[meta] Dawn Summers: Fighting for an Alternative Feminist Narrative (2)
What, you think I never watched you?
The Transformative Power of Watching and Voyeurism in the Buffyverse[Herein lies the actual presentation as submitted]The character of Dawn Summers, introduced in the fifth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, acts as a fan of the story she is on the fringes on. She has her own tv-boyfriend (Xander), her own OTP (one true pairing - Willow/Tara), her own ( Read more... )
And what's struck me about her is that she's ALWAYS been wanting to gain power?
Yes, Dawn is always trying to push back against the System and become a part of the Scoobies. I think a lot of viewers see that as a naivete, of her not understanding the consequences of Slaying, but it is the same as a child asking to drive before they are legally able - a parent that just says "no" without educating and explaining to their child the dangers and responsibilities of driving. In her current circumstances, Dawn learns by copying her sister - she "learns by watching" ... just as many children do to an extent. And if your sister is the Slayer, the way you approach Power will be significantly different.
And yes, her multi-language acquisition is another fascinating aspect of her personality (and will be covered in part 3 - as soon as I'm back from this short family holiday)
And yes, the fact that the narrative so often suggests that girls and women like Dawn aren't part of the club is a severe flaw in it, I think.
It's so sad.
Thank you so much for commenting!!!
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