The Role Of Women in “That 70’

The 1970’s were a very powerful point in time for the women’s movement throughout the United States. Females around the country were proving that they were physically and mentally equal to men and it was time people realized that. The women in portrayed in FOX’s teen comedy, That 70’s show, represent this female revolution in America at that time. Not only do the girls in the show play smart and strong roles, but the plot also explores themes of modern feminism. Within the show “The Madonna and the Whore” theory, reversed gender roles and made dominance all play major parts in the show’s story line.

One of the most classic arguments made from the feminist standpoint, is the classification of women into two groups: the Madonna or the Whore. The Madonna is the term given to the classic, non-provocative girl who men tend to settle down with and introduce to their parents. On the hand, the whore represents sexually expressive women whom men lust for but do not love. In describing the charecteristics of the “whore”, Louis Tyson stated, “they’re sexually forward in appearance or behavior, or they have multiple partners. Men sleep with ‘bad girls,’ but they don’t marry them,”(89). Por

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Jackie had the dominance in their relationship because she used her sexuality to control Michael.

Another male, who is also controlled by the idea of sex, is Fez. Not only is he not seen as physically strong, but also he is also easily swayed by the notion of sex. As in the case of the episode “Roller Disco”, Jackie needs a partner for the Roller Disco and allows Fez and Kelso to quarrel for the honor of taking her. New York and London: Garland Publishing, 1999.

Eric may not “wear the pants” in his relationship with Donna, but he is not the only male in the show who lacks masculinity. Like Eric and Kelso, Fez allows a woman to control him and does anything to please them. By playing out these two polar opposite characters, the show recognizes the “Madonna and the Whore” theory, and displays how it unfairly labels women into only two groups. As posted in an online diary of Donna’s, she confesses, “…as of tonight I have proved that I have full control of the reigns in my relationship with Eric.

Works Cited

That 70’s Show.

Common topics in this essay:
Louis Tyson, Eric Donna, Madonna Whore, Laurie Foreman, Jackie Fez, United Females, Earth Kelso, Whore Madonna, Fez Kelso, Kelso Fez, relationship donna, gender roles, madonna whore, madonna whore theory, donna control, control relationship, eric donna, women erics, whore theory, relationship eric, roller disco,

Approximate Word count = 982
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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