I am a huge fan of theatre and media and anything to do with
the art of acting. I am also against the unrealistic portrayal of women and
their sexuality through these media. Have you ever seen the movie Burlesque with Christina Aguilera? Surprisingly
I enjoyed the movie. Normally I denounce anything that belittles women to
nothing more than outwardly appearances. BUT the movie had a strange effect on
me. I felt a little offended but also empowered. My first reaction was to like
the movie, but then I was just honestly confused. I think Horrible Prettiness has done the same thing to me.
The first chapter discusses that the suffragettes were
opposed to the burlesque shows and performances. I get that. Burlesque shows
were/are a bit crude and include nudity. Obviously nudity and sexuality were a
large part of Lydia Thompson’s performance considering men were be so aroused
that they would fight and kill themselves over her! That is belittling to
women. Even one review mentioned in chapter one states how the women were
judged on the beauty from waist down and not neck up (or inside beauty!). Focusing
a whole theatrical performance on flashing and shaking isn’t exactly doing a
whole lot of good for the overall view of women.
On the other hand, women were playing masculine roles.
Nearly all male roles were played by women! I find that awesome! I’ve been in
so many plays were the male roles are written to be so great and the women
roles are verging on average. I even asked one of my directors if I could play
the male role. Before I finished my sentence, the answer was already no. I
think that the burlesque shows also put women in this great position to be
viewed as popular, funny, charismatic, and admired for talent instead of
appearance. I personally believe that is why Thompson was such a success…not because
of her appearance but because of her communication talents. Finally, some of
the burlesque shows themselves were written to be for women’s suffrage! I find
that SUPER interesting! …also a bit confusing…
In conclusion, I can’t say that burlesque shows were for
feminism or suffrage, but it sure wasn’t against it.
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