Media influence of attitudes toward women: Let's make a list...!

[bliss_eternal]

I was struck during the Duke threads by a comment about rape and General Hospital. A poster commented about the impact it had on them that Luke raped Laura, but later the two characters had a relationship. While they weren't aware of the impact at the time, it did have a residual affect in their attitudes about women, rape, consent, etc.

As I watch television and film of late I'm noticing how women are portrayed and how the men around them react to them. I would love to see some of the frequent posters to this area compile a list of the various films, tv shows, etc. that have influenced feminism and how.

Of course the lesson of General Hospital and the Luke, Laura relationship--that rape, is merely seduction and deep down every woman wants it and desires it. It can even be the foundation of a beautiful, celebrated, long term relationship. :puke:

LA Confidential--The "whore with the heart of gold" is portrayed by Kim Basinger. She and Russell Crowe's character (Bud) start to see each other. While they are lying in bed she notices a scar and asks how he got it. He confesses that his mother was beat to death by his father, and he got the scar from him. Suddenly, his soft spot for women in trouble makes sense. His character frequently rescues women that are being physically abused. This endears him to the women viewers of the film--yet later in the film, while he feels betrayed by Basinger he hits her in a fit of anger. Of course the film ends with them riding off into the sunset together.

Excuse me, but what's wrong with this picture? While this may be a true representation of many relationships, particularly those from the era portrayed in the film, why should we buy it or applaud it at the end? For me, this is exactly the kind of film that reinforces the belief that all women are responsible for the man's rage and it is forgivable and a safe bet that it will never happen again.

My personal pet peeve of late are advertisers. Excuse me, but why do they want me to hate my vagina? All the ads for cleansing it and making it smell like a meadow of daisies on a dew kissed day are disturbing to say the least. According to tv ads I should fear my vagina and it's variant odors and all I have to look forward to in life are new cleaning products to make my life so much easier :eyes:, my bones becoming weak and brittle unless I use their item, attempting to avoid panty lines, deodorant marks on my clothing and adult diapers. :wtf: I've never had a conversation with any of the women in my life about any of these "alleged" problems.

What are films, television shows or other forms of media that have offered either a positive or negative message about women, women's rights, relationships, abuse, etc.