"Scream Queens" has become somewhat of an overnight sensation ever since it premiered in September. This show has something for everyone: horror, comedy, a hot, star-studded cast. Most important, however, is the show’s heavy emphasis on feminism. So, let’s take a look at why "Scream Queens" is any feminist’s television dream:
1. Almost every scene features a majority of women.
Whether it was the search party scene in this past week’s episode, “Pumpkin Patch,” or any scene in the Kappa House, women dominate the scenes throughout the show. Hollywood tends to lean toward a male majority in films, and to see "Scream Queens" challenge that is refreshing and encouraging for women everywhere. The show provides a world where two independent females like Gigi Caldwell and Denise Hemphill can attempt to take down the Red Devil together, without any real help from a man.
"Scream Queens" take this film test and completely throws it to the wind -- it reverses it, even. When two women talk on the show, it is not about a man. If it is, the focus of the entire conversation is rarely just about the man. Almost every time two men talk in the show, however, it’s about a girl. Let’s bring our attention to how in “Pumpkin Patch,” Twins Rodger and Dodger spend an entire scene only talking about one girl, Chanel No. 5. This comedic gold exploits Hollywood’s inherent sexism in films and television. "Scream Queens" sets out to prove that a woman’s function is not solely to discuss the actions of men, but to take action of her own. Or look at the protagonist, Grace, who looks to take matters into her own hands regarding the madness ensuing on campus, talking to Chanel No. 1 about Zayday’s abduction. She totally defies gender norms and what one woman typically says to another on screen.
3. Let’s not forget the attack on catcalling.
That cafeteria scene was legendary. Exposing catcalling for the sexually degrading act that it is, the Chanels take down the boy that tries (and fails) to harass them. This scene made my heart swell and fill with immense joy. It is not often that a television show depicts girls helping other girls dismantle the patriarchy.
4. And right before that was Chanel No. 1’s feminist cry regarding body image.
Chanel’s monologue about wanting to eat pizza instead of condiment-dipped cotton balls was almost as iconic as the catcalling scene that ensued afterward. "Scream Queens" utilizes its ridiculously-obvious, satirical nature to reject body image ideals. If Chanel Oberlin wants pizza, she is going to eat pizza. And she does not care what any boy thinks about that.
Zayday’s confident, self-assured character can inspire any girl to do whatever she so pleases. With her on-point style, biting sass, and natural leadership, she gives Chanel No. 1 a run for her money when it comes to who the real Queen Bee is -- and I love it so, so much.
6. Women run the show. Even on the evil side of things.
The end of this week’s episode made my head spin. So, Gigi has power over the Red Devil? Excuse me? Even though it is now clear that Gigi is one of the villains of the show, it’s hard not to love her for it. Gigi appears to be in charge of whatever the Red Devil is up to on campus, proving that women can really do anything, even if it’s playing the enemy. When it comes down to it, I like knowing that in the year 2015, a woman is just as likely as a man to be the villain.
And that’s the truth.
