Sarah Nelson- CAPS 5

She's the Man Cover. Image from http://dvd.box.sk/.

      When asked if girls can try out for the boys soccer team, Coach Pistonek comments, “…Girls aren’t as fast as boys, or as strong, or as athletic. This is not me talking, it’s a scientific fact. Girls can’t beat boys. It’s as simple as that.” (Fickman, 2006).  She’s the Man, starring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum, comically tackles themes like gender identity, masculinity, and gender equality. Although this chick flick often exaggerates situations, it shines a light on stereotypes concerning various aspects of gender.  Stereotypes connect to social verdicts and assignment of values; they tell “us” how to value and judge “them,” (Martin and Nakayama, 2013).  The way the male and female characters perceive themselves as well as their opposite gender’s roles throughout the movie drives the plot and brings an interesting counter to Coach Pistonek’s remark.

            Gender identity is a pivotal aspect of this movie. It is depicted as what it means to be a woman or man, (Martin and Nakayama, 2013).   Viola pretending to be her brother, Sebastian, for the majority of the movie and having to switch roles shows the difference between how boys and girls are supposed to act, talk, and feel. There is also the clear differentiation of what girls and boys in their circle are supposed to do. Boys play soccer, while girls prepare for the debutante ball. Viola, as “Sebastian”, changes her speech from phrases like “super-duper excited” to “I'd tap that” and “you know it, bro,” (Fickman, 2006).  The frequency and reoccurrence of these gender-specific, colloquial phrases drive home the differences of girls and boys in the movie.  She is also forceful with her speech and actions, being adamant about playing the part of her brother.

            Masculinity and femininity is depicted and causes stereotypes in this movie by the actions of the characters and the way they relate to each other.  The two other main women in the movie act as counterparts, one desperately wanting to stay in a relationship with Sebastian, while the other uses “Sebastian’s” roommate, Duke, in order to make “Sebastian” jealous. Their forcefulness depicts ways women are supposed to act in order to get a boyfriend.  As far as masculinity, “Sebastian” was not considered cool until he was seen at the restaurant interacting with three girls within a short span of time. “…While Duke and his posse do not explicitly call ‘Sebastian’ ‘gay,’ ‘homosexual,’ or a ‘fag,’… [they believe] ‘Sebastian’ is not as masculine as ‘he’ could or maybe should be,” until that event happens (“She’s the Man – Film Analysis,” 2010, para. 14). When Duke and “Sebastian” talk about relationships, Duke says things that are considered feminine about what he wants out of a relationship. He tells “Sebastian” not to tell anyone.

            The final theme, gender equality, is the theme of the entire movie. The plot is centered around Viola’s desire to play soccer and prove that she is as good as the boys.  The Illyria coach who “Sebastian” is playing for says, “We don't discriminate based on gender,” (Fickman, 2006).  The best reoccurrence is when Viola’s boyfriend says she is better than half of the guys on his team and then she beats Cornwall with her hair down off a free kick.

            This movie challenges presents typical stereotypes of men and women while also challenging them with the resolution of the movie.  It is important to remember how the negative stereotypes, like the manipulating girl or the importance Duke’s posse placed on using girls, are remembered more than the positive ones,  (Martin and Nakayama, 2013).  Further, the challenge of the stereotypes creates an open dialogue and a feel-good movie that helps understand navigating the expected and actual roles and dialogues amongst men and women. The stereotypes in this film could be resisted by choosing not to watch the movie. It is important for the viewer to be able to distinguish their own beliefs about gender and navigate through how the movie portrays it.  

References

Martin, J.N., & Nakayama, T.K. (2013). Intercultural communication in contexts (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Fickman, Andy (Director). (2006). She’s the Man. [Motion Picture]. USA: Dreakworks Pictures. 

“She’s the Man – Film Analysis.” (2 July 2010). Sex, Gender, and U.S. Society.  Sex and Gender.  Retrieved from http://www.sexandgender.net/2010/07/02/shes-the-man-film-analysis/.

“She’s the Man: Shine Scene.” (Uploaded on 13 September 2011). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbxi_M2nCLA.