How Femininity is Demonstrated:
In this episode (Season 1 Episode 5), once again, the females main concern is about the men in each of their life. Caroline and Bonnie have an argument about Damon, Jenna and Elena gossip about Jenna’s upcoming date and Stefan – and they don’t seem to extend their interests beyond that. Caroline goes a bit stir crazy knowing Damon is unreachable, going to extreme measures to make him happy. This shows how the gender stereotype that women will do anything to please a man. However, Bonnie starts stepping into her own power when discovering her witch powers. When Bonnie gets angry, she starts a fire with her powers – showing an example of how power is associated with violence – resisting the stereotype that only men can be powerful through these acts of aggression.
How Masculinity is Demonstrated:
Damon, the main example of how toxic masculinity is portrayed, is seen powerless without his vampire powers. More specifically, when Damon is not able to use violence to get what he wants, he is weak – reinforcing the idea that men are only powerful when they are aggressive and assert their dominance – however, he is freed at the end and acts out brutally by hurting someone.
Shared by: Alexis Masino
Image Credit: Alexis Masino