Dollhouse Is Feminist (Part 2: Response to Feminist Frequency)

I continue my argument that Joss Whedon's Dollhouse isn't anti-feminist and is in fact very feminist, this time responding directly to Feminist Frequency's take on the subject. I discuss how the audience can be sympathetic to Dollhouse employees while hating the Dollhouse itself, how season one Boyd doesn't have much of a choice in what he does, and whether Alpha's actions are indicative of a misogynistic show. I also briefly look at other shows Dexter, Bones, and CSI and whether their murderers along with Dollhouse's Alpha are all problematic from a feminist standpoint.

Clips from Feminist Frequency are used under fair use for purpose of critical commentary.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• dollhouse
• joss whedon
• feminist
• feminism
• feminist frequency
• analysis
• dexter
• bones

[elenlied]

Thank God¡¡, i though i was the only man out there, i think im gana make a video of why Feministfrequency is a Bitch¡.

[GoingRampant]

@elenlied I'm afraid you've misunderstood. This video endorses feminism but just disagrees with Feminist Frequency's take on Dollhouse. Please do not make a video to call her a bitch. This is anti-feminist. "Bitch" is used to put down women who are assertive. If you disagree with the Feminist Frequency show, by all means make a video to criticize points like I do here, but please don't take it to a personal level and engage in name-calling.

[anneofthearchives]

Hi - I just wanted to let you know I've embedded this video and Part 1 on nist . tv , a feminist video website - please feel free to submit other videos dealing with feminist themes!

[GoingRampant]

@anneofthearchives Thanks. Cool website.

[feministfrequency]

(2/2)I was commenting on the overabundance of deranged serial killers as a plot point in many popular television shows (whether it is with male or female victims, just the quantity of grotesque violence in general). And as for Bones… that will have to be saved for another time because I have *many* thoughts on why that show isn't feminist. Thanks!

[GoingRampant]

@feministfrequency I'm sorry for misrepresenting your viewpoint. I recognized your dislike of the subject matter, but I made the assumption that the bit fit with your description of why Dollhouse is misogynistic. As it seems to be a matter of taste, it doesn't seem particularly relevant to me unless you're arguing for the wisdom of repugnance, which I find flawed. As for Bones, to be fair, I'm working through the DVDs, am currently in season 4, and have only seen the odd current episode.

[torbs37]

I am SO glad that you chose to post an extensive video response about this. I too enjoy Feministfrequency; I find she is a great resource for learning about feminism and the pervasive issues in modern Western society pertaining to sexism, but I flat out disagreed with her opinion of dollhouse as well. I think dollhouse is a fabulous show, and even with the short time they have they explored so much and really let both the male and female characters shine in all of their strengths and flaws.

[torbs37]

I am SO glad that you chose to post an extensive video response about this. I too enjoy Feministfrequency; I find she is a great resource for learning about feminism and the pervasive issues in modern Western society pertaining to sexism, but I flat out disagreed with her opinion of dollhouse as well. I think dollhouse is a fabulous show, and even with the short time they have they explored so much and really let both the male and female characters shine in all of their strengths and flaws.

[slocobot1]

Feministfrequency is a smart girl who tacks on her personal agenda onto the laughable issues that is the American feminist movement. I cannot believe that you where able to pass a objective opinion to her. She seems to be looking for constant justification of why she feels the way she feels. Which leads her to shift blame onto sexism. All of her issues can be boiled down to personal taste. And like you, I just don't think that her tastes are relevant.

[elleoneiram]

I guess I thought it was obvious that one can't consent to slavery, of any sort, including sex slavery. I think that having sympathetic characters do terrible things is remarkable because in real life good people can rationalize bad things, and even bad people think they are justified. Alpha is a hint of the danger the Dollhouse can pose. I'm glad that this is at least a discussion. I've always thought that Dollhouse was feminist, but have only heard the argument that Dollhouse is sexist.

[elenlied]

I was just kidding, not serius, But its true that when a women is assertive and doenst consider Wath You have to say, she is a Bitch, An example would be that i always give my Mans point of view in her videos and she never considers them.