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The Term 'Chick Flick' NEEDS To Be Retired

It perpetuates harmful and unhealthy gender stereotypes and standards.

Ashtyn Stann

Oct 08, 2017

Western Washington University

276

The Term 'Chick Flick' NEEDS To Be Retired

"You've Got Mail" / Warner Bros.

A "chick flick" can be defined as a movie that appeals especially to women, usually having a romantic or sentimental theme and a female lead character.

While this definition isn't necessarily problematic, the connotations surrounding the term in today's society are.

These films are generally romantic comedies and thought of as being irrationally emotional, sappy, and full of problems that are seen as melodramatic. They are also thought of to be made specifically for the enjoyment of women. Even the term "chick flick" is gendered and suggests that these movies are only supposed to appeal to females.

This isn't only insulting, it also perpetuates harmful and unhealthy gender stereotypes and standards within our society.

When you think of chick flicks, what sort of films are the first to pop up? "Sixteen Candles," "Mean Girls," "10 Things I Hate About You," and basically any Nicholas Sparks novel movie adaptation — movies that, as the definition said, normally have female leads and have romantic storylines.

The thing is, movies that feature a male lead aren't considered exclusively for men, so it's clear that movies that feature female leads are considered exclusively for women because of their focus on romantic storylines.

But why?

In our society, romance is seen as a something that is for women, something only they want.

This is just untrue and unfair.

Romance isn't something that can only be enjoyed by woman — anyone should be able to enjoy movies, TV shows, books — life — with elements of romance in it. To use the word "chick flick" in reference to films that deal with romantic plot lines is to suggest that romance is something only women enjoy.

No one should be made to feel like they're somehow wrong for liking romance or romantic comedies just because of how they identify. If they don't like romantic movies, that's fine. But they shouldn't feel like they can't like it because of their gender and the negative implications of the term "chick flick." Romance and romantic comedy are movie genres, they don't need a dismissive and condescending nickname like "chick flick" to label them.

Anyone can enjoy romance and rom-coms.

"Chick flick" is a dismissive and unhelpful term that does nothing but contribute to harmful and unhealthy gender stereotypes. There's no reason for it to be used.

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

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The Term 'Chick Flick' NEEDS To Be Retired

It perpetuates harmful and unhealthy gender stereotypes and standards.

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Or at least try to do.

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

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

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

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

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

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

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

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

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

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

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