Desperate Housewives: A Feminist Perspective on a Classic TV Show

The critically-acclaimed TV series Desperate Housewives has long been a topic of discussion, with opinions ranging from passionate admiration to harsh criticism. For feminists, the show is often seen as either a breath of fresh air or a problematic representation of women and their struggles. This article delves into the complex portrayal of femininity and gender roles in Desperate Housewives, offering a feminist perspective on the series.

Isn't Desperate Housewives Just Trashy?

Many view Desperate Housewives as a "trashy" and "low-brow" show. However, for viewers who might have been introduced to the series by a more discerning person like my cousin Emily, a professor at Cornell, the "trashiness" can be reclaimed as a form of escapism and entertainment. The show's visual aesthetics, including the beautiful homes and lush green lawns, are often overlooked in discussions about its content. I agree with Willa Paskin's Slate article that the allure of watching "perfectly formed humans" is a fundamental pleasure in entertainment, especially when the shows are not on a high artistic pedestal.

Strong Women, Varied Identities

Desperate Housewives introduces us to a diverse range of strong women, each with her own unique struggle and narrative. Lynette Lindell, for example, battles with balancing her career as a successful ad executive and her role as a mother to five misbehaved children. One of the standout moments is her altercation with her husband when she takes her baby to work and changes the baby's diaper in the middle of a meeting. Another episode depicts her emotional breakdown as a mother, revealing that even "perfect" moms like her have their own share of struggles.

Susan Melendez is another compelling character, a rather scatterbrained and error-prone woman whose divorce has left her emotionally vulnerable. Despite this, she aspires to be an artist, nurturing dreams that challenge traditional gender roles. Gabby Del Nacho, on the other hand, embodies the trope of a "kept woman" who turns the tables by keeping her family together after her husband's sight loss, displaying a confident and outspoken demeanor.

In addition to these three, the show also features Bree Dudlely, who exhibits the heavy emotional labor typically associated with women in loving relationships. Her husband's death serves as a catalyst for her to rebuild her life and create a new path, including starting a successful business and writing a cookbook. The series does not shy away from depicting the complexity of female sexuality, including instances where the main characters navigate their romantic and sexual lives.

Problematic Representations and Confronting Sexual Assault

While Desperate Housewives presents a nuanced portrayal of the female character, it is not without its flaws. Two particular scenes should be noted, both of which involve the portrayal of sexual assault and rape. In one plot, Gabby is a victim of a man who develops an unhealthy obsession with her, getting her drunk and pretending to have sex with her. The show's handling of her experience is problematic, as it resigns her actions and choices, rather than focusing on the assault itself. In the other scene, an incident in which Susan experiences forced gynecological procedures is depicted in a manner that trivializes her experiences, which is unethical and possibly illegal.

These scenes highlight the show's shortcomings in accurately depicting the trauma of sexual assault and rape. However, as with any work of art, Desperate Housewives is a reflection of its times and a subjective narrative crafted by its creators. Critics and audiences have the responsibility to engage in a critical discourse about such representations, demanding more nuanced and respectful depictions of sexual assault and trauma in media.

Conclusion: A Show Divided Yet Still Relevant

Ultimately, the debate over Desperate Housewives is a reflection of the broader societal conversations about gender roles, power dynamics, and feminist representation. While the show has its flaws, it also offers a diverse range of female characters and their challenges, showcasing the complexity of modern femininity. Feminists can appreciate the show's effort to explore various facets of the female experience, even while recognizing and confronting the areas where it falls short. The good certainly outweighs the bad, making Desperate Housewives an important part of the cultural narrative on femininity and gender in the 21st century.