Trigger warning // Rape
Though an enjoyable show which takes you out into a diverse historical world, there are problematic/triggering aspects I wish to express my displeasure about. Aside from the pronounced contextual stereotypes focusing on women’s roles, positions and limitations, and men’s lack of emotional depth aside from pride and anger/violence, Bridgerton fails to shed light on and hold accountability of, dare I say, a villain-like character: Daphne.
I actually liked Daphne initially — she seemed to have understood feminism and was ahead of her time- of course, she was by no means Eloise ( the GOAT of the show), Daphne had potential. She fulfilled the role as the eldest daughter while still making her path towards her own voice and actions which is not an easy task and she has my respect for that.
My biggest problem with Daphne and S1 is that they are dismissing assault by women thus ignoring and un-affording mens’ sexual trauma (in a hereto-normative scenario). The scene where Daphne rides Simon to ensure and force Simon to cum inside her is rape. Simon made it clear from the beginning that he cannot give a child, whatever the reason maybe. Yes, the Duke should’ve told Daphne the reason so she could better understand but nothing excuses forcing your partner or anyone against their will. Not only that, Daphne then went onto shift the blame completely on Simon through self-victimization and gaslighting. No means no— and it doesn’t only apply to assault towards women. The show could’ve been marvelous had they explored what it means to be a male sexual victim, much less a male of color sexual victim.
Feminism is not an one way street: we, as products of our society, will experience double standards but it is our job, as feminists to always unlearn and relearn our toxic mentalities. Feminism is about empowering women to occupy spaces in institutions (education, politics, career) and it is also about opening up room for men to be vulnerable. We cannot call ourselves feminists if we cannot understand such simple matter.
Image Credit: Netflix