Passion 'stereotypes' women
2004-03-25 19:27
Pretoria - The controversial film, The Passion of the Christ, reinforces different gender stereotypes in a variety of ways, says Dominee Elsje Buchner of the Dutch Reformed Church in Garsfontein.
Buchner, who saw a premiere of the film this week, said she didn't want her criticism to detract from the real intent of film, but on a second level she did notice the stereotypes.
She referred to the fact that Satan was represented as a woman in the film. The serpent, or Satan, has often been linked to women in the past and Eve was suspected of bringing sin into the world.
Buchner said this subtle portrayal of Satan as a female reinforces the image of the woman as "the cunning one, the one who seduces and also the one who is second-rate".
"The film does not subtly question or change this point of view by portraying Satan as an asexual being."
Regarding the other characters, Buchner said the decision-makers, who charged and ridiculed Jesus and had him crucified, were all male.
Men were generally portrayed as cruel and women as caregivers and those with sympathy.
These images did reflect the position of women in Biblical times, Buchner said, but on the other hand "one could not help but notice that the stereotyped images of cruel men and soft, serving women, are still maintained in our society".
When these portrayals are questioned, the critic is often labelled and/or called a feminist - "as if feminism is something bad or negative".
Buchner said all men were not cruel. Men also had a softer side. Women also could be decision-makers.
She pointed out, however, that the portrayal of Jesus broke down many gender stereotypes. He cried and showed his fear.
He did not fight back, even when he was in danger.
He did not hold on to his power and position at all cost - "also because he knew that he had to walk down that path".