Misogyny, sexism, chauvinism, and patriarchy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

We discuss the concepts of misogyny, sexism, chauvinism, and patriarchy in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and whether the series used these ideas to bring about change or perpetuate these behaviors and ideas. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

Content warning for a discussion of sensitive topics related to power dynamics, sexual harassment and sexual assault. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please see the resources below:

 

RAINN: https://www.rainn.org/resources 

RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. Click on the link to connect to crisis support services, including telephone and chat hotlines, for sexual assault and harassment and domestic and dating violence. 

 

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/help 

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Click on the link to connect with the NAMI HelpLine and NAMI Teen and Young Adult HelpLine. 

 

SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline 

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service.

 

Links mentioned in the episode:

PsychCentral: https://psychcentral.com/blog/whats-a-misogynist

ThoughtCo.: https://www.thoughtco.com/patriarchal-society-feminism-definition-3528978 

Anti-Defamation League: https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/incels-involuntary-celibates 

Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2017/03/08/the-villains-on-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-showed-just-how-pervasive-misogyny-can-be/ 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

 

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