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Blog #1: Positive Stereotypes

 

Movies and television shows have a history of attempting to make audiences like female characters that are portrayed as attractive but with a lack of personality. The character is typically noted and applauded by others for her beauty, which does not appear as a negative portrayal of women. The issue, however, is that some women in the media are primarily characterized by their good looks and are not given any other form of identity. They are treated like their beauty is their personality, which gives the impression that women can only be respected and liked if they are pretty.

One of the most well-known women in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Natasha Romanoff, also known as “Black Widow”, was introduced under that positive stereotype. Her first movie was Iron Man 2, where she first appears in a tight-fitting blouse, catching the attention of the male characters, most significantly Tony Stark, who looks up more information about her. She then defeats one of Stark’s friends in a sparring match, which surprised the men watching, indicating that a woman able to successfully fight a man is almost impossible if she is so beautiful.

Romanoff is given more characterization in later films and has become well-liked by fans such as myself. She is portrayed as a serious and goal-driven individual that is holding back her emotions and trauma. Looking back on Iron Man 2, it is a shame to witness her initial depiction was reduced to her sex appeal.

Comments

  1. Sarah C.January 29, 2022 at 2:24 PM

    I think it's really interesting that Black Widows portrayal has changed since Iron Man 2. Do you think she still fits into the stereotype nowadays?
    As someone who grew up on DC comics, so many female characters are sexualized in ways that male characters aren't. Just from my experience, I see a lot of female villains being hypersexualized (Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Catwoman, the list goes on). I don't know a lot about Natasha's backstory, but was she ever considered a villain or a morally grey character?

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    Replies
    1. Shannon KilbrideFebruary 5, 2022 at 5:22 PM

      Natasha was originally portrayed as a villain that was indeed sexualized, which continued as she transitioned into a hero. Marvel does tend to sexualize their female heroes with their outfits while DC definitely does the same but with villains.

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