Although Tank Girl was an intriguing and feministic film, I also felt taken aback at times. Although Tank Girl was not scared to go after what she wanted, she also did whatever it took to get what she wanted, even if it might be construed as inappropriate. Tank Girl embodied the postfeministic behavior that suggests that women can get what they want when they act in a seductive manner and put their "best assests" to use. But I wonder if Tank Girl and other women who support postfeminism should be conscious of not crossing the line? How far is too far? At times Tank Girl acted "slutty" and in a sense even sold her body in order to benefit herself and put herself in a position of power over women. It was at these times during the film that I was shocked and wondered if women like Tank Girl are promoting a slutty stereotype for women? Does Tank Girl's behavior only encourage men to continue to belittle women and treat them are a mere tool needed for sex? I applaud Tank Girl for not being afraid to stand up for herself, but is there a different way that she could have done so?
Monday, April 18, 2011
Unit 3 Post
Tank Girl was an interesting movie to watch, and as the movie progressed, I found similarities between Tank Girl and some of the other female characters we've read about in this unit. Like most of the other characters in the novels from this unit, Tank Girl is a powerful female figure. While watching the film, she reminded me of Shori because neither Tank Girl nor Shori were afraid to stand up to men. Within their relationships, both Tank Girl and Shori possessed power and neither was ruled by the men in their relationships. In the beginning of the film, Tank Girl threatens to shoot her boyfriend when she finds him stealing water. Although this was just a mock fight and it was all for fun, it showed that Tank Girl was not afraid to act in a domineering nature toward men. This reminded me of Shori's behavior when she interacts with men, but she is the one "in charge" in her relationships and was certainly not hesitant in telling men what to do.
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I feel very connected to what you are saying Allison because I was thinking very similar thoughts throughout the film. I actually found Tank Girl just plain “trashy”. Not because she was poor and had a weird hair-cut, but because of the things she said and the actions she made. For example, she would just flat out curse in normal conversation. I cannot remember an exact quote, but I know even when she was talking to other characters in non-stressful situations she swore. She also whored herself out. Sometimes she only made progress because she used sex as her tool. For example, she only distracted her enemy when she wasn’t paying attention and he snuck up on her at the look-out spot because she emphasized her stripping skills. She was giving the enemy pleasure to gain her advantage. To me, these qualities to this extent can seem trashy, but to post-feminists they may think differently.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do think Tank Girl was a great character and I did root for her and want her to be triumphant, and I think she did have some other qualities that helped to accomplish that. First off, she was very witty and humorous which not only distracted the head enemy character, but also provoked him. To still triumph in the end (even if it was with a little help). On that note, she was also personable. Making so many strong friendships (such as with Jet Girl and the kangaroo things) was important to her success as well, which shows how building connections is also important. She also did not let anyone walk over her self esteem and took care of her family. She fought for her little sister until the end. She did not let anyone walk all over her.
So, overall, I think if Tank girl toned down the sex and “trashiness” (my opinion)/ “sluttiness” she would be more of a role model. Then she would not be giving the enemy pleasure and she could focus on values that can make women stronger without resorting to using men’s natural instincts to their advantage.
I agree with you when you talk about how you were taken back at times by the way in with Tank Girl got what she wanted. It is hard to consider her to be a big hero and "look up" to her as you might with heroines when she is acting in such a way that we typically look down upon. It makes it hard to see the good that she is doing when its shadowed by her provocative acts.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you connected TanK Girl to other female characters we have read about. I think drawing on the similarities these powerful women have allows viewers to invasion why these women are viewed in that light. I agree with how the women stood up to men and would not back down. I really liked how Tank girl new who she was and wasn't afraid to be herself. However, I do agree with Haylee and Aimee in the sense that Tank girl did have some trashy qualities. Her appearance always flaunted her sexuality. Also she used hers sexuality to help her to escape/ mess with men. SO in essence is this sending the right message? I mean she stands up to men but sometimes she does it in a trashy manner that does not remind me of a hero.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you're saying. I think it raises an interesting question. In order for a woman to be strong, powerful, and assertive, does she have to be "off the wall," inappropriate, trashy, and at times, a "bitch"? Does she have to use her sexuality to get what she wants? She also could be seen as sort of "promiscuous," after all, she begins a sexual relationship with a kangaroo-man. The movie definitely challenges scripts but at the same time, it still utilizes the culturally "acceptable" form of a woman being powerful, she has to be the total opposite of what people expect her to be.
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