Cochofles Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 It is just hard for males to relate to a female lead character. Not really fair, but that is just the way it is. That's clear, I just wish that I knew why. Although gender obviously colors our views and attitudes, human problems are human. I can relate to, say, a character --of any gender--falling in love or losing a parent. I just don't get why it's so hard for guys to do that if the character is female. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MovieMan89 Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 That's clear, I just wish that I knew why. Although gender obviously colors our views and attitudes, human problems are human. I can relate to, say, a character --of any gender--falling in love or losing a parent. I just don't get why it's so hard for guys to do that if the character is female. It's pretty obvious isn't it? Clearly homophobia. Most boys don't associate with anything girly for fear of being labeled gay, etc. Granted I think the issue is better today than it's ever been, but it's still a prominent issue. And in some parts of the country it's still the full blown way of thinking period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cochofles Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 (edited) It doesn't have to be "the way it is". If pop culture starts challenging it, it's possible that social constructs can change. Heck, with the Brony phenomenon gaining traction, it may already be doing so. It's gotta be social constructs; and those are really hard to challenge because we are always going to fear what others think of us, of our kids, etc. I once overheard a really good friend of mine tell his DAUGHTER not to watch MAMMA MIA! because it was a movie "for gay guys and old women," and I was really pissed at him, not only because I loved that film and I am neither 'old' nor a gay man, but because he was perpetuating a really dangerously oppresive way of thinking. It was a doubly stupid message underlying his words: "Being old is bad/being gay is bad; don't watch that film because you are neither and you don't want to be considered an old woman or a gay guy." Crazy stuff! Edited June 17, 2012 by cochofles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacquelinejane Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 It is sexism, unfortunately. There's no question that Hollywood is an industry dominated by males. There have been studies that prove that women can watch a movie with a male lead and relate to him, but it's more difficult for men to relate to female characters. It's because Hollywood makes men the 'norm' and women the 'other'. A vast majority of movies feature male leads/almost entirely male casts so women don't think twice about relating to male characters, but due to the lack of lead female roles it's (generally) more difficult for men to relate to women. No doubt a lot of that is the inherent sexism/misogyny that men are socialised to accept. I think (hope?) that after Bridesmaids both producers and audiences alike will see how wrong that is and make things more equal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impact Posted June 17, 2012 Author Share Posted June 17, 2012 Welcome to the forms Candy Cane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cochofles Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Welcome aboard, Candy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacquelinejane Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Thank you all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AniNate Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 It's pretty obvious isn't it? Clearly homophobia. Most boys don't associate with anything girly for fear of being labeled gay, etc. Granted I think the issue is better today than it's ever been, but it's still a prominent issue. And in some parts of the country it's still the full blown way of thinking period. Yep, it takes time. And regardless of how underwhelming the film may ultimately end up being, at least it seems Pixar didn't cater to that demand as much as they could've. But unfortunately it also looks like they may have gone too far the other way into making most of them into shallow buffoons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cochofles Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 LOL Love your sig, Candy! That film is a classic of epic proportions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impact Posted June 17, 2012 Author Share Posted June 17, 2012 Thank you all! Welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impact Posted June 17, 2012 Author Share Posted June 17, 2012 Well I'm still seeing this Anyway night everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cochofles Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Good night, Impact! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mojoguy Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 But unfortunately it also looks like they may have gone too far the other way into making most of them into shallow buffoons. Yeah, I don't know why Pixar did that. If the genders of all characters had been reversed, many people would be complaining how only the lead man is a badass while the rest of the women folk were idiots or just there to be cute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayumanggi Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 BRAVE is riskier than TANGLED in many ways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MovieMan89 Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 (edited) Yeah, I don't know why Pixar did that. If the genders of all characters had been reversed, many people would be complaining how only the lead man is a badass while the rest of the women folk were idiots or just there to be cute. Maybe Pixar did that on purpose to give it more of a "girl power" feel so that all the smart characters in the movie are women. For once the men don't run the show whatsoever. No Prince saving the day this time. Edited June 17, 2012 by MovieMan89 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AniNate Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 (edited) They didn't need to go that far, though. Normal males would've been enough. Her dad and brothers seem fine, but even before these reviews came out I was concerned that all the suitors were characterized as too crude and annoying just so we'd be forced to sympathize with Merida, as if they were afraid she wasn't sympathetic enough already. Edited June 17, 2012 by tribefan695 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MovieMan89 Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 They didn't need to go that far, though. Normal males would've been enough. Her dad and brothers seem fine, but even before these reviews came out I was concerned that all the suitors were characterized as too crude and annoying just so we'd be forced to sympathize with Merida. Yes, well if some reviews are to be believed the old brilliant subtle Pixar is gone. They just beat us over the head with things now, Dreamworks style. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AniNate Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Well, Pixar hasn't always been subtle, but they've been terrific with multidimensional characters. No one just existed to motivate the actions of another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claire of Themyscira Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 It is sexism, unfortunately. There's no question that Hollywood is an industry dominated by males. There have been studies that prove that women can watch a movie with a male lead and relate to him, but it's more difficult for men to relate to female characters. It's because Hollywood makes men the 'norm' and women the 'other'. A vast majority of movies feature male leads/almost entirely male casts so women don't think twice about relating to male characters, but due to the lack of lead female roles it's (generally) more difficult for men to relate to women. No doubt a lot of that is the inherent sexism/misogyny that men are socialised to accept. I think (hope?) that after Bridesmaids both producers and audiences alike will see how wrong that is and make things more equal. Welcome to the boards. This along with your other few posts already make you one of my faves. <3 Hope to see more you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iceroll Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Well with this getting poor reviews and if it disappoints at the box office then Pixar will probably be very hesitant to make another movie with a female lead anytime soon. This pattern of male-centrism is going to be very hard to break because they have to take the risk many times before it becomes the norm and successful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
