The Paper Chase Masculinity

“The Paper Chase” and “Legally Blonde” are two films that depict the legal education in popular legal culture. This concept refers to just about everything that individuals know or believe to know about law, lawyers, and the legal system (Asimon, 4). Both of these films try to provide viewers with what the actual law education is at a top rated university. There are numerous stereotypes about law school as well gender roles, which are recognized throughout both of these films. Often times, watching certain movies or television shows about law and lawyers can put legal issues or other labels in a different perspective.

Elle Woods is primarily portrayed as blonde, blue-eyed, popular girl who seems to have it all together in the film, “Legally

Now, there are only 34% of women who are actually practicing law according to the Bar Association. In “The Paper Chase,” the classroom clearly shows the overwhelming amount of white males during this time period. Women are not seen as often throughout that movie, which particularly proves this gender gap. James Hart ends up finding his girlfriend who happens to be the daughter of his most demanding professor. Other than Susan, there are very few scenes or interactions with females. It is unfortunate that after only two dates, Susan ends up in bed with James. This is an example of conformed femininity, where women will do anything to please a man (Gendertrender). Again, Elle Woods is perceived to be just your typical blonde, fashionista, but actually does have the brains and ability to study at Harvard Law School. Although most law schools used to have a higher rate of male students, Legally Blonde tries to break this label by proving that Harvard Law is open to diversity and most importantly females. Out of all the students who could get picked for the internship with Professor Callahan, 3 of the 4 students were females. I also thought it was important that Elle Wood’s professor who put her on the spot the first day of class was a female professor. This professor likewise pushed her to stay at Harvard when she wanted to

In “Legally Blonde,” Elle Woods is constantly pushing to impress her own law professor as well as Warner. Warner really only cared about having his new fiancé there in order to have a worthy accessory as a future politician. According to Elle’s father, law school is only for “boring, ugly, serious” people. Her parents did not even believe in their own daughter’s abilities. Professor Callahan was a prime example of someone who took a woman for granted. He objectifies Elle, telling her that the only way she will get somewhere is because of her looks. Elle worked extremely hard to get to her position, yet was only being rewarded because she fit into a stereotypical feminine category. Even in the nail salon, Elle teaches everyone the “bend and snap” in order to get males attention. It seems that throughout the entire movie, she is fighting to prove herself to the men dominating her. During The Paper Chase, Professor Kingsfield calls on James Hart randomly and has him recite back the information. Hart being so unprepared and shocked, ran out of the classroom straight to a bathroom to puke because he was so humiliated. Although this is something that most people would never think to consider a male would do, it goes to show that there is a lot of pressure in a classroom. It could be a male or female who gets emotional or sick, but a male figure was intimidating him. After this first day, James Hart