What Male Writers Miss About Women in Stories: A Critique of Portrayal

Portrayal of women in stories, whether in literature or film, often suffers from certain inaccuracies and biases. Male writers, both amateur and professional, sometimes perpetuate these issues. This article aims to bring to light common pitfalls in women's representation, emphasizing the importance of nuanced and authentic portrayal.

Common Pitfalls in Women's Portrayal

While not all male writers fall into these traps, many do, and their work can be particularly damaging when executed with pleasure. Writing women as robots lacking agency in their circumstances is a recurring issue. This method of portrayal not only disrespects women but also discredits the characters themselves. It is disappointing to see this, even from professional writers.

It's essential to remember that women, like men, are complex individuals shaped by their environment and society. Their motivations, behaviors, and actions stem from their socio-cultural contexts. This includes encouragement, pressures, restrictions, and legal frameworks they encounter in their lives. A female writer once noted, 'Women are people, not aliens,' highlighting the importance of treating women as relatable characters rather than abstract entities.

Transformation of Female Characters

A common narrative in literature and film revolves around women's pursuit of love. Female characters are often portrayed as needing a man to change their lives, with the ultimate goal being romantic partnership. While not all women struggle with these stories, it is deeply patronizing when such narratives are the primary focus. When female characters do exist as complex entities, their journeys are frequently centered around their sexuality rather than their multifaceted identities.

Portraying women as only wanting love or becoming the romantic interest in the end is not only limiting but also reductive. A character's significance should not solely rest on their romantic fate. It's important to create strong, diverse, and well-rounded female characters who are not defined by their relationship status.

Character Diversity and Uniqueness

Female characters should be diverse and unique in their aspirations and professions. The stereotype of women being confined to certain roles, such as office jobs, sales assistants, shop owners, or healthcare workers, significantly limits their representation. Writers should feel free to create female characters in any profession, whether skilled or low-paid, as long as they are relatable and authentic.

Furthermore, women are often written in a manner that conforms to a certain aesthetic ideal. For instance, they are frequently depicted as slim, good-looking, and often wearing expensive outfits. This type of portrayal not only reinforces harmful beauty standards but also contributes to the stereotype that a woman's value is tied to her appearance. Writing female characters with body types that reflect real life and professionalism beyond fashion can add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Dispelling Myths and Stereotypes

Another myth perpetuated in stories is that women always change their minds to fall in love. This narrative often undermines the autonomy and decision-making abilities of women. While love is a common thread in many stories, it should not be the only or dominant focus. Female protagonists should be portrayed with their own decisions and journeys, evolving as individuals rather than solely as love interests.

Feminist characters in films and stories are often portrayed as sarcastic, rude, or moody. This stereotype does a disservice to the rich range of experiences and personalities that women can have. Female characters should not be reduced to stereotypes and should be written with depth and complexity.

Conclusion

Writing about women requires a conscious effort to dispel myths and create authentic, multifaceted characters. Amateur writers often bring fresh energy and a sense of love for the other sex, which can be refreshing in stories. Professional writers, on the other hand, often conform to societal expectations, limiting the potential of the narrative. The key is to treat women as complex individuals and not as mere objects of desire or societal tropes.

By striving for a more nuanced portrayal, writers can create stories that resonate with a wider audience and challenge the status quo. Female characters should be given the same respect and depth as male characters, and their journeys should be about more than their romantic interests.