ERIC Number: ED493669
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 12
Abstractor: Author
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Celebrate Diversity, Even If That Includes the Hopelessly Superficial: Lessons on Gender, Race, Class, and Sexuality in "Legally Blonde"
Alley-Young, Gordon
Online Submission, North Dakota Journal of Speech and Theatre Journal v19 p14-25 2006
This study critically interprets Luketic's (2001) film "Legally Blonde" to uncover the explicit as well as implicit curricula that the film advances. While some claim that the film presents a positive depiction of a strong female protagonist who overcomes educational barriers, this message is undercut by problematic constructions of gender, race, class, and sexuality. Critical readings of the film are linked to critical, commercial, and viewer responses to the film. The study concludes by considering the contradictory nature of this film that attempts to put forward a pro-diversity message without dealing with the issues facing individuals from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds.
Descriptors: Films, Females, Gender Issues, Sexual Identity, Race, Social Class, Marketing, Sexuality, Life Style, Cultural Pluralism, Criticism, Education, Audience Response
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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