Analysis: The Tropes of Women of Color in Sci-Fi – Version 1 (The Token)
Definition of the Trope: The Token is the one that is found on the ship or group of heroes – made to meet quota by simply showing up and looking somewhat cute. However, she will not have much of a part to play in the show at any point, because the writers and producers responsible are too busy trying to curry favor with the audience by playing up the Caucasian woman who stars on the show – and can’t seem to find a way to write women of color other than putting them in the background. The role that they will play on the show will be limited, their agency will also be very limited in scope.
Definition of the Trope: The Token is the one that is found on the ship or group of heroes – made to meet quota by simply showing up and looking somewhat cute. However, she will not have much of a part to play in the show at any point, because the writers and producers responsible are too busy trying to curry favor with the audience by playing up the Caucasian woman who stars on the show – and can’t seem to find a way to write women of color other than putting them in the background. The role that they will play on the show will be limited, their agency will also be very limited in scope.Analysis: The Tropes of Women of Color in Sci-Fi – Version 2 (The Traitor)
Definition of the Trope: The traitor is the one who is either in league with the bad guys, ends up in league with the bad guys, or is discovered later to be in league with the bad guys. On shows where there are already Caucasian women (and especially if the same show features at least one Black Male cast member for the “Good guys”), women of color will often show up as members of the evil organization – whether the evil organization is the one involved in the over-reaching story arc or simply the local bad guys being featured in the current episode.
Definition of the Trope: The traitor is the one who is either in league with the bad guys, ends up in league with the bad guys, or is discovered later to be in league with the bad guys. On shows where there are already Caucasian women (and especially if the same show features at least one Black Male cast member for the “Good guys”), women of color will often show up as members of the evil organization – whether the evil organization is the one involved in the over-reaching story arc or simply the local bad guys being featured in the current episode.Analysis: The Tropes of Women of Color in Sci-Fi – Version 3 (The Incompetent)
Definition of the Trope: Unlike the Token, the Incompetent usually has a larger role in the picture, and – sometimes – they happen to have a starring role. Unfortunately, despite any stated experience or education (and this is also regardless of the stated field of expertise), the Incompetent will not be of any good whatsoever to the group that she works with. This version is often paired with Trope Version 1 (The Token), and this is a very disheartening combination of stereotypes to deal with.
Definition of the Trope: Unlike the Token, the Incompetent usually has a larger role in the picture, and – sometimes – they happen to have a starring role. Unfortunately, despite any stated experience or education (and this is also regardless of the stated field of expertise), the Incompetent will not be of any good whatsoever to the group that she works with. This version is often paired with Trope Version 1 (The Token), and this is a very disheartening combination of stereotypes to deal with.Analysis: The Tropes of Women of Color in Sci-Fi – Version 4 (The Tragic Warrior)
Definition of the Trope: Unlike many of the other Tropes in question, The Tragic Warrior is one that hurts the most and smashes the dreams of viewers of color like a ton of bricks. Often times, Tragic Warriors are smart, intelligent, savvy, and strong. They tend to be the lead warriors on the front lines or leading groups into battle. Their skills are rarely questioned, their orders always trusted, and their instincts usually right.
Description of the Trope: Unlike Version 4, where the woman of color plays an active role in the story and displays at least a modicum of actual agency, this version will either lack agency and/or an active or proactive role in the story. Instead, while the story will talk about the importance of the character, the character will basically act as a backdrop for some kind of foreshadowing into the darkness – OR – will remain in the background until the time comes for her to die.
Definition of the Trope: Unlike many of the other Tropes in question, The Tragic Warrior is one that hurts the most and smashes the dreams of viewers of color like a ton of bricks. Often times, Tragic Warriors are smart, intelligent, savvy, and strong. They tend to be the lead warriors on the front lines or leading groups into battle. Their skills are rarely questioned, their orders always trusted, and their instincts usually right.Description of the Trope: Unlike Version 4, where the woman of color plays an active role in the story and displays at least a modicum of actual agency, this version will either lack agency and/or an active or proactive role in the story. Instead, while the story will talk about the importance of the character, the character will basically act as a backdrop for some kind of foreshadowing into the darkness – OR – will remain in the background until the time comes for her to die.
2 transmissions:
I don't mind at all.
One small correction: Heavy Armor's a *he*.
oops! hehehe. Now why did I assume you were a she? :)
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