SEXuality

Once upon a time in the 90s a bunch of risqué French woman decided that women are not equal to men. Equal reduces sexes to one gender, “Man.” (…And God created man). “Quelle absurde!” the french women said. There are essential differences between man and woman. Females have a sensuality, a connection to nature, an intuitiveness… that men can’t replicate. 3^rd wavers embrace their sexuality; whatever they feel makes them Woman. It could mean red lipstick and heels or a buzz cut and army coat, whatever. It’s performative. So as long as she’s embracing herself, she’s a lioness, let her roar.

In Gilmore Girls, a mother and daughter make up the family, a Korean rock chic and bodacious chef back them as besties, the grandmother often plays villain, and even the male French concierge has an effeminate name and cares about his nails. In episode 1.1 all of the music is sung by women – an appetizer for 7 seasons of womanhood to come.

What does the LACK of men here signify?  For me it really underlines the 3^rd waver principle that women are not a binary to men; women are indispensably different and uncomplimentary. When juxtaposed with men (Luke, Chris, Logan, Dean), their sexuality as sensuality becomes prominent. Being unmarried makes them a target in a sense, but perhaps the show went on for 7 seasons because it’s never about needing a man.

Rory and Lorelei oppose each other’s sexuality in 1.1. Rory asks her mom “You look happy. Did you do something slutty?” And Lorelei makes a joke about sleeping with the principle to get Rory into Chilton. Rory looks like an old maid, wearing what her mom calls a “mumu” and preferring uniforms. But she’s a beautiful girl, admired by leather-jacketed Dean (thereby giving Rory a good girl appearance), unafraid to make a pun on her butt.

As for Veronica Mars, sexuality is definitely there. In 1.3 boys rate Veronica a 9/10, which doesn’t feel so demeaning since she got such high appraisal. She jokes about booty calls and having sex for a good trick on a date, even with her dad– she’s apparently pretty comfortable with sex itself, and being picked up and flirted with by guys. However, we learn a lot of this is just tough talk. Like Rory and Lorelei, Veronica is unconciously looking for a man that’s right for her. Duncan or Tod? Dean or Logan? Luke or Chris? She wants spiritual compatibility, and her instinctive feminism tells her she’s better off alone than settling for any XY.

Finally, the transgender father-turned-mother in 1.3 brought out more 3^rd wave feminism, introducing a more complex aspect to sexuality. Veronica displays how feminism is just a performance in 1.4. She dresses up in different disguises, from a girly trust fund airhead to a sassy gamer. Even her own identity is performed; she used to dress up as innocent, sweet Veronica before her friend died and she took on the role of kick ass Veronica.