Choose a movie or series (released after 2020) that deals with questions of gender.
This 2500-3000 word paper should briefly describe the story and provide an analysis of the gender representations. Integrate at least 5 gender communication concepts we have learned in class and show how they can be applied to the movie/series. Draw your theories from Chapters 5-11 in your textbook. Follow the guidelines below:
Describe and analyze the text. Consider the language, conversation and nonverbal messages present in the gender representations in the movie/series.
Compare and contrast how people of different genders are represented in your movie/series.
Compare and contrast the verbal and non-verbal gender representations in your movie/series.
Use at least five of the concepts learned in class to analyze the gender representations in the movie/series. Describe each theory and provide examples from your movie/series.
Evaluate of the role of the media in framing and prioritizing private and public issues as a consequence of how gender is represented in your movie/series.
Title: "The Queen's Gambit" (Released in 2020)
Introduction:
"The Queen's Gambit" is a Netflix miniseries based on the novel of the same name by Walter Tevis. Set in the 1960s, the story follows the life of Beth Harmon, a young orphan with an exceptional talent for chess. As she navigates her way through the male-dominated world of competitive chess, the series explores themes of gender representation, societal expectations, and the challenges faced by women in a predominantly male field.
Analysis of Gender Representations:
"The Queen's Gambit" offers an insightful portrayal of gender representations through its characters and their interactions. The language, conversations, and nonverbal messages provide a foundation for examining gender dynamics within the series.
Language: Throughout the series, the language used by characters reflects prevalent gender stereotypes of the time. For instance, male characters often use patronizing and dismissive language when referring to Beth's abilities as a female chess player. They frequently underestimate her skills and attribute her success to luck or chance. This reflects the societal belief that women were inferior to men in intellectual pursuits.
Conversation: The conversations in "The Queen's Gambit" highlight both the challenges and opportunities faced by women in a male-dominated field. Female characters, including Beth, are often subjected to condescending remarks and belittlement by their male counterparts. They are expected to conform to traditional gender roles and face resistance when challenging societal norms. However, supportive conversations between Beth and other female characters reveal the importance of solidarity and mentorship among women in overcoming these obstacles.
Nonverbal Messages: Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in portraying gender dynamics in the series. For example, body language and facial expressions are used to convey both dominance and vulnerability. Male characters often display assertive body language to establish their authority, while female characters may adopt more submissive postures to navigate within a patriarchal society. These nonverbal cues reinforce societal expectations regarding gender roles and power dynamics.
Comparison of Gender Representations:
"The Queen's Gambit" presents a contrast in the representation of different genders within the chess world. While men dominate the competitive chess scene, the series highlights the exceptional talent and determination of female characters like Beth.
Male Representation: Male characters are portrayed as confident and ambitious individuals who hold positions of power within the chess community. They often exhibit assertiveness, competitiveness, and strategic thinking. However, the series also acknowledges the pressure imposed on men to conform to societal expectations of success and masculinity.
Female Representation: Female characters face numerous challenges in their pursuit of success within the male-dominated chess world. Beth's journey serves as a focal point for exploring these challenges, such as overcoming gender bias, breaking down stereotypes, and asserting her skills in a highly competitive environment. The series emphasizes the resilience, intelligence, and determination of these female characters, highlighting their ability to challenge societal norms.
Verbal and Nonverbal Gender Representations:
"The Queen's Gambit" portrays both verbal and nonverbal gender representations to highlight the complexities of gender dynamics.
Verbal Representations: The series frequently depicts instances where male characters underestimate or dismiss the abilities of female characters. This verbal representation reinforces gender stereotypes prevalent during that era and demonstrates the biases faced by women in pursuing their passions.
Nonverbal Representations: Nonverbal cues in the series reflect gendered power dynamics. Male characters may adopt dominant postures, gestures, or facial expressions to assert authority. Female characters, on the other hand, may display more submissive body language or use nonverbal cues to challenge traditional gender roles subtly.
Application of Gender Communication Concepts:
Gender Stereotypes: "The Queen's Gambit" highlights how traditional gender stereotypes limit opportunities and perpetuate bias against women in male-dominated fields like chess. Beth's journey challenges these stereotypes as she defies expectations and proves her exceptional talent.
Gendered Language: The series illustrates how language can reinforce gendered power dynamics through patronizing remarks or dismissive attitudes towards female achievements. Beth's encounters with such language underscore the need for linguistic inclusivity and respect for women's accomplishments.
Double Binds: Beth faces double binds throughout the series as she struggles to balance her passion for chess with societal expectations of femininity. She is pressured to conform to traditional gender roles while also needing to prove herself within a male-dominated arena.
Glass Ceiling: "The Queen's Gambit" exemplifies how women encounter barriers like a glass ceiling that limit their upward mobility and recognition within their chosen fields. Beth's struggle against these barriers emphasizes the need for dismantling systemic obstacles that hinder women's progress.
Intersectionality: The series recognizes how gender intersects with other social identities such as class and race. Characters from marginalized backgrounds face additional barriers due to these intersecting identities. Jolene, an African American character who befriends Beth, confronts racial discrimination alongside gender bias.
Media's Role in Framing Private and Public Issues:
"The Queen's Gambit" reflects how media can influence public perceptions of gender roles and shape discussions around social issues. By emphasizing Beth's journey as an exceptional female chess player, the series challenges societal beliefs about women's capabilities in traditionally male-dominated fields. In doing so, it sheds light on the media's potential to reframe public discourse surrounding gender representation and equality.
Conclusion:
"The Queen's Gambit" provides a compelling exploration of gender representations within the context of a male-dominated field like competitive chess. Through language, conversations, nonverbal messages, and character portrayals, the series reveals both the challenges faced by women and their resilience in breaking down barriers. By applying key concepts learned in class, we can analyze how gender stereotypes, language usage, nonverbal communication, double binds, glass ceilings, intersectionality, and media influence shape our understanding of gender representations within the context of this captivating series.