Tropes vs. Women: #3 The Smurfette Principle

The Smurfette Principle was named two decades ago by Katha Pollitt, when she noticed that there were a disproportionate amount of male characters in programming aimed at young people. Even in adult programming, when women do appear in the primary cast of a television show or movie, they are usually alone in a group of men. Sadly, this trope has made its way into the 21st century.

For a full transcript visit: http://www.feministfrequency.com/2011/04/tropes-vs-women-3-the-smurfette-prin...

Check out Nostalgia Chick's video on the Smurfette Principle - http://blip.tv/file/3122155

Also, be sure to check out the Smurfs episode where Smurfette is created! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCnj5Vk-1V0

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Bechdel Test
• Daily Show
• Hollywood
• Inception
• Jim Hensen
• Jon Stewart
• Katha Pollitt
• Smurfette Principle
• Smurfs
• Star Trek
• Star Wars
• The Muppets
• Tokenism
• Transformers
• Winnie the Pooh
• disney
• Autobots
• Michael Bay

[helloolittleworld]

Hi, I just discovered your videos they're really interesting. I don't really agree with the smurfette principle in the big bang theory, I mean that's the whole point of the show: 4 geeks who have never met a girl in their lives, so the smurfette principle in that case is the very reason why we love the show. And i was wondering: What is your point of view on sex and the city? I know everyone seems to be thinking carrie is the ultimate feminist but I don't agree with that at all.

[feministfrequency]

@helloolittleworld Just because you like the format of the show doesn't change the fact that it is a still engaged in the Smurfette Principle. As for SATC, I have lots of thoughts about it, more then I can fit here but I would never in a million years think of Carrie as a feminist.

[Handofcrom13]

Miss Piggy wasn't the only female Muppet. What about Janice of The Electric Mayhem?

[feministfrequency]

@Handofcrom13 The Smurfette Principle is about the group that makes up the main cast, Janice is not a main character.

[Bairinde]

@feministfrequency

TBBT does have recurring female characters, though. I'm thinking about Leslie Winkle, Penny's friend Bernadette, Sheldon's friend Amy, Raj's sister Pria... She's NOT the only female cast member.

[Applepopess]

I'm really happy about Amy and Bernadette having regular appearances on TBBT now, but the show still reinforces sexist stereotypes (and it pains me to say this cause I really like the show). For example, in a recent episode Amy is upset when Sheldon does not acknowledge her work and distinction. The (rather forced) apology that reconciles her is explicitly not Sheldon's reluctant acknowledgment but jewlery. Instead of the successful rightfully awarded scientist she becomes a gold digger.

[marquezmargaret0]

dont 4get elaine of seinfeld

[marquezmargaret0]

@lovelylostlady i think thats a pretty common experience

[lovelylostlady]

I remembered the first time I realized that as a kid I related to the male character more than the female characters. Female characters were never the main part of the story so I disregarded them. I was disregarding my own gender without even knowing it.

[Tulipstarful]

I don't think Ellen Page would appreciate being called "smurfetted" since she's short in real life, heheh.. All jokes aside, I love all your videos. I find myself agreeing with your enlightened opinions constantly or feeling educated or my eyes opened about things I didn't notice before. Yours is definitely my most-est favorite youtube channel of all time. Also, great job with the editing!

[skillzbeat]

It's funny how there's the lazy one, grouchy one, the leader one, and the lady one. It's like woman aren't half the population, they're a sub-category of human. Male is the default in our world, sadly. This really needs to change.

[ButterflyRedrum]

I really like this one.

[whataboutredlorry]

@needles1987 Yeah, Major Hoolihan... and she even looks like Smurfette!

[Simim23]

@feministfrequency I just want to point out that while the Muppets may follow the Smurfette Principle, Henson made other things too. What about Fraggle Rock? Mokey and Red are female, don't revolve their entire lives around Gobo, Wembley, or Boober, and exhibit fully fleshed out, well-rounded characters.