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.
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.

909
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
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

677
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 20 Thoughts College Students Have During Finals

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

63
winter

Thanksgiving break is over and Christmas is just around the corner and that means, for most college students, one hellish thing — finals week. It's the one time of year in which the library becomes over populated and mental breakdowns are most frequent. There is no way to avoid it or a cure for the pain that it brings. All we can do is hunker down with our books, order some Dominos, and pray that it will all be over soon. Luckily, we are not alone in this suffering. To prove it, here are just a few of the many deranged thoughts that go through a college student's mind during finals week.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

28 Daily Thoughts of College Students

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1373
group of people sitting on bench near trees duting daytime

I know every college student has daily thoughts throughout their day. Whether you're walking on campus or attending class, we always have thoughts running a mile a minute through our heads. We may be wondering why we even showed up to class because we'd rather be sleeping, or when the professor announces that we have a test and you have an immediate panic attack.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments