Is 'New Girl's' Jessica Day A Feminist? Yes, Yes She Is | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Television Streaming

'New Girl's' Feminism Wears Polka Dots And Pink, And That's Why We Love It

You can have the ribbon collection, and the yarn, and still be one of the best damn feminists on television.

750
jessica day new girl

"Ugh, I love purses," Jess said during "Girl Fight," the tenth episode of the fourth season of "New Girl." She follows this statement with, "And that doesn't mean I'm not a feminist either. I'm a damn feminist who loves purses."

Truly, I couldn't have put it any better myself.

Let me explain.

Jessica Day from FOX's "New Girl" is a Portlandian, a schoolteacher, a theme-song-singer, a lover of ribbons and one of the best damn feminists on television.

She brakes for birds, knits in her spare time and has a really weird thing about people messing with her yarn. And for this, she shows a nuanced, textured copy of feminism. Because even though she does all of those things (and bakes a mean batch of cookies, too), she's still badass — even being the complete opposite of what badass traditionally is.

She put it best while discussing her love of purses: "Where else am I supposed to keep my feminist writings?"

Like Jess explains in the episode "Jess and Julia," even though she's all of these things, that doesn't mean she isn't tough. She is who she is, and certain characteristics of hers should never loom bigger than others.

I mean, let's be real, the label of feminist is sometimes a little restrictive, thanks to the stereotypes people have. Traditionally, don't we view them with a hardness to them, a cooler sheen to their exteriors? Basically, the total opposite of Jess Day.

And if you really think about it, all Jess wants is to escape the limits of the stereotypes placed on her. Sounds familiar.

This is, in part, is the reason I love Jess Day so much. She's a unique character, weird as hell and totally herself.

In fact, part of the reason she's written so authentically is that she's loosely based on Liz Meriwether's own personality. Meriwether even received backlash during the first season of "New Girl," centered on the fact that Jess is supposedly "too girly," which makes her a stereotype.

Some see the episode "Jess and Julia" as Meriwether's response to those critics, but this remains unconfirmed. But no matter the reason for the episode, it was 30 minutes filled with a light, funny take to feminism. And it demonstrated how women choose to act most authentically for themselves.

Because, let's be real: If Jess Day can do it wearing ballet flats, hell if we can't try to.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

492
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15453
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3169
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments