Girlfight and Pumping Iron II :: Film Movies

Girlfight and Pumping Iron II Our society tends to define masculinity and muliebrity according to rigid gender norms that atomic number 18 learned at boyish ages. These norms are apparent in language, perceptions, behaviors and pastimes. Since athletic contest is considered a great American pastime, it is a popular realm for the separation of the sexes and the creation of socially define proper roles for women and men. Sports like bodybuilding and boxing have add together to be viewed as masculine because they involve conventionally masculine traits much(prenominal) as strength and aggression. In contrast, sports such as gymnastics and ice-skating have come to be viewed as feminine because they involve conventionally feminine traits such as charm and grace. Thru documenting the lives of female athletes competing in non-traditional sports for their sex, the movies Girlfight and Pumping Iron II stop certain social and cultural costs and benefits of gender norm defiance. Girlfig ht portrays the sport of boxing as the savior for a confused, misunders aliked and quite enraged teenager who is spiraling down a path of self-destruction. Diana Guzman, the protagonist of the movie, finds discipline, self-respect, ease and love in the most unexpected of places- the boxing ring. By competing, and eventually succeeding in a sport that is not generally a welcome endeavor for females, Diana is able to transcend the bitter world outside the boxing ring and feel senses of acceptance, empowerment, pride, confidence, self-fulfillment and accomplishment. Her unconventional success is a form of communication. She shows young women and men everywhere that it is okay to hit or throw, like a girl, and that beauty can come in many different forms. The same is true for Rachel McLish, Carla Dunlap, Lori Bowen and Bev Francis, the bodybuilders in Pumping Iron II. Their bantam victories in the gym and on the stage become larger victories in the fight for gender equality. Their b iceps bulge out of their bikinis and cry, We can do it too Diana, Rachel, Carla, Lori and Bev serve as strong and powerful feminist role models who swear in themselves and their bodies, defy patriarchy and create rights of passages. However, these females roads to success are not paved with gold. Diana runs into many macho traditionalists who believe that equality is nominate and that her energies should be spent elsewhere. Her trainer initially doubts and underestimates her, telling her that, It is not right. Its dangerous.