Season 1 Episode 14 TVD – “Fool Me Once” Analyzed by the Sex Role Perspective
Feminine Stereotypes Resisting or Reinforcing
Elena and Bonnie are held captured by a pair of vampires, waiting to be rescued by Damon and Stefan. Their portrayal as the damsel and distresses in this situation reinforces the idea of women being repeatedly put in situations where men are their only saving grace.
While Bonnie is held captured, the male vampire Ben that manipulated and flirted with her states to her, “You Shouldn’t be so desperate, you made it too easy”. This reinforces the gender stereotype of women throwing themselves at men, as well as showing Ben’s toxic masculinity trait of invalidating women to feel better about himself.
Masculine Stereotypes Reinforcing or Reinforcing
Ben’s hostility towards the girls when held captured showcases his reinforcing of the idea of toxic masculinity, and that aggressiveness represents dominance in a situation.
Damon shows a side of himself being overwhelmed by emotions and a bit vulnerable when finding out Katherine is not in the tomb, resisting the stereotype that men have to consistently hide their feelings to be strong.
Shared by: Alexis Masino
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