Awesome Canadian anti-rape campaign

Don't Be That Guy

Rescue Me, Redux

Today in class we'll be revisiting RESCUE ME, the FX series about NYC firefighters and their relationships.

We'll be looking at the much-debated "rape scene" in the episode SPARKS. I refer you to the earlier post including readings on the show and on this particular episode for your review.

The female characters in the show have been written about my many television critics, with most writers agreeing the female characters, in particular Janet (Andrea Roth plays Tommy's ex-wife) and Sheila (Callie Thorne plays his cousin's widow and Tommy's on-off girlfriend) are very strongly written and acted.

Some very fine actresses have made cameo and regular appearances on the show, from Tatum O'Neal (who plays Tommy's self-destructive sister Maggie) and Maura Tierney (who plays a volatile love interest), to Gina Gershon, Marisa Tomei and Amy Sedaris. But the central female characters are the two who are seemingly constantly vying for Tommy Gavin's affections. The sexual politics (or "lady troubles" as some have called it) among the female characters certainly make for some of the show's most dramatic and dynamic moments.

When a face-off between Janet and Sheila finally occurred, it was generally agreed that it had been a long time coming. Fan forums discuss, often crudely, the relative merits of each. Interestingly these woman are well aware of Tommy's shortcomings, but can't seem to let go of him. Is this indicative of their weaknesses? Or Tommy's strengths?
To be fair, both Janet and Sheila have their flaws: both are manipulative women who use sex to get what they want. For a meta-cultural take on this, real firefighters weigh in on the all-important question, Sheila or Janet?

I'm interested in hearing your responses to the episode viewed in class in its full context, particularly whether you believe your response to it may have been affected by reading the internet discussions. Do you think the appellation of "rape" is appropriate for the aforementioned scene? Why or why not?

In the News: US Judge suggests soldiers should "convert" lesbians

Although the original article has since been removed, The Raw Story and other news websites posted this story about a judge whose suggestion that lesbians join the armed forces so they can be "cpnverted" by male soldiers has been drawing ire across the interwebs. The comment section on the Pink News website posting of the story is particularly impassioned.

Thoughts?

(My chosen image for this post, conveying my own "WTF?" response, is of a female veteran of Britain's Women's Land Army during World War II.)

Meetings to Discuss Essays

I'll be on campus at 1 pm today, in the Starbucks, for anyone who cares to stop by to discuss their essay. If you don't see me, I may have stepped away for a moment, so give me time to come back.

I strongly urge you to talk over your essay with me in person. I don't really have time after class to talk with you, and so the best thing is to come to my scheduled office hours (or Starbucks hours, as the case may be) or make an appointment with me to meet you another time. I can also answer questions via email.

Your essays are due one week from today, in class, no exceptions, so make sure you're on the right track with your topic and sources. Your abstracts are due today, either in class or via email.

Riot Girls, UK Style

From the Guardian comes this story of British schoolgirls who engage in a peaceful protest to protect a police van during a eek of demonstrations. The main difference between these protests and the ones of the late 1960s: those students were mostly wealthy and privileged. These kids are from every walk of life but mostly middle and lower middle class. A very interesting and provocative event.

King Hu's Kick Ass Women

Yesterday in class I mentioned the Chinese filmmaker King Hu, who made wonderful martial films that often featured women in leading roles as fighters and warriors. I did some looking around on line and found some interesting resources. This interview is with Cheng Pei-pei, an actress who worked with King Hu on a number of films.

Hu's films were obviously a big influence on Quentin Tarentino, who shows a real affinity for Asian cinema featuring martial arts choreography and fight scenes. Oscar winning filmmaker Ang Lee also paid homage to Hu in his blockbuster film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which shared some similar scenes and moves with Hu's well-loved classic Come Drink with Me (1966) which was reissued on DVD two years ago; this review of the DVD release discusses Hu's influence on contemporary cinema.

Critical Essay Guidelines

The essay will be due in class Monday December 6, but you may turn it in anytime before that. No late papers will be accepted!

Everyone is required to submit a 100-150 word abstract of their essay by Monday, November 29th. Students are also urged to make an appointment to discuss their essay drafts, research and other issues. I will be available on Monday the 29th during the day on campus, and by appointment/arrangement that entire week.

Basic guidelines:

1. Length: 1500-1800 words.
2. Spacing: 1.5 or double
3. Endnotes, not footnotes. You may use the endnotes function in MSWord, or create a separate page and number your notes by hand in your essay text.
4. Complete bibliography.
5. You must utilize at least 3 outside sources, and use correct formatting for bibliographic information (MLA format is fine). You may use sources provided on the class blog or the handouts.
6. Your topic must be related to gender and popular culture. Be as focused and specific as possible. Feel free to email me to discuss topics this week. I am happy to help you narrow your focus and suggest source material.