Gender Roles

In Aliens, there seems to be multiple outlines found in society. One of the main ones being gender stereotype, which includes some competitiveness and motherly instincts. There also seems to be the whole “women should leave the big tasks to guys”.  I feel like the use of the military was a small-scale version of our society. Each character played a role found in our society today. We eventually witness some characters gradually fall and break into pieces, then distinguish what is truly there. The film overall illustrates to us that women do not need to be seen or made out as inferior, instead of being depicted below, we should view them as they grow in character and individuals.

Initially it is clear in the film that there is some sort of male superiority and arrogance displayed. Ripley is not taken seriously on her thoughts and opinions. Although she seems to be pretty clear-headed and unemotional. Both Ripley and Lambert go by their last name instead of first. Ripley is the more rational one, in my opinion, who follows rules and procedures. Meanwhile Lambert seems more irrational and tends to be emotional. Hudson seems to be the most egotistical person who also winds up being one of the ones that fall and break into pieces, like I had mentioned earlier.  It seems that the characters may have some sort of representation of the limitations we battle daily in our world.

Even in Dracula, set in a time period where females had small gender roles. The Victorian culture seemed to subdue women and their value. They seemed to be thought of to be “pure” and “virginal”. However, I feel like Stoker illustrated a different side of women which wasn’t the norm back then. Qualities that were more empowering and better.

I feel like there are a few main characters who are actually shown in ways where the whole gender role thing is flipped/reversed. Mina seems to be a modern woman with some traditional characteristics. I feel a good part is when, at certain times, she is considered to be like one of the regular guys in the group; helping plan out scenarios and ideas to counter the chaos. She seems to be stable and independent. Harker seems to be a target in pretty pathetic and sometimes feminine situations, including the time he is captured by Dracula’s brides, and his way of handling the situation. I feel the Count pushes the lines of sexuality with the way he carries himself especially attitude wise. One part that sticks out to me is when he serves dinner to Harker, instead of the brides. He also seems to use deception and certain techniques to seduce people. It seems back then in Victorian culture, women were the ones who would use deception/seduction and clever plans while the men would typically use their strength and knowledge to get what they want.