MovieChat Forums > I Dream of Jeannie (1965) Discussion > God this is so SEXIST!

God this is so SEXIST!

posted 8 years ago by Joxerlives
84 replies | jump to latest

I mean Samantha on Bewitched had terrific legs but she was always Darren's equal, in IDOJ we have Jeannie in her skimpy outfit just wanting to please Tony all the time and every other woman is a 'perfect little housewife' or some bimbo Roger is trying to bed. I think The Man Show put it perfectly;

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Adam%27s+The+Man+Show&qft=+Filterui%3auserpage-ucb9oclsbyuahaleg8qalkuq&view=detail&mid=133CF89323C8458E0BEA133CF89323C8458E0BEA&FORM=VRDGAR

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Snowflakes.

[–] R_Kane (15828) 5 years ago

Y’know, and I know you didn’t create the sobriquet “snowflake,” but it’s not really fitting, because, in nature, no 2 snowflakes are alike, but, in modern society, they are identical.

I suggest “genderless nonentity” as a replacement.

Maybe “gennon”?

[–] Wuchak (8732) 5 years ago

but it’s not really fitting, because, in nature, no 2 snowflakes are alike, but, in modern society, they are identical.

I think "snowflake" is used because it refers to overly delicate whiney types who seem to be as fragile as actual snowflakes.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

You have two very different backgrounds and characters. It makes sense that Jeannie dresses like a genie. Genie's are meant to be of service. Witches are free agents.

Personally in either show I always wondered what the men's problem was. If either were mine I would be quite comfortable sitting back enjoying the good life being conjured up for me.

[–] kenburke (2369) 5 years ago

Considering the time it was broadcast sexism was the rule rather than the exception.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

Food point.

[–] ProductionNow (1072) 5 years ago

Sexism towards men, as well.

[–] TMC-4 (20123) 5 years ago

Barbara Eden responds to criticism 'I Dream of Jeannie' was sexist

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/metoo-genie-barbara-eden-responds-criticism-dream-jeannie-sexist-174154427.html

Was I Dream of Jeannie sexist or feminist?

The star of the beloved series I Dream of Jeannie, Barbara Eden, was interviewed Friday on Today by Al Roker. Eden’s character spent five seasons magically catering to the wishes of her master, Tony, an astronaut.

Roker asked, “Do you think today they could do I Dream of Jeannie, because some people said, ‘Oh, this was too sexist or she was subservient?’”

Eden responded, “Of course you could. The sexist or subservient part is so ridiculous. I mean, this is a classical theme. This is a #MeToo genie.”

Some have said the show was sexist, something that Eden has denied before. Others have agreed.

With the recent glut of classic TV shows being rebooted for modern audiences, who knows — we may just see an updated I Dream of Jeannie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAEIZzCKgq8

In the end, Eden said she’s happy to be known for her unique character. “I’m proud of her. Isn’t it lucky that I had one character that people remember?”

[–] AmeriGirl26 (14382) 5 years ago

It's a 1960s tv show, what did you expect?

[–] Satan2016 (25525) 5 years ago

It's cultural misappropriation too! Jinn are male demons in Arab mythology, not hot white babes.

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/9k7ekv/what-are-jinn-arab-spirits

[–] Gryneos (39) 5 years ago

Unless you want to look at traditional Arab folktales, in which case males and females are part of the mythology. Also, have a look for the book "Encyclopedia of Spirits" by Judika Illes. There are several female djinn detailed within the pages, such as Aisha Qandisha, Lalla Mira, and Lalla Rekya Bint El Khamar. There are many others, but those are three of the most known and powerful among the female djinn :-)

The other thing to consider is that I Dream of Jeannie is not really based upon historically-accurate accounts of the djinn. It was inspired more by contemporary movies of the time ("The Brass Bottle" 1964, from the book by 19th-century fantasy-author F. Anstey) including all of the Arabian Nights films made ever since movies have been produced. As a work of fiction, artistic license is a thing and encouraged. No authority exists that states authors and creators must stay true to the source material.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

How about just shutting up and making me a damn sandwich?

[–] TimMC (9143) 5 years ago

Sexist or not I'd love to find a lantern with a genie inside.