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A Force for Good Despite Itself: 4 Reasons Why the Bond Franchise Is Far from Inherently Sexist

Being a Bond fan and a feminist? Hmmm... Why not?

By Art-Peeter RoosvePublished 6 years ago 7 min read
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Casino Royale [Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]

With several of societies prominent figures finally called out on their sexist behaviour, it's not exactly a surprise that heavier attention has also been directed at pop culture's resident "sexist-misogynist-dinosaur"—Bond. And, well, whether it's 007's "kiss her until she likes it" flirting technique from Goldfinger or any other problematic moment in the franchise's long and varied history, there certainly isn't a shortage of material for anyone looking to make a case-and-point argument on why the Bond franchise is inherently sexist (or even why it needs to end because of it).

However, it might just not be the smartest stance to take here. Not because we should ignore that problematic legacy (we really shouldn't), but because by deeming the series as irreparably sexist, we would instead end up ignoring a far more interesting side to the Bond phenomenon. So, let's get right into it and explore why 007 might not be that bad fit for the Me Too era after all.

4. Not for His Eyes Only

The Spy Who Loved Me [Credit: United Artists]

Let's kick things off by addressing a simple yet not a necessarily obvious notion: Bond movies are not solely meant for the male demographic. Indeed, while it's fair to assume that the franchise's fanbase remains predominantly male, it should not go overlooked that the Bond series also does have a considerable amount of female fans.

So, what's the deal here? Are these ladies somehow traitors to their gender by liking this supposedly sexist property? Well, far from it. In fact, it's actually not a stretch to conclude that 007's meteoric rise to prominence during the late 50s and early 60s can be traced back to the same shifts in society that also enabled the women's rights movements of the time to gain a stronger footing.

Ian Fleming writing at GoldenEye: via Angela Blackledge

You see, when Fleming created Bond, he was driven by two key elements. The more obvious one being, of course, to tap into his own experiences in the Secret Service and create this alluringly exaggerated version of the world of espionage (while also trying to get his mind off the fact that he was about to be married). However, perhaps more importantly, it was also Fleming's way of exploring his own psyche. In short, Bond was both a manifestation of whom Fleming wished he could be, as well as a reflection of his darker side (including the regrets and bitterness related to his romantic life).

The result? Epic and globetrotting thrillers at the centre of which was this walking contradiction—a man both as charming and sophisticated, as he was emotionally cold, burnt out, and lacking any clear moral compass. Now, add to that the unapologetic charisma of Sean Connery and everything becomes rather clear.

Dr. No [Credit: United Artists]

Simply put, Bond was the perfect (anti)hero for a time when the society was rapidly becoming more liberal, its members more aware of the huge world around them and—more importantly—willing to enjoy it all with less restraint. In other words, 007's brand of excitement and unapologetic political incorrectness became a strange yet effective celebration of being your own person and living life to the fullest without letting the conventions of society shackle you.

That escapism, I reckon, is one of the key elements behind the franchise's longevity, as well as something one can appreciate regardless of gender. However, it also raises an inevitable question: does this mean that Bond's often misogynistic tendencies are also an essential part of this appeal? Well, not necessarily.

3. A Positive (Anti)Role Model

Tomorrow Never Dies [Credit:MGM/UA Distribution Co.]

Now, while we just established that Bond is not solely aimed at the male demographic, he is without a doubt a male role model, as many guys certainly look up to the character's cool and confident demeanor. Of course, as it comes with the package of his various character flaws (like his often questionable treatment of women in this case), it is understandable that this role model status has gathered a lot of criticism over the years. Yet, he actually might not be that bad at this role.

You see, while a role model doesn't have to be flawless anyway, there is an important distinction to be made between Bond's womanizing and his actual attitude towards women. Yes, he is rather promiscuous and—much life Fleming himself—does have a fair bit of bitterness related to his romantic life. However, that does not make him a sexist character. In fact, when looking at Bond's relationships with his female allies and colleagues over the years, it becomes apparent that 007 is not quite the sexist- misogynist-dinosaur he's ever so often been labeled as.

