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[x_forgetromeo]

Alright, so, I had to write a paper for my English Composition 102 class about an ideology shared by a community that I am part of that I would like to see change. I chose the Criminal Minds fandom as my community, and the way that female characters are viewed as my topic. I sent out a request for people on livejournal and tumblr to let me know

Comments

[just_jasper]

This is great. Great work, you really deserved the good grade you got!

The amount of internalised misogyny that is highlighted with treatment of female characters in any fandom (although I have a CM focus since it's "my" fandom) is scary. I'm so glad I've found people who can discuss the problems with writing, networks, characterisation and the fandom while still enjoying the show.

[x_forgetromeo]

Thank you so much!

Yeah, I basically came out of the Supernatural fandom and into the Criminal Minds fandom, so I've dealt with my fair share of misogynistic fans. And WRITING. The misogyny is one of the main reasons I stopped watching Supernatural.

And I'm glad to find people I can be open about this stuff with! You've seen how most people have a YOU LOVE EVERYTHING OR YOU LOVE NOTHING attitude when it comes to this show, and that's just honestly not how it works.

[fun_french_fri]

ahhh, great job! I'm so glad you talked about JJ. I read all the responses to your question on tumblr and LJ and I was annoyed to see how many people ignore JJ's characterization.

I just agree with everything you say. Also: The way it’s currently being fought within the fandom is by a handful of girls who do their best to change the way these characters are viewed.
<3

[x_forgetromeo]

The JJ responses were really the ones that got me the most. I really don't think a lot of people pay much attention to her characterization - because honestly, very few people cared about her before she was fired. (I hate to say this, because I do love JJ and think she's an interesting character. But look at the way people have reacted to her coming back - waaaaa I don't care bring Prentiss back instead who cares about JJ!!11!. Like, gtfo seriously.)

:') I had to give you guys a shout-out.

[wagrobanite]

What's sad is that a lot of these feelings have nothing to do with the fandom. It happens in the real world and a lot of females and males think the same things about women bosses.

I started watching the show about three weeks ago (and I'm obsessed :)) and while I wasn't a fan of Elle, not really do anything here as an agent but just didn't relate to her. I love JJ and I'm so glad she's coming back.

[wagrobanite]

PS. Great essay by the way!

and I'm in the same boat with ohh_honeybee Wish could have helped because I love JJ

[iamtheliquorr]

... there are fanfics in which Elle is the focus? And not as a villain? Recs pls?

I think the thing with Elle is also, that she isn't really likeable as a person (although as a character, I think she's brilliant). And a lot of fandom seems to weigh their character likes based on how much they like a character as a person, if you know what I mean. And I think that's where it gets messy with the gender roles, b/c society tells us it's OK for men to be "strong and silent" and that makes them more sexy and desirable, but women need to be friendly and likeable and kindly. Just look at your standard contemporary romance novel (and this is from someone who generally loves romance novels for the brain rot factor, but man, there are some serious gender issues there).