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Summary

The web content discusses feminism and the use of direct action to achieve feminist goals, while also humorously presenting alternative actions to direct confrontation through a scene from the 1938 film "Sailing Along."

Abstract

The article titled "Feminism Feminism (Direct Action)" explores the various methods feminists employ to achieve their objectives, emphasizing direct action such as sit-ins, strikes, and even violent measures like political violence and property destruction. It contrasts direct action with other approaches, such as online petitions, reporting to superiors, and social media campaigns. The article uses a scene from the British musical comedy "Sailing Along" to illustrate the complexity of responding to sexism, offering multiple-choice style options for how a character might deal with a sexist director. The article also references a wise saying about understanding complex issues through multiple-choice questions and humorously suggests that Jessie Matthews, a star from the film, could be the offspring of Olivier Coleman and Liza Minnelli due to her captivating screen presence.

Opinions

  • The article implies that direct action is a common and effective strategy for feminists to address sexism, but it also suggests that there are various other strategies that can be employed.
  • The use of humor and a scene from "Sailing Along" indicates a preference for creative and non-violent responses to sexism, such as using social media or starting a hashtag.
  • The article seems to criticize the oversimplification of complex issues, like feminism, by presenting a satirical take on understanding through multiple-choice questions.
  • By comparing Jessie Matthews to the hypothetical love child of Olivier Coleman and Liza Minnelli, the author expresses admiration for her talent and charisma, while also possibly commenting on the intersection of different cultural and artistic lineages in her work.
  • The article indirectly challenges the sexist notion that feminism is overly simplistic or trivial by showcasing the depth and variety of feminist actions and the seriousness of the movement's goals.

Feminism Feminism (Direct Action)

Photo: Gaumont-British Picture Corporation. Sailing into sexist waters?

Many feminists seek to achieve their goals through direct action. So a feminist might end up saying to a sexist, “How about, you, get back in the kitchen, and direct action your own dinner,” thus illustrating the need for feminism.

What is direct action?

“Nonviolent direct action may include sit-ins, strikes, and counter-economics. Violent direct action may include political violence, assault, arson, sabotage, and property destruction.” — Wikipedia

However, are there alternatives to action that is direct?

Luckily for me a very wise person once said, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that everything is shit easy to understand when reduced to multiple choice with no wrong answers.”

There is a scene in the film Sailing Along that perfectly illustrates this tried and tested theory. By the way Sailing Along is a 1938 British musical comedy film written and directed by Sonnie Hale and starring Jessie Matthews, Barry MacKay, Roland Young and Athene Seyler.

The scenario: Victoria Gulliver (Seyler) inadvertently auditions for the show starring Kay Martin (Matthews) that is being financed by her brother Anthony Gulliver (Young).

Incidentally, the scene does not feature Jessie Matthews. This is a shame, as Jessie Matthews could be the love child of Olivier Coleman and Liza Minnelli (see later).

Anyway….

The Question: Instead of slapping the shows director, what could Victoria Gulliver have done?

The Answers:

(A). “Throw it back at him.”

“You show us, your legs!”

(B). “Gang up on him.”

Start an online petition.

(C). “Snitch on him.”

Report him to a superior.

(D). “Social media him.”

Start a hashtag.

(E). “9 to 5 him”

“Well I say we hire a couple of wranglers to beat the shit out of him.”

Epilogue

1st Person: What’s your favourite musical?

Me: “Just throw y’hands in the air, an’ wave ’em like you just don’t care.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Jessie Matthews could be the love child of Olivier Coleman and Liza Minnelli:

See, told you so.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Feminism
Women
Sexism
Feminist
Musicals
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