talk about life aspirations and future plans. These movies don't depict the idea about females empowering one another or talking about their success. This is not a good reflection for little girls.
The Bechdel Test Rules:
1. Are there two or more women in it?
2. Do they have names?
3. Do they talk to each other?
4. Do they talk to each other about something other than a man
The Bechdel Test is important when examining pop culture, media,or literature because it portrays the relationship between women. Women are seen as inferior to men. Pop culture should empower females. Females should be able to interact about other things in life other than a man. It assesses the presence of women in movies and the way they engage. If a movie or a novel pass the Bechdel Test, society gets closer to the social goal of having both genders seen as equally important. In pop culture, this allows for women to have stories and to have a deeper character that relates to other women around the world. It shows the importance of women lives other than the men in it. The Bechdel Test has allowed for more woman friendly films, books, and game characters.