bell hooks argues that feminism is a political struggle. Evaluate this feminist theory of representation. Make reference to Les Revenants to support your answer
Yes, to a great degree, as Les Revenants challenges and fights against stereotypes that surround gender. However, les Revenants suffers from a significant lack of ethnic diversity in its cast.
One excellent example of a subversive representation of gender is through the character of Simon, who contradicts many hegemonic expectations of men. Simon is dressed in a suit, which may seem to be a stereotypical representation of men, but actually is solely present to form a binary symbolic juxtaposition between him and his fiancé Adele. When we are first introduced to Simon he is brusque, quiet and even aggressive, which are all hegemonic stereotypes of masculinity. However, this is thrillingly subverted through Simon breaking down and emotionally demonstrating his heartbreak through the gesture of banging on the door of Adele's house, which is further anchored through the montage of close up shots of his emotional facial expression. This emotional vulnerability is further juxtaposed with Adele's assertive and aggressive shouting 'go away, go away', which further subverts gender expectations. By breaking commonly held hegemonic expectations, it can be argued that the representation of Simon may challenge the expectation of men for the viewers of the TV show. Representations shape reality, and by showing an emotional and complicated representation of men and women, it can be argued that Les Revenants is making a broad and powerful political statement.
Julie is a woman who also presents a subversive and arguably feminist representation of women. [Julie through her costume etc subverts the idea that women are placed in media products for the pleasure of heterosexual make audiences)
However, the vast majority of characters in Les Revs are not only white, but also French national, heterosexual, able bodied and middle class. An example of this is the Seurat family, who are very stereotypically French middle class. The MES of their house is open plan, and filled with many props which connote a minimalistic, stylish and modern lifestyle. In particular, a large marble worktop has connotations of wealth and sociable meals shared together as a family.
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The extensively white and middle class lifestyle is clearly targeting a middle class and white audience. However, through excluding non white and to a lesser extent non working class people, it means that certain audiences will not be able to relate to the themes and character in this show. Additionally, by omitting those of certain ethnicities and lifestyles, the show is guilty of othering through exclusion. The Seurat family are represented as being normal, and relatable
Les Revenants reinforces outdated and politically dangerous stereotypes about white privilege and middle class lifestyles being normal