[fandom] misogyny in Supernatural

[escritoireazul]

Okay, I am disengaging with the discussion about misogyny in Supernatural (except maybe to link entries here) because I am about to start cursing at people. I am enfuriated, and at this point it is because so many fans who either don't see or don't care about the misogyny are telling us to sit down and shut the hell up, stop being whiny women, stop being PC, etc. and to stop watching the show and ruining it with our complaints.

You know what? It is my goddamn show too and if my complaints bother you so much, maybe it is because there is actually a problem with the show which you don't want to face. Even if there really isn't a problem (which there is, you'll never change my mind on that) how about you just stop reading the discussion instead of attacking us?

I love Supernatural. I loved it from the first moment I heard about it, because it deals with my favorite things: horror, complicated family relationships, road trips, good music, a hot car, attractive people, and on and on. I love Supernatural.

I am not some nebulous person who might be offended by the possible misogyny. I AM A WOMAN AND I AM OFFENDED. By the gendered insults, the presentation of women as victims or villains, virgins or whores, and other things.

I am offended and angry because I love this show, I am invested in it, and as a woman, I often feel hated and disrespected by it.

Goddamn fandom. Disengage now, Carla.

Comments

[wizened-cynic.livejournal.com]

Aw, man, I was in the middle of reading your post when I had to switch computers, and when I came back it was gone :(

ETA: Oh, nvm, it's still there. I'm awesome and observant, really.

I am more or less indifferent to fandom's issues about race, gender, misogyny, etc. but I like to keep myself updated. And it's better than doing readings for Jurisprudence.

[ithiliana.livejournal.com]

I have been seeing some discussion on my flist with interest (nobody with the attitude you describe here), but I know exactly what you mean--OMG, you are harshing their squee! The horrors!

I do not understand this tendency in fandom (well I guess it occurs elswhere as well): fans analyze, rant, complain, and go on at length about what they love--good and bad--and yeah, don't like, don't read.

Why is their love of the show so threatened by the critique of others (I skimmed the material showing the increased misogynistic name events over the season--looks pretty darn clear to me, as a total outsider, sheer numbers if nothign else)? I think you're right on in pointing to their need to deny, and attack those who are doing the criticism (who are also fans, who also love the show.

Sounds as if disengaging is the best thing as hard as it is to do!