Lacan, Doyle, and Holmes: Men and the Feminine (Part 2 of 3)

Lacan presents a theory that, while engaging, relies on a relatively narrow-minded definition of feminine characteristics versus masculine characteristics. For Lacan, the feminine is a shadowy, deceptive form, both indefinable and irresistible. However, it is still a position of vulnerability, one that presents more risks than rewards. If a man falls into a ‘feminine’ role,Continue reading “Lacan, Doyle, and Holmes: Men and the Feminine (Part 2 of 3)”

Watch and Learn

The empty briefcase thumped hollowly against her stockinged legs. She weaved her way down the crowded city streets, passing between people like water between rocks. She stopped suddenly outside of the high-rise doors, backtracking several steps. Her long silver nails pulled down her tinted sunglasses, her shocking orange eyes surveying the building over the topsContinue reading “Watch and Learn”

Feminism and the Figure of the Fembot (Part 5.2 of 7)

V. Fembot Fatale: Gender and Consciousness Performance in Battlestar Galactica Sharon, the other Cylon character mentioned previously, is also a character highly coded with ideas of motherhood. Unlike many of the other female characters on the show, the audience never sees Sharon act sexually. At most, Helo and she share a few on-screen kisses, butContinue reading “Feminism and the Figure of the Fembot (Part 5.2 of 7)”

Feminism and the Figure of the Fembot (Part 5.1 of 7)

V. Fembot Fatale: Gender and Consciousness Performance in Battlestar Galactica   The ultimate melding of the Femme Fatale figure with the figure of the Fembot can be found in the modern remake of the 1970’s television series, Battlestar Galactica in the character known simply as Number 6.  For those unfamiliar with this sci-fi staple ofContinue reading “Feminism and the Figure of the Fembot (Part 5.1 of 7)”

Feminism and the Figure Fembot (Part 4.4 of 7)

IV. Imperfect Perfection: The Fembot, the Femme Fatale, and the Male Psyche The Fembot and the Femme Fatale are two artistic archetypes that clearly share much in common. Yet, there is another female archetype that arose from the film noir cinema of the thirties and forties. Janey Place refers to this figure as “the virgin,Continue reading “Feminism and the Figure Fembot (Part 4.4 of 7)”