Is 'Orange Is The New Black' A Feminist Triumph? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Is 'Orange Is The New Black' A Feminist Triumph?

Diversity and inclusivity are not always enough.

1409
Is 'Orange Is The New Black' A Feminist Triumph?
Wiki

Since it’s debut in 2013, critics and amateurs alike have heralded it both groundbreaking and revolutionary.

The hit Netflix series "Orange Is The New Black" brings the storied pasts of Litchfield’s inmates into a humorous, heartbreaking, gut-wrenching view.

However, as the show enters its fourth season, the vivid stories revealed in each are not without controversy. With a cast that is almost entirely female, individuals are quick to tout "Orange Is The New Black" as a feminist triumph. Armed with a diverse cast and a story that navigates the complexities of the female spirit, “feminist,” is an adjective that can easily slide off the tongue when describing the show. At the same time, its representation of certain women can also veer on the side of caricature, putting the show at a cultural crossroads.

To view the show through a feminist lens, it’s first helpful to get a definition of feminism. While the definitions are many, Bell Hooks’ definition of the word is simple and concise: “feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression.” With this definition of feminism in mind, it’s a tall order for a TV show — let alone any pop culture phenomenon — to accomplish the task of being a representation for feminism and feminists everywhere.

The merits of "Orange Is The New Black" are owed largely to its diverse cast. Although Piper Chapman is the character on which the show is based, various (and far more interesting) characters radiate from the dystopia she’s forced to inhabit.

There’s the lovable Poussey and Taystee, the outstanding performance by Laverne Cox as Sophia Burset, the mandala-loving Yoga Jones and the annoying (though charming, as we see in season four) Brook “Soso”, among others. The characters are dynamic and interesting, and the show is undoubtedly entertaining, but as Roxane Gay, author of "Bad Feminist," writes, the show “is diverse in the shallowest, most tokenistic ways.”

The show’s representation of women of color veers into the territory of what Bell Hooks might see as “sexist exploitation.” Many are caricatures and stereotypes of their races or ethnic groups.

Black women are viewed as aggressive, crazy and masculine; Latino women have attitudes and way too many children.

Somewhere in the midst of "Orange Is The New Black" falling back on stereotypes and classic television tropes, the kind of feminism we praise the show for becomes muddled. All forms of oppression are connected, and the racist tropes are anything but a feminist victory.

Of course, "Orange is the New Black" is just a show, and while it falls short in representing women in truly diverse ways, its brand of feminism reminds us how messy feminism is and that there are great strides we need to take to raise our standards of female representation in the media.

In spite of its shortcomings, the show does a good job at raising awareness for trans rights, as a recent Salon article points out, and addressing prison conditions and safety concerns, even if the conditions are exaggerated in the show.

Watching the show, we rally around the characters, root for them, and want to hear their stories; but, we only know their stories only because the show revolves around the wealthy white protagonist, Piper Chapman.

While the show may be described as “feminist” because of its diversity and tackling of tricky and taboo issues, this brand of feminism deserves no crowns if its attempts at diversity and inclusivity are superficial at best.

We can, and should, demand more from the media and its shallow representation of women, demand more from tepid and superficial strains of women’s empowerment that we are told to be grateful for.

Feminism is not a contest, nor has "Orange Is The New Black" claimed the prize.

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.

184615
 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

11018
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...

455118
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.

24875
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