Comments on: Superman Meets Feminine Mystique: ‘Empowered’ Women in Superhero Cinema http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/ A Wealth of Online Commentary Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:27:25 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: unclegluon http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-10 unclegluon Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:04:03 +0000 http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-10 Dear Psi, Thank you for responding with complete absence of personal attacks and in a measured and polite fashion. I of course must strongly disagree with your case that Lois actions mirror those of her longtime boyfriend. Superman felt he had to return to his home so that he could resolve his inner turmoil. The film does not give us a good explanation as to why Superman tells no one where he is going, but I suspect it was a sensitive issue that he had difficulty discussing with anyone. Imagine you were in his situation, the last survivor of a great civilization. The impulse to discover the past and reclaim one's heritage would be a lonely torture. No one you could discuss the issue with, not even the love of your life could really understand what it feels like. You may feel this is all an appeal to pity, but I ask how his side can be equivalent to Lois ditching him almost from the very moment he departed and defaming him in the press. Furthermore, Superman had a relationship with Lois based on years of mutual trust. Even if Superman vanished without a trace, surely he was deserving of some measure of trust and faith. She did not know why he was gone but every previous action she had ever had ever known him to take had been done in good faith for a decent cause. Perhaps there was some reason he hadn't been able to tell her. For all she knew, it could have been to protect her from danger. Perhaps you could make the case that Superman was in this instance reckless to some degree. If so, does one questionable decision after years of unbroken precedent constitute complete, instant, and vindictive dissolution of even a legendary relationship? If your answer is yes, I must ask how you expect real marriages and relationships to endure. There must be faith, patience, and forgiveness to at least some extent. As it turns out, Superman was not sleeping around on the planets of Calypso and Circe. He remained faithful in every way to Lois and seemed to have no of how he had hurt her. While he may have been mistaken in his conduct, he in no way deserved Lois's reaction: immediate abandonment and vindictive renunciation. You write well, Psi but I stand by my original case. The new Lois has proved herself an unworthy partner for any trustworthy man, let alone the biggest hunk in the galaxy. Dear Psi,

Thank you for responding with complete absence of personal attacks and in a measured and polite fashion.
I of course must strongly disagree with your case that Lois actions mirror those of her longtime boyfriend. Superman felt he had to return to his home so that he could resolve his inner turmoil. The film does not give us a good explanation as to why Superman tells no one where he is going, but I suspect it was a sensitive issue that he had difficulty discussing with anyone. Imagine you were in his situation, the last survivor of a great civilization. The impulse to discover the past and reclaim one’s heritage would be a lonely torture. No one you could discuss the issue with, not even the love of your life could really understand what it feels like.
You may feel this is all an appeal to pity, but I ask how his side can be equivalent to Lois ditching him almost from the very moment he departed and defaming him in the press.
Furthermore, Superman had a relationship with Lois based on years of mutual trust. Even if Superman vanished without a trace, surely he was deserving of some measure of trust and faith.
She did not know why he was gone but every previous action she had ever had ever known him to take had been done in good faith for a decent cause. Perhaps there was some reason he hadn’t been able to tell her. For all she knew, it could have been to protect her from danger.
Perhaps you could make the case that Superman was in this instance reckless to some degree. If so, does one questionable decision after years of unbroken precedent constitute complete, instant, and vindictive dissolution of even a legendary relationship? If your answer is yes, I must ask how you expect real marriages and relationships to endure. There must be faith, patience, and forgiveness to at least some extent.
As it turns out, Superman was not sleeping around on the planets of Calypso and Circe. He remained faithful in every way to Lois and seemed to have no of how he had hurt her. While he may have been mistaken in his conduct, he in no way deserved Lois’s reaction: immediate abandonment and vindictive renunciation.
You write well, Psi but I stand by my original case.
The new Lois has proved herself an unworthy partner for any trustworthy man, let alone the biggest hunk in the galaxy.

]]> By: sexykitten http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-9 sexykitten Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:34:38 +0000 http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-9 After reading your offensive garbage I have to ask: why do you hate women? Did your mother abuse you? Did your girl laugh at your pathetic excuse for a penis? After reading your offensive garbage I have to ask: why do you hate women?

Did your mother abuse you? Did your girl laugh at your pathetic excuse for a penis?

]]> By: Psi http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-8 Psi Mon, 20 Aug 2007 04:20:38 +0000 http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-8 Upon reading your argument here, I am compelled to respond. Let me preface by saying that I have not seen the movie that this review describes. My claims are entirely based on and in reaction to your own. The claim that I take issue with is that Superman in this case is worth waiting for. The fact of the matter is, if he left Lois without explanation or discussion, he obviously did not regard her as an equal partner. In a relationship, partners must act together. They don't change jobs, they don't buy houses, and they don't go on multi-year hiatuses without discussion with the other partner. If one does these things, then that one obviously does not regard themselves as being in a relationship. That one does not regard their partner as a person to share life with, but as an object to live around. I would argue that Lois' behavior in this case is entirely justified, as it is a mirror of his own - she has made a life decision without consulting him, just as he did to her. And Superman's being "the biggest hunk in the universe" has no bearing on any of it. If he left her without comment, while he may be the biggest hunk in the universe, he's not a very good partner, and probably deserves to be abandoned. Upon reading your argument here, I am compelled to respond. Let me preface by saying that I have not seen the movie that this review describes. My claims are entirely based on and in reaction to your own.

The claim that I take issue with is that Superman in this case is worth waiting for. The fact of the matter is, if he left Lois without explanation or discussion, he obviously did not regard her as an equal partner. In a relationship, partners must act together. They don’t change jobs, they don’t buy houses, and they don’t go on multi-year hiatuses without discussion with the other partner. If one does these things, then that one obviously does not regard themselves as being in a relationship. That one does not regard their partner as a person to share life with, but as an object to live around. I would argue that Lois’ behavior in this case is entirely justified, as it is a mirror of his own – she has made a life decision without consulting him, just as he did to her. And Superman’s being “the biggest hunk in the universe” has no bearing on any of it. If he left her without comment, while he may be the biggest hunk in the universe, he’s not a very good partner, and probably deserves to be abandoned.

]]> By: liberated princess http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-7 liberated princess Mon, 20 Aug 2007 03:06:14 +0000 http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-7 i cant believe this!! you cant get laid so you complain about supermans girl?! WTF! do you ahve any idea how lame you sound? heres an idea quit opressing women you manbag creep!!! i cant believe this!! you cant get laid so you complain about supermans girl?! WTF!

do you ahve any idea how lame you sound?

heres an idea quit opressing women you manbag creep!!!

]]> By: Captalish http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-6 Captalish Sun, 19 Aug 2007 15:18:12 +0000 http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-6 How have you participated in injustice? Simply being a man holds you to that legacy. As a man, everyday you reap the benefits of a male-dominated society, all the while maintaining this innocent "Who? Me?" demeanor. Does the phrase "Gold mine? What gold mine?" ring a bell, sir? Indeed, you should feel ashamed. How have you participated in injustice? Simply being a man holds you to that legacy. As a man, everyday you reap the benefits of a male-dominated society, all the while maintaining this innocent “Who? Me?” demeanor. Does the phrase “Gold mine? What gold mine?” ring a bell, sir? Indeed, you should feel ashamed.

]]> By: unclegluon http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-5 unclegluon Sun, 19 Aug 2007 08:56:30 +0000 http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-5 If I have somehow participated in the perpetration of injustice, you, as a concerned citizen, should inform me as to how I have done so. Sexist remarks about what a man can and can't understand undermine your credibility. After all, you seem to believe you are speaking out against sexism. I must be compelled to remain 'blind' if you cannot give even a hint as to how have I erred. What are these patriarchal scare tactics? If they are indeed cold blooded tactics, surely they are intelligible to my vicious and aggressive male mind. Life certainly has its fair share of tragedy, but overall, to live is a wonderful thing, its joys made all the more sublime by surmounting the inevitable difficulties. -I am sorry to renege on my original claim: you have presented no argument, examples, or evidence. Perhaps I may now see fit to hold my peace. Y.O.S Gluon If I have somehow participated in the perpetration of injustice, you, as a concerned citizen, should inform me as to how I have done so. Sexist remarks about what a man can and can’t understand undermine your credibility. After all, you seem to believe you are speaking out against sexism.
I must be compelled to remain ‘blind’ if you cannot give even a hint as to how have I erred. What are these patriarchal scare tactics? If they are indeed cold blooded tactics, surely they are intelligible to my vicious and aggressive male mind.
Life certainly has its fair share of tragedy, but overall, to live is a wonderful thing, its joys made all the more sublime by surmounting the inevitable difficulties.

-I am sorry to renege on my original claim: you have presented no argument, examples, or evidence. Perhaps I may now see fit to hold my peace.

Y.O.S

Gluon

]]> By: Captalish http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-4 Captalish Sat, 18 Aug 2007 19:48:10 +0000 http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-4 Gluon, you obviously can't understand the issues here - you're a man. Of course men don't want to acknowledge that there is an oppressive patriarchy - they're men. Such an acknowledgment would be traumatizing to them. But if you were forced to live as a woman for a period of time, I'm sure you would see "patriarchal scare tactics" everywhere you went. I personally find it sad that you remain blind and in ignorance, but such is the tragedy of life. Gluon, you obviously can’t understand the issues here – you’re a man. Of course men don’t want to acknowledge that there is an oppressive patriarchy – they’re men. Such an acknowledgment would be traumatizing to them. But if you were forced to live as a woman for a period of time, I’m sure you would see “patriarchal scare tactics” everywhere you went. I personally find it sad that you remain blind and in ignorance, but such is the tragedy of life.

]]> By: unclegluon http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-3 unclegluon Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:54:55 +0000 http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-3 Quite a strident reaction if I say so myself. First of all, there is no patriarchy, an organization of men dedicated to the systematic oppression of women. Nor has there ever been any such conspiracy. Such is a sentiment of radical gender feminism, embraced by a very small but vocal minority. It is inaccurate to describe the intent of my article as <i>justification for men taking control of the romanto-sexual-scene.</i> I never made the case in my movie review that anyone should be detained, controlled, or forced to act against their will in any way. In fact, the review noted rather critically that today's superheroes for all their powers seem to have remarkably little control over their own personal lives. I do not believe one sex should take over, but rather that they live as equal partners. In my review I note that the 'empowerment' Western women demand for themselves too often seems not to be extended to the male half of the species. I examined this social trend through the means of popular entertainment. The claims you have made about my article are strange and completely unsubstantiated. Therefore, I believe you have misunderstood my intent. There is more to an issue than 'for us or against us.' Just because someone does not believe exactly as you do does not mean you must attack them. I will admit radfem comments into my thread, but I will respond from hereon only if I am presented with a case based on the facts of the matter, i.e. a genuine attempt at discussion. Examples, evidence for any claims made will be necessary to persuade me. Your Obedient Servant, Gluon the Feringi Quite a strident reaction if I say so myself. First of all, there is no patriarchy, an organization of men dedicated to the systematic oppression of women. Nor has there ever been any such conspiracy. Such is a sentiment of radical gender feminism, embraced by a very small but vocal minority.
It is inaccurate to describe the intent of my article as justification for men taking control of the romanto-sexual-scene. I never made the case in my movie review that anyone should be detained, controlled, or forced to act against their will in any way. In fact, the review noted rather critically that today’s superheroes for all their powers seem to have remarkably little control over their own personal lives.
I do not believe one sex should take over, but rather that they live as equal partners. In my review I note that the ‘empowerment’ Western women demand for themselves too often seems not to be extended to the male half of the species. I examined this social trend through the means of popular entertainment.
The claims you have made about my article are strange and completely unsubstantiated. Therefore, I believe you have misunderstood my intent. There is more to an issue than ‘for us or against us.’ Just because someone does not believe exactly as you do does not mean you must attack them.
I will admit radfem comments into my thread, but I will respond from hereon only if I am presented with a case based on the facts of the matter, i.e. a genuine attempt at discussion. Examples, evidence for any claims made will be necessary to persuade me.

Your Obedient Servant,

Gluon the Feringi

]]> By: Embyr Arrikanez http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-2 Embyr Arrikanez Fri, 17 Aug 2007 02:58:02 +0000 http://gluontheferengi.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/superman-meets-feminine-mystique-%e2%80%98empowered%e2%80%99-women-in-superhero-cinema/#comment-2 All through this review, every brain cell I have was screaming at me that this is a new scare tactic on behalf of Patriarchy - that the "liberated woman" is something to be feared, impossible to please, etc. etc. What better justification for men taking control of the romanto-sexual scene? All through this review, every brain cell I have was screaming at me that this is a new scare tactic on behalf of Patriarchy – that the “liberated woman” is something to be feared, impossible to please, etc. etc. What better justification for men taking control of the romanto-sexual scene?

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