Watching Erin Brockvich in Feminist viewpoint - Essay Example

El;ements of Feminism in Erin Brockovich The definition of true feminism, sometimes referred to as “core feminism”, s that “men and women shouldbe equal politically, economically and socially” (Feminist Utopia). This definition does not refer to similarities or differences between the two sexes. It simply states that men and women should have rights and opportunities. Therefore it can be assumed that an ideal feminist situation in the workplace is one where a man and a woman are considered equal and neither one have an advantage that the other cannot match. The film Erin Brockovich is a moving, true story about a woman who overcomes hardships, including gender discrimination, to investigate a large corporate lawsuit. Her battle to present the case in the “man’s world” of a law firm is seen as an excellent step in the direction of feminism and empowered women. However, Erin Brockovich does not follow the guidelines of true feminism. In the film Brockovich displays an unfair advantage over her male counterparts that not only give her an upper-edge but also contradict the true meaning of feminism and gender equality. The best example in the film is Brockovich’s admittance into the county water board. The scene begins with Brockovich getting out of her car and walking toward the building. The shot cuts to the clerk inside who is frantically fixing his hair and straightening his clothes. He has an immediate attraction to Brockovich and her suggestive clothing. Brockovich enters the building, flashes a dazzling smile and begins to flirt and chat with the beaming clerk. She also makes a few comments that suggest she’s just a dumb girl who does not know or care at all about public records. Her hidden agenda is to gain access to public water records that might contain information on contaminated water. Ed Masry warned her that these records can be easily “lost” if the wrong people start asking for them. Her plan is to charm the clerk into letting her search the records alone. Most people would not be permitted full, unassisted access to a public records office. When Brockovich asks permission to enter the back records room the clerk starts to protest. Brockovich leans over the counter and fully exposes her breasts through her low cut shirt. Minutes later Brockovich is looking though files in the public records office. The law clerk leaves her alone while he watches television in the front office. This scene is a perfect example of a non-feminist scenario. Brockovich used her body to get what she wanted from a man. She and the clerk did not enter the situation on an equal plane. Brockovich had a distinct advantage because she was able to use her breasts to get what she wanted. From the moment Brockovich entered the room her “advantage” over the clerk allowed her to take control of the situation before they even spoke to each other. Brockovich’s clothing choices during the movie reveal her conscious decision to dress in a way that will appeal to men. Brockovich works in a law office with several other women. These women actually approached Ed Masry about her clothes and how they were unsuitable for an office environment. The complaints mask a fear in the women co-workers who know that Brockovich’s dress get her more attention in the office. Brockovich’s clothes may give more attention but they certainly do not gain her more respect. Brockovich gets fired after her investigation of a law suit leaves her out of the office for a few days. After Masry realizes his mistake he rehires her and explains that she looks like the kind of girl who has fun. He assumed that because of her wardrobe she would be the type to skip work. This is not true but Brockovich does admit that her “assets” can help her do her job. When she tells Masry about her plan to obtain public water records he inquires how she thinks she’ll actually get the documents. She replies, “They’re called boobs, Ed” (Erin Brockovich,). Brockovich’s clothes do not fit the ideals of core feminism. Her low cut shirts and short skirts give her an advantage over her male co-workers because she is able to manipulate them. Again, this is a situation that does not create equal rights and opportunities for men and women. Brockovich is aware that her clothes are not always appropriate. She had noticeable costume changes during the movie when her sex appeal could not be used as a weapon. In the first negotiations meeting with P G & E Brockovich wears a pink suit blazer. In this situation Brockovich knows that the representative of P G & E will not base his decision or the company’s financial offer because of what she is wearing. She dons the blazer in an attempt to look professional. Everyone uses clothes as a means of expressing their personality. However, Brockovich’s deliberate decision to skimpy clothing at times that it gives her an advantage can not be linked with core feminist thought. She is using her body as a tool to get what she needs. The tactic works. Brockovich wisely realizes how she can get an upper-edge. Her clothing decision could be classified as a smart business decision. But the question remains: Would Brockovich be able to obtain her information and investigate the law suit if she did not possess the clear advantages that she creates? The answer is: Probably. But, since the possibility of her success as an equal gender is never documented one can never truly know. The question of whether Brockovich is able to do her job illustrates why feminism stresses equal rights, opportunities and advantages for all. There should never be an element of “maybe”. If a woman gets a promotion but wears a mini skirt to the interview people might ask why she really got the job. Idealistically, gender equality would erase the possibility that “maybe” someone got something because of an advantage exclusive to their gender. Core feminism aims to instill the key values of equal opportunities and rights for men and women. In a perfect situation there would be no distinct advantages exclusively granted or assumed to either sex because they are either a man or a woman. However in Erin Brockovich the main character, Erin Brockovich, overcomes her difficulties as a single mother in a man’s working world and creates a niche for herself in a law firm. She succeeds but; her tactics to achieve success question the framework of core feminism. Brockovich identifies what she needs to do in order to complete the investigation she feels compelled to do. The movie should be celebrated as a tribute to women who must face adversity to succeed in life. But, it should not be used as an example to support the main points of the feminist movement. Works Cited Erin Brockovich. Dir. Steven Soderbergh. Universal Pictures and Columbia Pictures. Videocassette. 2000. “Femist Utopia”. Oct. 8, 2005. . Read More