4 Reasons This Netflix Show Is Perfect For Women's History Month | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

4 Reasons This Netflix Show Is Perfect For Women's History Month

"One Day At A Time" is a celebration of womanhood in all forms.

112
4 Reasons This Netflix Show Is Perfect For Women's History Month
Netflix

While International Women's Day, which took place on March 8, may have passed, did you know that the whole of March is Women's History Month? There's no better time to celebrate women (and being a woman, if applicable) than during this month, and I know of no better way to celebrate than with some good ole tv!

If your spring break takes place in March (and even if it doesn't), why not take advantage of this opportunity to center a Netflix marathon around this theme? The second season of "One Day At A Time" recently premiered on Netflix, and it's perfect for the month of March. Ahead, I give 5 reasons why this show should be on your radar—especially during Women's History Month.

1. It's a female-centric show

Sadly, women are still underrepresented when it comes to television, with most network shows being lead by a (usually white, straight, and abled) male protagonist. While this trend is changing, a show like "One Day At A Time," whose main character Penelope is a single Cuban mother, is a gem that shouldn't be ignored.

2. It's got three generations of women living under one roof

More than just Penelope, the show also focuses on her mother Lydia and daughter Elena (and her son Alex, as well). Rarely seen on television, this show not only portrays the reality of three generations living under one roof, an experience shared by many Hispanic families, but showcases both the virtues and the challenges of this living arrangement.

3. The feminism is intersectional

Aside from the stellar female representation, "One Day At A Time" also excels in approaching issues of intersectionalism. The show never shies away from the Cuban-American experience, addressing topics such as discrimination, light-skinned privilege, and passing for white.

The mother, Penelope, struggles with PTSD, and one episode revolves around her reliance on anti-depressants, a subject treated with respect and empathy. Her daughter Elena is a proud lesbian and tireless activist who finally gets the girlfriend she deserves—Syd, who uses they/them pronouns.

Finally, Lydia's experience as an immigrant is never passed over or ignored, but rather seamlessly integrated into the show. No part of any women's identity is ever tokenized, but always treated as an integral and essential aspect of their larger personalities. No stock characters or stereotypes here—just fully fleshed-out women.

4. The actresses are amazing

Of course, these characters couldn't be fully realized without crediting the actresses embodying them. The amazing Rita Moreno is one of only twelve artists to have won an EGOT, and she shines as the sassy and dramatic Lydia, bringing life and depth to her character and even bringing you to tears at times.

As Penelope, Justine Machado expertly portrays a loving mother with a nuance that emanates her emotion through the screen and straight to your heart. Isabella Gomez, who personifies Elena with the perfect mix of sincerity and humor, is certainly an up-and-coming actress to keep your eye out for in the future.

5. There are women supporting women

Every family experiences in-fighting, especially when living in such close quarters. And of course, the generational gap results in several disagreements and misunderstandings, mainly concerning grandmother Lydia's more conservative views. But when it comes down the important stuff, Lydia always comes around, whether that's supporting Penelope's decision to go back on anti-depressants or Elena's decision to come out.

And when Elena is rejected by her father, it's Penelope and Lydia who defend her and love her unconditionally. In turn, it's Elena who encourages Lydia to become a citizen and helps her study to pass the test. Despite the occasional bickering and poking fun at each other, the heart of the show is the way these three women hold each other up regardless of anything else.

All in all, "One Day At A Time" is the perfect show for appreciating and celebrating womanhood—especially in the month of March, but its lessons are applicable and the representation commendable at any time of the year.

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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187877
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13412
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456750
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25945
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments