Screen-wipe, new scene

[gabrielleabelle]

Okay, I have a thing for the unheard underdog (that explains why I like Spike). That's why I posted about the cultural context for the people who are having issues with the comics; I saw them being whapped down outside of LJ, and I wanted to give them some validation. On LJ, though, the inverse seems to be the case. So here's an open post for those

Comments

[angearia]

Satsu's straightforward portrayal as a lesbian. While she still grows in confidence as a leader, she was introduced as confident in her sexuality and I think that's cool. There's a scene where Buffy is trying to tell Satsu to stay behind to lead the troops who are wounded, to protect them. Satsu calls Buffy out on it, saying she's her best fighter and should be there on the front lines. Satsu refused to be protected but instead rushes into battle, not foolishly but with knowledge and skill. It's like Dawn refusing to let Buffy keep her safe when Xander kidnaps her to get her out of Sunnydale.

While I think her relationship with Buffy was used for sensationalism, I think her actual character is strong.

I also loved how she was my voice during #34 where she doesn't pout and cry when she sees on a viewscreen that Angel and Buffy are fucking in space. She scowls and stomps out of the room. This is a woman who stomps, y'all. Anger on a woman never looked so right. It reminds me of Buffy snarling, "I want you to Get. Out. Of.

[quinara]

I love Satsu and her stomping. And PUTTING DAWN IN CHARGE.

[gabrielleabelle]

I HAVE SO MANY ICONS I DON'T KNOW WHICH TO USE!!! *FLAILS*

Anger + women = ♥

[stormwreath]

What a great idea. :-) I'll probably have to think about this some more, but for starters

[gabrielleabelle]

What a great idea. :-)

I know! It seemed so silly at first. I mean, spending money on a few (hundred) more icon spaces. But I think it's turning out to be a win-win for everyone. ;)

If it turns out to say she should have empowered all women instead of creating a self-selected elite, I'll be more happy.

"Self-selected elite"? Slayers have the ability to choose to get powers? Or are you referring to Slayers having the option to join up with Buffy's army? (The phrasing just caught me)

I am interested to hear how things turn out. Call me naive, but I still tend to have some faith in Joss to subvert the hell out of things. I think the depiction of the Twuffel sex was a misstep (not unlike how I think the AR was a misstep), but I'm waiting for him to make up for it later. Just from summaries I've read, he has the framework he needs to make it work.

But I'm a damned annoying optimist sometimes. :)

[stormwreath]

So just how many different icons of Willow is it possible to create? :-)

You know, when I wrote "self-selected elite" I was thinking more in terms of buzzwords than reality. I think it's how public opinion regards them after the whole "Vampires are just misunderstood, really" plotline develops. But yes, the Slayers in Buffy's army are there because they chose to join it.

I still tend to have some faith in Joss to subvert the hell out of things. I think the depiction of the Twuffel sex was a misstep

I agree with both of those. Whatever my other views on the sex issue, I can't deny it was a huge misstep for alienating so many people. I do think he had creditable motives - basically, that if they're going to have their protagonist have sex as a plot point, they should have the courage to show it instead of pussyfooting around with hints and teasing - but it seems to have backfired on him.

[gabrielleabelle]

So just how many different icons of Willow is it possible to create? :-)

I haven't created any, myself, but it seems I've collected quite a few from other people. :)

Now LJ just needs to figure out how to let me upload multiple icons at once, and I'll be a happy user.

[beer_good_foamy]

I would add, possibly, the idea that it's not as easy as simply declaring women empowered. That there are still power structures in place that will push them back down, ranging from possessive boyfriends to the US Army right up to Creation(ism) itself, who are so set in their ways that they'll honestly claim not to have a problem with women having power... as long as they don't actually use that power to change the unfair balance of the world. Basically, s5 Buffy/Riley on a global cosmic scale.

[gabrielleabelle]

Creationism? Is the world-destroying Twuffel sex a metaphor for creationism?

That's an interesting perspective. They did touch on it in the actual TV show at points (Buffy's conflicts with the Initiative, especially when the general dude takes over after Walsh's death), but it was never a running thread.

Course, that makes me curious what the conclusion will be. In S7, the conclusion to women lacking in power was to...give them power. What sort of solution is possible with what's been set up here? Or is it going to be one of those no-solution things?

[eowyn_315]

Creationism? Is the world-destroying Twuffel sex a metaphor for creationism?

There are definitely allusions, yes. Buffy and Angel end up in an Eden-like paradise after the sex, and Giles says they're basically the Adam and Eve of the new generation that the Universe is trying to give birth to.

ETA: It's unclear whether that new generation involves them actually procreating or not.

Of course, Giles also calls it a form of evolution (Buffy and Angel are the next stage of beings), so perhaps there is some of the creation vs. evolution debate going on. :)

[gabrielleabelle]

Ah, I was thinking "creationism" in a different sense.

[2maggie2]

You started a happy thread!

Buffy has grown as a leader. She may be making some bad decisions, but she's more aware of her followers as individuals and so on. She even managed a geek session with Andrew.

Dawn has become a helluva woman.

Willow is also now quite self-possessed and commanding in presence.

And I think a lot of the anti-feminist stuff is set up for subverting. Buffy as the sleeping beauty who needs to be awakened by the kiss of her prince (already somewhat subverted by having her prince turn out to be Satsu).

Oh, and The Chain.

[gabrielleabelle]

Hee. Buffy fandom needed some more happy threads. :)

And I think a lot of the anti-feminist stuff is set up for subverting.

That's my expectation. When does the next issue come out, anyway?

[2maggie2]

Wednesday.

[norwie2010]

I like Faith in season 8, she takes responsibility and the role of a "teacher" to other girls (trying to steer them away from self-destructing behaviour she has shown herself in the past).

To me, this is an important part of being empowered: taking responsibility for oneself and others, spreading the wisdom.

[gabrielleabelle]

Yay! Faith-love! :)