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Stereotypes Of Wonder Women

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In what ways does Pattie Jenkins’ 2017 Wonder Woman eschew superhero stereotypes and present a strong female narrative?
Although superhero movies have become some of the most popular and successful movie instalments of the 21st century most of these movies have been about men and focused on their trials and triumphs while also creating and perpetrating negative stereotypes of women. The female superhero movie falls into one of three categories: the victim, the tomboy and the bombshell. In the first category the victim constantly finds herself at the centre of trouble and requires the main man in the movie to swoop in and save her, she is a passive and weak character. The bombshell tends to be highly sexualised, wearing tight clothes and …show more content…

The male characters in the movie support and help Diana but at no point do they overshadow her or make her rely on them. Steve Trevor is given his own storyline, important in its own right but never more important than Diana’s quest. Diana declares herself independent from the beginning of her journey, flirting with Steve but also putting him in his place, ‘They came to the conclusion that men are essential for procreation, but when it comes to pleasure... unnecessary.’ Right from the beginning Diana is on her own journey, separate to that of the male characters, and she is able to rely on her own strength. Although Steve Trevor is constantly urging Diana to avoid danger and risks, she frequently ignores him, placing other people’s safety above her own and defending other’s, not being defended, ‘I will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.’1 Diana proves her independence and strength repeatedly throughout the film, leading men into battle, running through No Man’s Land and attacking soldier’s terrorising a town, always despite being urged into safety by her male counterparts. ‘I cannot stand by while innocent lives are lost!’1 Gal Gadot’s characterisation of Diana also circumnavigates the victim stereotype, Diana’s innocence and naiveté of the world of man never overshadowing the strength and power she constantly evokes, her walk

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