In this episode of “The Office,” season 3 episode 22, Philis was flashed by a random guy in the parking lot. Creed pretended that it was no big deal, and Michael laughed at it saying that he was surprised it was not Pam or Karen because they are much more attractive. Kevin even piped in on this saying that he was guessing the flasher did not see either of them instead of Philis. To a woman in the show, this was disgusting and demeaning. Dwight also accidentally referred to Philis as Falace, making a penis referrence that made her very uncomfortable. Michael also sexualized women in the show by saying that for women, a penis is one of the best sights that can be seen, in the right context, and the facial expressions by the women present it was easy to tell that they did not agree. Karen even called Andy and Kevin misogynistic for saying that they all should be models because they are attractive. This relates to gaze theory, because Andy is implying that they are “nice to look at.” She also called Michael a sexist, and Philis brought up that when she cut her hair short, Michael asked her if she was a lesbian. Michael replied asking for an explanation for why shed get such a haircut. Angela also mentioned that when the women in the office get upset, Michael always asks if they are menstrating, which sexualizes them. At the end of the day, I think this episode was loaded with great examples of the bold sexualization that occurs in the show.
Shared by: Jack Flis
Image Credit: https://www.looper.com/img/gallery/the-shocking-real-life-story-that-inspired-the-offices-womens-appreciation-episode/l-intro-1604260898.jpg
