PSY-331 5-2 Short Paper Hollywood and Sexuality
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Arts Humanities
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Jan 9, 2024
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Uploaded by missmegan543
Megan K. Perez
Dr. Kathleen Prince
5-2 Short Paper
25 November 2023
Hollywood and Sexuality
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Provide a synopsis of the movie.
"A League of Their Own" tells the story of the formation of the first professional female
baseball league during World War II. Two sisters, Dottie, and Kit, join the league and struggle to
succeed amid their rivalry. The league was seen as crucial for the financial survival of major
league baseball franchises and their owners (Ebert, 1992). A Chicago candy-bar mogul scouts the
countryside for women who could play ball, finding two sisters in Oregon. They are brought
back to Chicago for tryouts with other hopefuls, including Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell, and
Megan Cavanaugh (Ebert, 1992).
The team's owner, Gary Marshall, recruits Jimmy Dugan, a former home-run king, who
takes an interest in his girls (Ebert, 1992). By the end of the season, Rockford is in the World
Series against Racine. The movie follows the transition from the past to the present, with Dottie
Hinson, the best player of her time, never taking women's baseball seriously (Ebert, 1992). The
movie explores the ambiguity about women's roles and the transition from new images to old
values.
The movie has a bittersweet charm, with fresh personalities of the players and the gradual
unfolding of their coach. By the end, the women realize they were pioneers and must admit their
achievements (Ebert, 1992).
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Describe how the movie portrays sex and sexuality.
The 1992 movie A League of Their Own explores sexual references, sexualized uniforms,
and gender role stereotypes. The movie features references to "pickle tickle," a comment about
women being better suited for sex than baseball, and "the clap" (A League of Their Own Movie
Review, 2003). It also includes sexualized uniforms, such as short skirts, hair, and makeup, and
gender role stereotypes. The movie also features shots of women in underwear, a drunk coach
urinating in front of women, sensual dancing, and sexual aggression (A League of Their Own
Movie Review, 2003).
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Explain whether this movie presents a fair, healthy view of sex.
"A League of Their Own" is a conservative and tame portrayal of sex, highlighting its
naturalness and importance in the human experience. The film acknowledges sex as a natural
part of human life, even for women focused on athletic careers. The characters are allowed to
have romantic relationships without judgment or ostracization. Consent and respect are
emphasized, with no instances of coercion or pressure. Healthy relationships are depicted as
based on mutual respect, understanding, and affection. The characters support each other's
dreams and aspirations, communicating openly and honestly about their feelings.
Sexuality is portrayed as a source of empowerment for women, exemplified by Dottie's
confidence and success on the baseball field. The film's emphasis on non-sexual elements of
relationships, such as women's experiences as professional baseball players, delivers a positive
message that women can achieve success and fulfillment without defining themselves solely
through their relationships with men.
Ultimately, "A League of Their Own" presents a healthy and realistic view of sex,
characterized by consent, respect, and healthy relationships.
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Review the movie for overall artistic merit and audience impact.
"A League of Their Own" is an excellent movie that has received critical acclaim for its
strong female characters, happy tale, and lighter approach to a historical event. It was one of my
favorites growing up. The film contains a varied cast of nuanced, engaging, and inspirational
female characters that question gender stereotypes and demonstrate the strength, athleticism, and
tenacity of women, all of whom inspired me and motivated me to play softball (Lieberman,
2012). The film's lighthearted and amusing tone appeals to audiences of all ages. The movie
shows the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League's historical backdrop properly,
reflecting the trials and accomplishments of female athletes during World War II.
References
A League of Their Own Movie Review. (2003, July 7). Retrieved from
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/a-league-of-their-own#:~:text=Sexual
%20references%20include%20the%20phrase,and%20there’s%20some%20sensual%20dancing
.
Brief Descriptions and Expanded Essays of National Film Registry Titles | Film Registry
| National Film Preservation Board | Programs | Library of Congress. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/descriptions-and-
essays/
Ebert, R. (1992, July 1). A League of Their Own movie review (1992) | Roger Ebert. Retrieved
from
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/a-league-of-their-own-1992
Lieberman. (2012). CINEMATIC PORTRAYALS OF FEMALE ATHLETES. Retrieved
November 25, 2023, from
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