The Subordinate Position of Women in Shrek 2

The Subordinate Position of Women in Shrek 2

Media representations tend to highlight the binary opposition which

often depicts female as negative inferior and male as positive

superior in the hierarchically arranged modern society (Shaughnessy,

Stadler. 2002). By repetition, the media can naturalize the

subordinate representation of women that no other interpretation is

possible, thus leading to the legitimization of masculinity and

denigration of femininity (Rayner, Wall & Kruger. P83). Male, or even

female, unconsciously accept this subordinate femininity as both

natural and inevitable and in some way correct. The film – Shrek 2 –

although attempted to challenge the tradition stereotype of female in

a male hegemonic society, its success was limited. The film actually

helped reproducing and legitimizing the dominant position of men and

the subordinate position of women.

The film attempted to challenge the dominating position of hegemonic

masculinity. The fairy god mother played an important role in gaining

superior position for female. She was a single mother, who owns the

biggest magic company and supports her own family financially. She has

the power over her employees and the king. Her intelligence was

demonstrated by the number of books she read, and the plans she

carried out in separating Shrek and Fiona. She was not seen in a

domestic situation or as partners to men, thus tried to obtain a

superior position over male. Furthermore, Fiona showed her dominated

position in making the last decision of what kind of happiness she

wanted. Although the Fairy Godmother Song stated that girl need to be

pretty in order to attract a p...

... middle of paper ...

... the night

he's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fast

and he's gotta be fresh from the fight

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero till the morning light

He's gotta be sure and he's gotta be soon

And he's gotta be larger than life

Larger than life

Somewhere after midnight

In my wildest fantasies

Somewhere just beyond my reach

There's someone reaching back for me

Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat

It's gonna take a Superman to sweep me off my feet

Up where the mountains meet the heavens above

Out where the lightning strikes the sea

I would swear that there's someone somewhere watching me

Through the wind and the chill and the rain

and the storm and the flood

I can feel his approach like a fire in my blood

Repeat chorus x 2

Appendix III – Shrek 2 VCD & Songs