In class, we learned about the Bechdel test, which can be used to examine representation of women in media. The first episode of season 3 of Grey’s Anatomy does not pass the Bechdel test. This is because all of the conversations involving named female characters show them talking about their relationships with men. Looking at Christina Yang’s scenes in particular, one of her conversations with another female character, Izzie, sees them discussing Izzie’s deceased boyfriend Denny and her feelings of grief. While this scene does not pass the Bechdel test, it is understandable that these two would be talking about Denny’s death given that it was a major and traumatic event, so one should not use it to judge whether this show is a good or bad representation of women.
Looking at the sex role perspective, Christina Yang portrays feminine stereotypes by showing compassion and tenderness. During one scene of this episode, Christina comforts Izzie who’s boyfriend Denny had just passed away. At the end of the episode, Christina shows compassion and tenderness by lying with her boyfriend Preston Burke as he lies in a hospital bed following surgery. She also appears to be gentle and soft-spoken in this scene.
Shared by: Claire Olson
Image Credit: https://ew.com/article/2014/03/07/isaiah-washington-burke-greys-anatomy/