This is exactly what I mean. I think you're right, Robin, about both Kira &
Dax. The issues is representation: these are fictional characters created
by writers who are working within a particular set of political confines.
This is not even a "conspiracy" - representation of gender & sexuality in
mainstream film & tv is really limited and limiting, and when there are
exceptions to that rule, with characters like Kira, Dax, or even Ellen (the
coming out episode), these characters are ultimately reigned in in some way
or another.
I think we need to differentiate issues of representation and the social &
political forces that shape representation in mainstream media from
psychological justifications about why characters appear or act the way
they do. What do other people think? Are these issues clearer in literature
than they are for tv?
Kym
>
>BUT, at the same time I can't help but see some changes in the characters
>appearance and actions as an attempt to make her more 'acceptably
>feminine' and more definitively heterosexual. Kira, like Ro Laren, was
>beloved by many lesbians as having a certain familiar feeling. Around
>here we began referring to "Bajor planet of the dykes." The episodes with
>alternatie universe evil Kira were totally sexually charged, talk about
>lesbian narcissism!! Then at the beginning of last season, all of a
>sudden, Kira starts wearing heavy makeup, having more feminine hair,
>subtle wardrobe changes, and a lot more references to her heterosexuality.
>Call me a conspiracy theorist but this
>didn't seem accidental to me.
>
>In a similar vein Dax's relationship with Worf did come not long after she
>had the best lesbian kiss on television. Doomed quick relationship with a
>woman, followed by a long serious one with a very macho main man. And
>what's with this relationship anyways? He's a total neanderthal,
>extremely sexist and emotionally a corpse. Dax in love is cool. Dax in
>love with a man, sure I can take it. But Dax dating WORF seems to run
>counter to her previous character.
>
>And now my heart belongs to B'ellana Torres...
>
>Robin Gordon
>
>--------------------------------------
>"I am the wall with the womanly swagger."
>Judy Grahn
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