In the 1960s Britain was used to a patriarchal society in which men were superior and 'stronger'. the Avengers challenges this stereotype and gives women a new sense of identity through the main female role Emma Peel. it was uncommon for women to have such a prominent role on TV Emma Peel being a strong female lead, illustrates the drastic change in gender equality at the time. We see Emma living in a large flat on her own in London, with is done-up, this portrays her as a successful character and a young women who is independent, doesn't need a man to rely on and can easily look after herself. We even see her connote more sporty characteristics which were seen as only for men at the time, for example fencing- in which Emma challenges Steed, showing how Women are men's equal as she gives a strong fight almost beating Steed, in the end we see her loose to steed showing the rise in equality but also demonstrating how men are still slightly superior and we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves. when she walks away Steed slaps her bottom, this conveys the dominance at the time as in modern times this would be harassment and go straight to the police, whereas this is normal as men often sexualised women and they could do nothing about it, as this is the way they were perceived at the time.
Steed also asks Emma to get him some tea, she immediately rejects his offer and tells him to 'go get it himself' this was a big shock for people at the time as may peoples views were that women belonged in the kitchen, looking after her children and cooking for the men. this showed how women were beginning to retain a voice and that men could no longer tell them what to do, as Emma depicts a powerful young women who gets what she wants. The Avengers clearly challenges this stereotype as this kind of comment would shock the audience of this time as women classically did exactly what men wanted.
Emma Peel is also represented in tight outfits, leather etc. which sexualise her showing how men saw women at the time, and what they were seen as. this follows clear stereotypes of the 1960s and how men were towards women in society which at the time was completely acceptable for a man to treat a women this way, which meets the classic actions of a typical man in the 1960s.
Mark 10 out of 15. Good understanding of Peel with clear , detailed evidence to support your points.
ReplyDeleteYou do discuss how Steed is represented in relation to Peel, but say a bit more about him. and how his representation is constructed. Comment on the watershed issue ( in other words, follow my questions more closely).
Responses may analyse the extract in terms of representation, for example:
the inclusion of a strong female lead who uses her intelligence to solve the case challenges stereotypes of men being in control and holding all the power
the obvious sexualisation of Peel through her tight-fitting costume is a common stereotype of the genre
Peel’s need to be untied and saved by Steed supports more traditional gender stereotypes
Steed refers to Peel’s weight, as he unties her, which conforms to the gender stereotype that women should be concerned about their appearance and weight
Responses may analyse the extract in terms of media language, for example:
the mise-en-scène of Peel’s tight-fitting black cat-suit costume sexualises her for a male audience
Steed calls out to Peel with the line: ‘Mrs Peel?’ which is a sign of respect and suggests a time when women were referred to by their marital status rather than by their first name
the use of the set-piece fight sequence between two male characters is a convention of the genre
Responses may analyse the extract in terms of media industries, for example:
the programme is scheduled on primetime Saturday night television with little competition from other channels
the large budget allows for more sophisticated camerawork and a range of more interesting locations which would appeal to a wider television audience
post-watershed scheduling allows for under-currents of sexual tension between the male and female character
the post-watershed scheduling also allows for a more sexualised female character in Peel
Responses may analyse the extract in terms of media contexts, for example:
changing attitudes to gender representations through the portrayal of Emma Peel reflecting a time in which women were taking on more dominant roles in society and popular culture
undermining of the positive female role through the way that Emma Peel is sexually objectified and requires ‘saving’ by Steed