Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Brilliant Ball-Busting Ladies of the Superhero-verse

Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Black Canary, Star Sapphire, Power Girl, Supergirl, Catwoman, I could list on and on. 


Have you ever noticed how most ignorant people assume everything before Gloria Steinem was born was a bunch of chauvinistic hogwash where everyone was stupid, both men and women (don't even get me started on the "submissive Oriental girl stereotype").  But did you know Wonder Woman was created during the 1940's to be depicted as fighting the Axis Powers? Common knowledge taught in American history classes and women studies courses, women played a huuuuuuge helpful role in World War II, and they sort of got to "grow some balls." 

If you were nitpicky, you would pick apart why people use the word "ballsy" to describe women with gumption, and label it as sexist.  But I honestly don't think that's worth getting upset over.  What's wrong with being as good as men if not better? That's what it implies, right? 

Does anybody watch Justice League Unlimited? That show is long over, but spoiler alert! Batman and Wonder Woman have a hinted thing going on.  Wonder Woman would definitely count as a ballsy woman.  So would Hawk Girl, who got with John Stewart Green Lantern.  What do these two men have in common? Neither of them have innate super powers.  Sure, John Stewart has the power ring, but without it, he's just a former Marine.  This indicates that a dominating female is more mainstream now.  It's no longer a novelty.  YAY! 

I'll end on this.  I highly recommend this Justice League Unlimited episode to see a good example of "lady balls." Everybody should go and find "Grudge Match" from Justice League Unlimited and watch it.  

First week of class, it only goes downhill from here! wish me luck!
xoxo
- É

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