New Girl Defying Old Stereotypes
When people think of feminists they often associate the term with angry, hairy women. For a few people, these associations may be due to personal experiences. However, the majority of the time this association is due to the representation of feminists in the media. From the beginning of the feminist movement in the United States and Europe, the media portrayed women involved as narrow minded as possible. Feminists were labeled “bra-burners” in the late 1900s because it created a one-issue type of feminism — the issue being their opposition to feminine trappings and beauty expectations. These narrow minded stereotypes live on and continue to enable people to diminish and disregard the feminist impact.
Contrary to this stereotype, the show New Girl presents a wide-eyed, polka dot wearing teacher living in California with her three male roommates. This teacher, Jessica Day, is passionate, smart, and politically active. She strongly identifies as a feminist and advocates for women’s rights. Interestingly, the show does not shy away from stereotypical “femininity,” and rather uses it as an identifier for Jess. She frequently talks about her love for “girly” things such as baby animals, ribbons, knitting, and baking. Furthermore, she is in a very nurturing profession and shows great care for all her students.
However, the show writers refuse to let this minimize Jess’ passion and strength. Jess defends herself against critiques of her femininity frequently throughout the show and demands respect from everyone she comes across. In one episode she defends her love of purses to one of her roommates and claims that she can still be a feminist even if she loves purses.
Rather than resorting to the old feminist stereotypes, the writers sought to explore the idea that feminism and femininity are not mutually exclusive and counteract the idea that feminists actually oppose femininity.
However, there is a clear danger to this type of feminism, which is its one dimensionality. While it is important for women, and anyone for that matter, to be able to adopt feminine traits or hobbies without critique, this is not the largest issue that feminists deal with. It is important to make femininity acceptable for both sexes and defy stereotypes, but there are countless other issues that affect women around the world. The show is not wrong for choosing to defy old stereotypes, but if they are to have Jess identify as a feminist, it is essential that they present a more well-rounded and global perspective on feminism.