Skyfall [Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]

He pretty much always treats the female agents and allies he comes across during his missions as equals, has a genuinely nice—albeit innnuendo filled—friendship with Moneypenny and—in case of Craig and Brosnan—even a mother-son relationship with Judi Dench's M. Furthermore, what also shouldn't go unnoticed is that the only women Bond has ever truly fallen for had first established themselves as an intellectual match for 007 while also being immune to his usual charms (Vesper, Tracy).

It a side of the franchise which has really only improved over the years and does create a simple yet effective message for any young guy watching these movies: being a cool and confident alpha male has got nothing to do with being demeaning towards women.

2. An Unexpected Virtue of an Unsavoury Reputation

Casino Royale [Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer], Dr. No [Credit: United Artists]

Of course, while the abovesaid is all well and nice, it's not like it's going to help the franchise completely shake off its reputation as being sexist. However, perhaps it doesn't have to. In fact, perhaps it's actually that same unsavory reputation that also puts Bond in a rather unique position to combat sexism in popular culture. Simply put, while Bond, himself, and the world he inhabits can indeed be sexist at times, this does not mean that the franchise itself has to be. Quite the opposite actually.

You see, due to a pretty much constant need for redefining itself, the Bond franchise has developed this wonderful ability to simultaneously critique and celebrate its own legacy. Now, when placing it in the context at hand, what it essentially means is that filmmakers can seamlessly take shots at the franchise's troubled history with women without ever coming across like they're "having an agenda." In other words, what the Bond franchise provides, is an excellent chance to combat an important but also rather touchy issue like sexism in our society in a fun and clever way.

Die Another Day [Credti: MGM Distribution Co.]

Some great examples of it include:

  • Flipping the habit of objectifying women to objectifying Bond himself when he emerges from the water in Casino Royale
  • Jinx being the one who ditches Bond after they share a rather passionate night together in Die Another Day
  • Or a more to-the-point approach like Judi Dench's M calling Bond a "sexist-misogynist-dinosaur" in order to break the ice on their first proper meeting in GoldenEye (ended up working too).

All in all, the key here is that these and countless other similar moments are always presented to us in a seamless fashion, with good humor and certainly help the Bond franchise to change the film industry for the better in its own little way. Speaking of which,

1. Letting the Ladies Do the Talking

Quantum of Solace [Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]

Perhaps the strongest argument on why the Bond franchise shouldn't be regarded as irreparably sexist comes down to a simple idea: what better way to combat sexism in movies than taking this supposedly sexist and patriarchal world and then letting some awesome ladies establish themselves there? They can be capable femme fatales like Camille, Jinx, Wai Lin, Pam Bouvier or agent XXX, clever and tragic villains like Elektra or Fioane Volpe or simply well-written characters with engaging arcs of their own like Vesper and Natalia.

Licence To Kill [Credit: MGM/UA Communications Co.], The World Is Not Enough [Credit: MGM Distribution Co.], GoldenEye [Credit: MGM/UA Distribution Co.]

In fact, one of the better examples of it can be found from as early as the 60s in the form Tracy (On Her Majesty's Secret Service). You see, at first glance, it would seem that she's another example of why the franchise is sexist, as her controlling father tells Bond that she needs a man "to dominate her" and that 007 would be the perfect candidate for it. Yet, the manner in which Tracy casually laughs off her father's plans as well as how her and Bond end up in a genuinely well built up and equal relationship does paint a rather different picture of the set of values shared by the people behind these films.

To Sum Up

On Her Majesty's Secret Service [Credit: United Artists]

All in all, it really is fine to bash Bond for his troubled history with women. Good ol' Jimmy has it coming. However, the great thing about Bond is that he can take all of that criticism, move forward and then— despite his numerous flaws—actually end up being a force for good. That persistence is 007 in a nutshell and another reason why so many fans—both male and female—keep waiting for him to return. Which he will.

Sources: The Bond Code: The Dark World of Ian Fleming and James Bond by Philip Gardiner

pop culture
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About the Creator

Art-Peeter Roosve

So, to put it simply (and slightly cheesily) I'm fascinated with life. And, well, writing about films, TV shows, video games, music, travelling, philosophy and Formula 1 among other is a fun way to explore it.

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