Wonder Woman And Feminism

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It is a wonderful idea for there to be a superhero such as Wonder Woman to be a role model women and young girls. That DC comics introduced her to their line-up of superheroes during the 40s was a surprise in itself. She was a surprise to critics at the time who felt she was just sexual statement. The women’s suffrage movement was going strong in the forties. Wonder Woman's presence in the comic book realm must have been a boost for this movement. William Marston her creator, touted her as the new woman of the times. She was proclaimed as a stronger more independent example of the changing times. Girls must have thought it was about time a woman was depicted as such. Marston’s effort was a valiant one, if feminism was his goal. He stated …show more content…

She was athletic, independant, and strong on her own. The attire she was clad in was also not typical and surely did not scream feminist. She appeared to be dressed more geared towards getting teenage boys to read the comic. Her hypersexualized dress was clearly not meant for girls to feel empowered. This new wonder was more appealing to young men. The pronounced cleavage, short shorts, and long exposed legs screamed sex symbol. Wonder Woman was the Betty Grable pin up gal of her time. The National Organization for Decent Literature wanted her blacklisted stating “Wonder Woman is not sufficiently dressed” (cite). There is an understanding that this was the normal attitude in the forties. That being the case, her outfit was more of a conversation piece and outrage more than her feminism. People were paying attention to her overly sexual nature. DC comics was losing her message of the new age independant woman. She could be just as independant and athletic with what Superman or Batman were wearing at the time. Feminism does not equate to bare skin and bathing suits. That is what her outfit looked like. I haven’t seen too many baseball players in the past or now that play in halter top and short shorts. Linda Carter’s outfit did nothing to boost women's liberation either. Her suit was tighter and more revealing. The TV icon was now a sex …show more content…

Unfortunately feminism is not one of those tales her story tells. They can hide it in a great story, however, that is only seen by her loyal followers. It was a fantastic idea. It was lost in the bustier, bonded bracelets, and the bathing beauty pants. She will have to live with her fate of being the sex symbol she is. I’m sure Diana has no problem living with

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