The last two decades witnessed a rise of films that focused on masochism that stressed discrimination and submissiveness. However, academic psychoanalytic methodology resulted to the reevaluation of the depicted model hence development of a model that emphasized on control, strategy and flexibility of gender roles. Popular media culture has been on the frontline to illustrate how “sex and the city” is defined for women with images that have been and still are largely white washed. This discussion illustrates how “sex and the city” is defined for women of color.
The progressiveness of the comedy “Bringing Down the House” is interesting to explore how “sex and the city” is defined for women of color. Queen Latifah landed the leading role in a non-black film. She is a larger woman of color hence promoting the non-traditional female lead which is monumental as her character does not embody the conventional standards of beauty which included small facial features, a slim physique and light skin. The sex and the city concept definition of women of color deconstruct traditional conceptions by presenting a female lead character that redefines how beauty is understood (Kristin, par. 6). However, this move can be questioned as to why no white characters were considered for this role? Does it mean that only women of color represent another dimension of beauty? On the other hand, the broad minded perspective of the comedy film is impressive when you consider the number of large Caucasian females have had the opportunity to play a leading role in their own romantic comedies.
In conclusion, Queen Latifah’s role does not only cut across racial boundaries long established in the film industry illustration of women (whereby female leading roles are of white, independent and aggressive women) but provides a new image for what female leads can look like in different shapes and sizes.
Work cited
Kristin, Ecklund. Film. The Contradiction of comedy: Steve Martin, Queen Latifah and The Race in Bringing Down the House, July, 2003. Retrieved from http://www.americanpopularculture.com/archive/film/martin_lateefa_house.htm on 9/6/2003.
