Feminism in "I Dream of Jeannie"!

As an opinionated, critical feminist, things in the media tend to make me want to puke. I Dream of Jeannie is no exception- how can any good come out of a TV show which features a half-dressed woman with magical powers who's existence is centered upon her "master." Regardless, the episode "My Turned-On Master" caught my attention the other day. I was pleasantly surprised with the messages of feminism which slipped their way into the show. The episode was about Jeannie giving her powers to Captain Nelson for 24 hours in order to attend a formal dinner with him. The trick is that he doesn't know he holds the power of magic for half the episode. While still unaware of his power, he talks about Jeannie being a silly girl who doesn't know enough to do anything meaningful or good with her power. He goes on to say that he would be able to make the entire world better with magic; he could end war, drought, ect. Then, when Jeannie breaks the news that he has her powers, he turns into a jerk. He tells her he will finally be able to save the world, and shoos her away. The best line occurs when Captain Nelson tells Jeannie to leave him to do "men's work" to which she replies, " "It was women's work when I was doing it." In the end, she laughs at his self-righteous and simple understanding of the problems of the world, and he ends up losing his magical abilities.
I really enjoyed the perspective of this episode. While men are viewed as more capable as political leaders than men by our culture, I Dream of Jeannie shows how a more feminine approach is a sign of intelligence and experience. Captain Nelson embodies the masculine attitude of "knowing it all" and "knowing what to do." Unfortunately, much of what is done with this attitude is harmful, and Jeannie explaines this to him. Jeannie, on the other hand, represents the feminine traits of thoughtfulness and patience. It is unfortunate that she cannot be more involved or interested in the "world problems" which Captain Nelson is concerned about, since her strong character could come up with realistic and sound solutions which he is far far away from.

Buy Nothing Day

If you're in Novi, MI or around the Twelve Oaks Mall you can join me in celebrating Buy Nothing Day! Here's the basic info:

Where: Twelve Oaks Mall (we'll decide where to meet closer to the day).

When: Friday, November 28th, early in the morning- around 6 am.

Why: To protest consumerism and corporate greed. With the economy falling apart people are buying less, but there is more pressure than ever being put on consumers to buy crap they don't need. Let's get together and remind people that money will NOT buy them happiness (and that consumerism leads to social inequality and environmental destruction).

What to bring: Zombie costumes! Fliers! Signs! You can make things that say "Buy Nothing Day," "You Are Not What You Buy," and "End Consumerism and Live for FREE!" or what have you. Look at adbusters.org for information, inspiration, and hope. Oh yeah, and don't forget to bring friends, family, and strangers who want to help out.

RSVP by commenting, emailing me, calling me, or showing up at my door for tea and anti-consumerism discussion. Anyone and everyone is invited... if you don't know me PLEASE send a message so I can make sure you get the info about where to meet!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!