Morgan BellAinsley Hayes on Sexuality and Feminism
August 3rd 2009 16:47
Ainsley Hayes was a fictional character on The West Wing played by Emily Procter.
In the third season (3-13, episode #57 "Night Five") Ainsley explains that she believes her female sexuality enhances her power rather than diminishing it.
In preparing for the upcoming U.N. address, Sam (played by Rob Lowe) sends for Ainsley Hayes fairly late that night. She comes in dressed up for a social function she'd been pulled out of.
Sam: "Hayes, you could make a good dog break his leash," Then as she turns to go, "Whoa, I didn't even see that thing from the back."
The comments were heard by a temporary worker named Celia, who tells Sam that his comments demeaned Ainsley. Sam tries to talk to apologise to Ainsley.
Ainsley: "If I felt demeaned I'd be one of the very first people to know it,"
Celia: "I'm surprised you're willing to let your sexuality diminish your power."
Ainsley: "If someone says something that offends you, tell them, but all women don't have to think alike . . . I like when the guys tease me. It's an inadvertent show of respect; I'm part of the team, and I don't mind it when it gets sexual. And you know what, I like sex. . . . I don't think whatever sexuality I have diminishes my power. I think it enhances it."
Celia: "And what kind of feminism do you call that?"
Ainsley: "My kind."
Celia: ". . . Isn't the point that Sam wouldn't have been able to find another way to be chummy with a woman that wasn't sexually appealing?"
Ainsley: "He would be able to, but that isn't the point. The point is that sexual revolution tends to get in the way of actual revolution. Nonsense issues distract attention away from real ones: pay equity, child care, honest-to-God sexual harassment and in this case a speech in front of the U.N. General Assembly,"
Written by Aaron Sorkin, 2002
I was reminded of this fine little piece of television writing when I recently witnessed a YouTube catfight over Feminism. What started as a discussion over pay equity quickly degenerated into how women present themselves physically, and whether women should "cover up" if they want respect.
In the end it all boils down to choice.
Some women like to present themselves in traditional female dress. Sugar and spice and all things nice. Frills and makeup and perfume. That is their choice.
Some women prefer to blend in with their male colleagues. Wear a shirt and tie. Loose fitting slacks and flat shoes. That is their choice.
It should not alter the way others treat them. Maybe thats idealism?
Will you be taken seriously if you wear a low cut top? Many women find that if they dress in a way that reveals cleavage others are distracted. Some choose not to do it. Others embrace the distraction as a tactic.
I dont think one is right and one is wrong. There is no dress code for Feminism. What you wear is irrelevant. Its about respecting the choices of others, even if it is not what you would do.
And its about having a system where if you are offended by the sexual remarks of a colleague, you have avenues through which to resolve your complaint.
In the third season (3-13, episode #57 "Night Five") Ainsley explains that she believes her female sexuality enhances her power rather than diminishing it.
In preparing for the upcoming U.N. address, Sam (played by Rob Lowe) sends for Ainsley Hayes fairly late that night. She comes in dressed up for a social function she'd been pulled out of.
Sam: "Hayes, you could make a good dog break his leash," Then as she turns to go, "Whoa, I didn't even see that thing from the back."
The comments were heard by a temporary worker named Celia, who tells Sam that his comments demeaned Ainsley. Sam tries to talk to apologise to Ainsley.
Ainsley: "If I felt demeaned I'd be one of the very first people to know it,"
Celia: "I'm surprised you're willing to let your sexuality diminish your power."
Ainsley: "If someone says something that offends you, tell them, but all women don't have to think alike . . . I like when the guys tease me. It's an inadvertent show of respect; I'm part of the team, and I don't mind it when it gets sexual. And you know what, I like sex. . . . I don't think whatever sexuality I have diminishes my power. I think it enhances it."
Celia: "And what kind of feminism do you call that?"
Ainsley: "My kind."
Celia: ". . . Isn't the point that Sam wouldn't have been able to find another way to be chummy with a woman that wasn't sexually appealing?"
Ainsley: "He would be able to, but that isn't the point. The point is that sexual revolution tends to get in the way of actual revolution. Nonsense issues distract attention away from real ones: pay equity, child care, honest-to-God sexual harassment and in this case a speech in front of the U.N. General Assembly,"
Written by Aaron Sorkin, 2002
I was reminded of this fine little piece of television writing when I recently witnessed a YouTube catfight over Feminism. What started as a discussion over pay equity quickly degenerated into how women present themselves physically, and whether women should "cover up" if they want respect.
In the end it all boils down to choice.
Some women like to present themselves in traditional female dress. Sugar and spice and all things nice. Frills and makeup and perfume. That is their choice.
Some women prefer to blend in with their male colleagues. Wear a shirt and tie. Loose fitting slacks and flat shoes. That is their choice.
It should not alter the way others treat them. Maybe thats idealism?
Will you be taken seriously if you wear a low cut top? Many women find that if they dress in a way that reveals cleavage others are distracted. Some choose not to do it. Others embrace the distraction as a tactic.
I dont think one is right and one is wrong. There is no dress code for Feminism. What you wear is irrelevant. Its about respecting the choices of others, even if it is not what you would do.
And its about having a system where if you are offended by the sexual remarks of a colleague, you have avenues through which to resolve your complaint.
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you think everyone is hot!
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It's been more than a year. Withdrawal symptoms are creeping up on me. Series 1, Episode 1 beckons. Another run through.
This will be the fifth time. Maybe the sixth.
Comment by Journeywoman
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One day, it won't be idealistic to say that we can wear what we like, regardless of how revealing or sexy it is... but in 2009, yep, it's still idealism. Social change is a very, very gradual process, and this change has not happened yet.
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Comment by Michaelie
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Morgan - nice post, I believe in the 'ideal', though it blossoms into reality much less than I would LIKE to expect. Maybe we'll get there one day, in the mean time, we just keep on making our choices within the current social framework - at least we can do that.
Liked this one:
Michaelie
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ahhh you are a huge West Wing fan hey . . . it is brilliantly written, just so rich and layered, so many things going on, a good workout for the brain
hi Journeywoman,
i do suffer from a bit of idealism when i theorise about Feminism, however in practice when i worked as an engineer in road construction i personally felt it was more appropriate for me to blend . . . i was usually the only female in the room so i actively tried to wear unisex (androgynous/genderless etc) clothing . . . in that kind of role it was a practical thing too for sun protection and OH&S
however, i do think, even if you wear a minimiser bra or strap your chest, everyone can still see their are breasts under your top . . . i think the onus should be on the men (and other) women to just not carry on like a chop about boobs, look people in the face, and treat everyone equally . . . yes, idealism
hi Michaelie,
i think its a shame some industries are still considered boys-clubs, but i can see women are making progress in many areas . . . slowly but surely . . . i would like to see an even playing field achieved in my lifetime
thanks