Similarities Between Fried Green Tomatoes And Steel Magnolias

By definition, feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights - equality with men. The idea that women are inferior to men has been around since biblical times, and somewhat still is. Feminism is still an issue in today’s ever-changing society. There are still wage differences, occupational restrictions, and social expectations that men do not have. Two movies I feel display feminism through friendship are Steel Magnolias and Fried Green Tomatoes. Although Fried Green Tomatoes has an engaging plot, Steel Magnolias has incredible chemistry between characters, as well as witty dialogue.

Steel Magnolias is about six strong-willed women in small town Louisiana. At the center of the group sits Shelby Eatenton. After getting married, Shelby longs only

to have a child; however, her severe diabetes means childbirth could be life-threatening. Her mother, along with her mother’s four closest friends, puts her fears for Shelby’s life aside and join her in celebrating the life of her new baby boy. Some of these women are married, while some are not. Either way, they make their own decisions and deal with their problems as a group. Together, these women endure love and loss, all while remaining the same strong-willed group of women.
Fried Green Tomatoes begins in Anderson, Alabama when an unhappy housewife, Evelyn, befriends a woman in a nursing home, Ninny Threadgoode.

Evelyn is fascinated with the many stories Ninny has to tell about the people she used to know. She quickly learns the power of friendship as she hears the story of Idgie and Ruth and how their friendship shaped the rest of their lives. Evelyn also learns about courage and independence through these stories. She soon realizes she can feel good about herself and not rely on her husband for everything. Evelyn still takes care of her husband and wants to be his wife, but she realizes that her needs as an individual are just as

important.
Fried Green Tomatoes really keeps the viewers attention as every one of Ninny’s stories ends in a cliffhanger.

It always leaves someone wondering what will happen next in Ruth and Idgie’s adventures. On the other hand, Steel Magnolias has a viewer questioning from the start whether Shelby will have a child or not. Is it really possible that she is willing to risk her life for this dream of hers? The support for Shelby really shines through with the chemistry between these six main characters. They all know each other better than they know themselves. The same thing goes for Ruth and Idgie. When Ruth’s husband abuses her, Idgie helps her friend by getting her away from him and on to start a better life for her baby. The wisdom and truth in some of the conversation from Fried Green Tomatoes is quite phenomenal. Steel Magnolias also keeps the viewers attention with the hilarious dialogue. The jokes these women play on each other and poke fun at one another is probably the best part of the movie.

Feminism is displayed exceptionally well in both films. In Steel Magnolias, Clairee took her husband’s place as mayor and role model for the town. This was very unusual for a woman to do and in some places, still is. Ouiser is a very wealthy woman who takes care of herself and does not let anybody push her around. She shows this in the beginning of the film when she takes on Drum in an argument about him shooting at the

birds.
Fried Green Tomatoes is about a woman who learns independence and courage through Ninny’s stories. She learns that she can go to classes, lose weight, feel good about herself, and not be totally dependent on her husband. She makes the effort to strengthen herself and realizes that her individual needs are just as important as her husband’s. Ruth also proves her strength when she leaves her abusive husband Frank in spite of his wishes and violent attempts to stop her. Idgie and Ruth then return to Whistle Stop to start a business together that supports one another and Ruth’s baby, Buddy Jr.
Overall I believe Fried Green Tomatoes is the better film in displaying feminism. Examples of feminism and fighting for equality can be found in almost every aspect of the plot line.