Comments on: Star Trek 2009 – Yet Another Sexist Movie

By: jxthree

jxthree — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:39:05 +0000

Katie, I’m glad that you had no problems with women playing marginal roles in the movie, but really it bothers me that you seem to think a movie just spontaneously comes into existence in a puff of smoke. A movie is ‘made how it is made’ because there are writers and directors and an entire production crew turning ideas into a reality on screen. With this in mind, it would seem that a conscious and deliberate decision was made to continue a sexist tradition rather than to question it.

By: anon

anon — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:41:57 +0000

Thanks for the great commentary. I could tell by the previews that it this movie was not for me….and this from a huge star trek fan; back when Star trek was known for being progressive.

By: Stefanie

Stefanie — Sat, 16 May 2009 22:38:29 +0000

Hi Sophia, I think the creators of the movie could have gone much further to give more to admire!

By: Stefanie

Stefanie — Sat, 16 May 2009 22:28:35 +0000

Hi Spectre, I am glad that she was solving problems, but probably Uhura’s time on screen solving them was about the same as the time she was in her underwear. And – I am not sure about your analysis of the love triangle, but I think you get my point that she is definitely a “love interest” for both characters. There is no woman with lines who is neither a love interest or a baby maker.

By: Stefanie

Stefanie — Sat, 16 May 2009 22:23:36 +0000

Hello Katie, I am glad you liked the film. You are right, it was a 60s series. But, for the 60s, it was quite progressive. Instead of capturing the spirit of its progressiveness, the movie instead simply relied on sentimentality and catchphrases. If they wanted to keep the same crew on the bridge, they could have had females in other roles – such as going beyond tokenism in the Vulcan race, or perhaps having a female as a villain.

As for your comment on “lightening up”, I think you should listen to your own advice. Why is it so threatening for me to think about the movie from a feminist perspective? There are plenty of other critiques, about the scale of the ship, and the “time-travel” to free the creators from some of the Star Trek legacy. I am just adding to the pile. I like being a free thinker, and being able to see things from an interesting perspective. If you don’t like that – lighten up!

By: Sophia

Sophia — Sat, 16 May 2009 21:53:52 +0000

I thought the movie was great. Uhura was a great character in the 60s and a great character now because it gave not only little black girls, but a lot of black people someone to admire.

SPOILER*********

Plus, she replaces the senior communications officer-who is male- because of his incompetence. I think it was great that she was able to do that and still look great in her underwear. I need to get one of those dolls!

By: Spectre07

Spectre07 — Sat, 16 May 2009 06:52:53 +0000

Actually the movie isn’t as sexist as I you may think. First off Im a bit of a Perv so your statement about Uhura being in her underwear most of the movie is completely false. She was only in her underwear for one scene and it was very brief. Also she wasn’t involved with a love triangle because last time I checked in order for something to be consider a love triangle the third party (in this case Kirk) would actually have a realistic chance of getting with Uhura which became apparent that it wasn’t going to happen. And finally she played a critical role by using her linguistic skills without which the movie would have been literally over.

By: Katie

Katie — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:20:22 +0000

Okay… yes there are less female characters.. blah blah blah blah blah! I’m a female and I ADORED!!!! the movie! I don’t appreciate the skimpy clothes or slutty girls that seem to show up all over the place in movies… but you don’t have to slam the movie just because it has more men! Lighten up seriously! The movie was fantastic! I love it to death and it’s my favorite movie!! Also, DUH! It’s supposed to follow the 60’s “formula” for Star Trek because… HELLO! It’s STAR TREK! You cannot possibly walk out of the theatre hating that movie! It’s impossible! You need to loosen up and calm down! It’s a MOVIE! Women in real life take control when they want to. It’s a MOVIE so its made how its made. Relax!