By casting a strong female lead and violating the damsel in distress narrative, Scandal establishes itself as a politically progressive show. The drama characterizes Olivia as an independent and successful crisis firm manager, appearing to challenge hegemonic gender norms. Despite the progressive appearance, however, the show reinforces the hegemony of masculinity. While Olivia is a successful businesswoman, a respected career is presented as mutually exclusive of a happy family life. Olivia is a powerful public figure, yet she is at her strongest only when she dresses masculine. Although the president cheats on his wife while seeing Olivia, Olivia is the one at fault. Through her wardrobe, her career and her relationship, Scandal reinforces the hegemony of female inferiority in a way that passes unnoticed. The subtle nature in which the drama presents this regression questions whether or not female inferiority continues to pass by unnoticed in present day society.
Scandal’s regression leaves a greater impact because it challenges if gender equality is even possible in the 21st century. Fans watch the show believing it is progressive – celebrating female business success and independence. However, as we’ve pointed out, the show enforces masculine superiority in nearly every aspect, from the wardrobe to the romantic relationships. When a “progressive” show enforces male superiority and associates femininity with weakness, will we ever have true gender progression? If this is society’s view of progressive, what is the impact on the viewers? Scandal not only represents gender inequality, but the show also forces the concept on its fans. Scandal viewers are expected to accept the association of masculinity and power and live by such norms as a “progressive” way of life. The truth behind Scandal’s progression makes us consider, will we ever achieve gender equality in a society continually enforcing norms of feminine weakness?
so What?
What's the effect on the viewers?