Just finished watching the first 2 eps of Boardwalk Empire on HBO. I liked it. Don’t love it like I did did The Sopranos but that’s ok.
One thing that annoyed me, but not faulting the show as they are being period-correct, was Dabney Coleman’s character and his comments about the woman’s vote. After watching Mad Men for a few seasons, you’d think I’d be used to it. But this was even more brazen. I guess I never paid attention as it has never effected my life.
Now, I’ve experienced all sorts of sexual remarks, innuendo, blah blah. I simply don’t understand those that get (or act) offended by it. And I AM offended by women who do act offended by it. Deal with it. Who cares. Grow up. I’ve had guys (co-workers) make blow jobs remarks to me, think I’m sleeping with my boss, stare at my chest, etc etc. Whatever. If I can’t handle that stupid high school BS, then I should find a new job. And hide in a hole.
Years ago, our VP of Engineering, who was known as a letch, was staring at my chest as he was talking to me. I snapped my fingers a few times and said “my eyes dude, up here. Look at me when we speak.” I embarrassed him. Good.
What does offend me (as shown in both Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire) is the belief that women are stupid. Now…some are. I know that. And some are willing to act that they are. THAT annoys the hell out of me. I would smack those women in the head if given a chance. Any day.
In this episode of Boardwalk Empire, this character asks his maid/housekeeper about world economics stuff (to prove a point about the worthlessness of a woman’s vote.) And I’m sure back then, she knew nothing about that. Nor cared. As it wasn’t “her place”. But the arrogance about how clueless she obviously was made me want to punch him in the face. Not because it was that way back then, but because I know there are men who believe that still now.
I find it stupid and ridiculous when people get offended and PC about stupid sexual comments. Who cares. But treat me like I’m a bimbo – I’ll smack you in the head. But the women (and men) that make it about sexual harassment…you demean me just as much.
5:39 am on October 4th, 2010
I find that it is missing something. Seriously, if you take away the period clothing, cars and sets, (oh and Nucky’s showgirl’s rocking body) the storylines are weak really weak.
I think the scene with the Commodore was worse than that – it was also done to show how little the servant was valued.
Good for you for calling that douche out. The assumptions about you by those who really don’t have a clue about who you are means they underestimate you. Dumb people.
Unfortunately, I don’t see the stereotypical attitude ever totally going away.