Why female characters should be developed
Many people enjoy watching movies. Some movies have in them a vision or dream which becomes reality. People learn new things that they have never thought about through movies and absorb them without even realizing it. The movie is one of the most influential media. However, there are few female characters in them. This is quite awkward and there are some reasons for movies to have diverse female characters.
First, movies with various female characters are evidently much more fun than others without them. The character plays a huge role to a considerable extent in movies. However, most female characters have neither a name nor her own personality. It might sound obvious, but gender-specific views inevitably limit and weaken the messages these movies are sending. On the other hand, female character development can result in the novelty that is distinguished from traditional movies. For example, George Miller, Director of <Mad Max: Fury Road>, strengthened female subjectivity to innovate existing action movie plots. To sum up, female characters make movies interesting.
Another common reason for necessity of female character is a strong influence on society. Numerous female characters are overtly sexualized and objectified. Moreover, they are blindly obedient to male characters. These kind of fixed, submissive roles can be bad for boys and girls. They can learn gender stereotypes and internalize them. Therefore, as one of the most powerful mass media, the movie must perceive its impact and pursue a better world where men and women are equal.
Lastly, why are there few female characters even when almost half of the population are women and girls? If there were more female characters and diverse characters were available, many actresses would get an opportunity to perform a better role and not 'fight over a really crappy role in a movie.' That was one of the reasons why Reese Witherspoon started her own company. Likewise, the female audience could be far more immersed in movies than now. Filmmakers should consider it since women make up half or more than half(in Korea) of the movie audience. In short, women themselves deserve more female characters.
In conclusion, female characters have to be developed for several reasons. Basically, movies can be exciting with female characters. In addition, diversity of female characters can help children overcome traditional gender role. Also, female characters are worth much more than filmmakers think. We must recognize the unequality and keep in mind that nothing changes if we stay quiet.
Seung Ji Lee: I was very impressed by your essay as your topic is so novel and interesting. That you used various and specific examples in the body paragraphs was nice. But, actually it was hard to understand the fourth paragraph. How about suggesting your third reason clearly at the first sentence? Also, it would be much better if you introudece your three reasons briefly at the final sentence of the first paragraph.
ReplyDeleteChoi Jae Yoon: Your topic, gender role or discrimination, is the one that I've always thought unfair. I think your topic and title is very interesting. It would be better if you state some examples like women character regarded less important or unnecessarily used in the movie.... (like 'Carol' in the Star Trek:into the darkness)
ReplyDeleteHwang Sue Min: I totally agree to your opinion about the casual sexual discrimination displayed in movies. It is wrong that such roles are stereotyped into certain genders. However, within the paragraphs examples should be included.
ReplyDelete