Maybe They Should Have Beards

 

January 6, 2021

 

Did you ever notice that villainesses always dress more sexily than heroines in the movies and on TV? You know which one is bad because she has more skin—usually a generous amount of cleavage, with other areas as well—showing.

“Dark Matter” really brought that home to me. There are 2 different versions of the same character (it’s an alt-universe thing); and you always know which is which by the way she’s dressed.

When there are alternate versions of men, one has a scruffy beard to indicate that he’s not the good guy. Women get push-up bras, midriff shirts, and skin-tight pants. And, good or bad, they wear high-heeled shoes or boots; because heels are so practical for committing villainy or saving the day.

I don’t go picking fights about gender politics, so the fact that I noticed the trend means that it’s pretty blatant. So to all you costume designers out there:

Being sexy doesn’t mean you’re a bad girl. Alternatively, you don’t need to wear a push-up bra in order to captain a pirate spaceship, or rob the Louvre.