The Fox television series New Girl, specifically season 5, episode 1 titled Big Mama P

 

Gender representation:

 

  • This episode is about Schmidt and Cece marrying one another. In the beginning, Schmidt says, “Cece said her mom is really excited that her sexy little bronco has finally met a cowboy that can tame her”. This scene relates to the stereotype of women needing to be saved or looked after while in the process of looking for a partner/husband.
  • Cece’s mom seems to be assertive and independent considering she went to the wedding rehearsal alone wearing a suit when all the other women are wearing dresses. In addition, she instantly disapproves of Schmidt marrying her daughter while breaking down the millions of other men she could be with that would be better. This is a counterstereotype of the mothers being kind and caring especially when their daughter is about to marry. Even after the event that Schmidt did with the Indian dancers, Mrs. P still said no to Schmidt saying, “you really think dancing was all it was going to take”.
  • Jess is considered a leader and shows courage when she stands up to Mrs. P and says Schmidt and Cece have her blessing. The roommates then join in saying they also approve. This is a counterstereotype of women considering these traits are usually attached to men.

 

The Bechdel Test: Does pass

 

  1. There are women that are named
  2. They do talk to each other
  3. They do talk about things other than men

Shared by: Alonzo Torres
Image Credit: https://www.netflix.com/watch/80111426?trackId=14170289&tctx=003e338884-e7a6-4144-b6c2-9e579eb5030a-8027539997def8c0-5a03-444c-9c1c-0aab0c8f8551_29436867X3XX163474447974497def8c0-5a03-444c-9c1c-0aab0c8f8551_ROOT