Misogyny and Musicals - A Discussion
In an article by The Washington Post titled "In some musicals of yore, female characters deserve better," journalist Peter Marks discusses just that: older musicals and their treatment of women characters. These shows, in the wake of things like the #metoo and Time's Up movements, can leave those of us watching it now feeling uncomfortable or angry. How can this art form, that is often used as a way of discussing hard to talk about issues, betray us by bringing some harmful ideas and ugly words right to the mouths of these beloved characters? Is there a difference when shows use misogyny as a character flaw to be corrected? This week, as I was thinking about this article and what I wanted to say about it, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers kept coming to mind. I kept feeling like this show was somehow exempt from being labeled misogynistic because Adam and his brothers change their ways by the end of the show! They learn to respect their brides and become the gentl...