Entertainment
Feminist TV Shows To Watch With Your Mother
In the era that no one quite understands, filled with misogyny, homophobia, sexism, and classism, it's important to have an outlet. You know, somewhere you can marathon watch feminist TV shows that pass the bechdel test, make you laugh, and remind you that there are only about three years and nine months until we can even think about watching the news again. Sure, there are shows out there with women that are considered to be progressive in thought. Hat's off. But the shows I am about to list, in particular, feature feminism at the intersection of race, religion, class, and gender.
As a millennial, I can acknowledge that I am a product of my time, as is my mother, grandmother, and so on. For this reason, it's important to bridge the age gap in feminism and collaborate on each other's experiences. My mom grew up in an time where marriage just a step that you took in womanhood that many women sought or felt obligated to. In 2017, women are more comfortable with the idea that child-bearing and marriage aren't the final steps to being a woman. We're in tune with our own sexual desires, becoming leaders, and breaking societal barriers.
These 12 feminist TV shows are guaranteed to start conversations and build on any pre-existing or non-existent feminist thought with mom.
1'Chewing Gum'
There's something super empowering about Tracey's quest to lose her virginity on her own terms.
2'Insecure'
Issa Rae is just trying to figure out how to juggle diet-racism in the workplace and fulfilling her own sexual prowess.
3'Master of None'
Aziz Ansari addresses issues around immigration, gender norms, and cultural barriers. He's even on fora second season on May 12.
Editor's Note: On Jan. 13, Ansari was accused of sexual misconduct by a woman who went on a date with him. Ansari has since responded to the claims, saying:
"In September of last year, I met a woman at a party. We exchanged numbers. We texted back and forth and eventually went on a date. We went out to dinner, and afterwards we ended up engaging in sexual activity, which by all indications was completely consensual.
The next day, I got a text from her saying that although 'it may have seemed okay,' upon further reflection, she felt uncomfortable. It was true that everything did seem okay to me, so when I heard that it was not the case for her, I was surprised and concerned. I took her words to heart and responded privately after taking the time to process what she had said.
I continue to support the movement that is happening in our culture. It is necessary and long overdue."
4'Orange Is The New Black'
The show addresses transphobia, classism, and racism. The cast even reminds you how powerful women are when they stick together.
5'Call The Midwife'
This show is set in the '50s, but still tackles controversial subject matter, including abortion, religion, and what it means to be independent as a woman during that time.
6'Grace And Frankie'
You have to love the both of these ladies. The show proves that, regardless of Frankie's free-spiritedness and Grace's conservative by-the-books mentality, their friendship prevails.
7'Portlandia'
You don't have to be from Portland to understand the satire in this series. Portlandia touches on privilege, equality, and gender norms. Being from Portland myself, I can say that everything is accurate.
8'Transparent'
This show will have you on a marathon for sure. Transparent addresses transphobia and gender scripts and ageism.
9'Girls'
Lena Dunham covers an array of issues, but what I love most is her body positivity and her awareness of the social climate that she lives in.
10'How To Get Away With Murder'
Viola Davis gives us anything but ordinary in her empowering law professor role.
11'Scandal'
If you ever thought women were treated equally, Scandal claps back with the realization that being a professional woman isn't a walk in the park.
12'Big Little Lies'
The show addresses domestic and sexual abuse and parenting, all while maintaining a powerful women-lead cast. Warning, this one's a tear-jerker.
13'One Day At A Time'
The show follows a single Cuban mother raising her daughter, who is coming to terms with her sexuality, and her son, who just wants to be popular. If you want a show that addresses issues in mental health, immigration, single parenting, and race, you can be sure this will give you all that and much more.
Here's to hoping the future of TV is intersectional, queer, and women-lead.
