The DIY derby world expected the film to do spectacularly in the real world.
So far, it hasn't.
Not for a lack of trying when it comes to publicity, though. I've seen ads for the movie, interviews with the actresses from the film, and public-interest stories about DIY derby all over the place.(hell, I was on local tv last week, as a matter of fact)
The one thing that is sticking in my craw about the news coverage is that it's the same ooooollllldddd story: "By day, these women are, ______fill in the blank with societally-approved female role__________. By night, they're rough n' tumble ROLLER DERBY GIRLS!!!!!!"
Been there, done that. About five years ago.
Why is it that people find it so weird that some women want to do something that's heavily physical? Why is it that women involved in derby found the need to have "alter egos" for the sport, even though in just about every case it's not about actually having an alter ego, but a need to separate out this "weird" physical part of themselves away from the rest so that other folk don't just focus on this one aspect of their lives?
In this day of "post-feminism", why is it that women who want to be involved in a full-contact sport are still freaks that need some type of justification to do it, while guys who want to be involved in a full-contact sport are just...guys?
I know academic papers have been written by some derby women for their respective college classes, but I don't know if this aspect was really touched upon or how it was expressed.
My annoyed feelings on this also kinda go against my arguments for keeping derby names...if we keep the names, are we perpetuating the need to justify ourselves by having to stuff away our "alter egos" for the "right time and place" so that we don't offend anyone with our violent(and non-societal-approved) sensibilities?
Dammit.
While I ponder the above, I have a lot of prepping to do for skating in Tuscon this weekend as well as getting ready for the Working World again. I guess that means I have to start "behaving" myself again.
Dammit.
In the meantime, enjoy the below random photos:
PS: I think Whip It! will be a DVD/cult hit. No, really.
3 comments:
I've had this exact same conversation with a few people and you've highlighted every point I've made. For what it's worth, I also believe it will be a huge DVD/Cult hit.
Damn it, you've inspired me to have a lot to say in responding to this, but every attempt I've made to comment is coming out as crap from sixteen random directions and shame-deleted halfway through.
So I posted this instead!
Pleasar: of course you agree. I'm brilliant! ;)
Troy: I believe you could go on forever about how shit could be used as a weapon!
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