Thanks to one of my readers, I can let you know about this coming Friday’s edition of the Radio 4 show, Woman’s Hour, in which they will be asking, “What’s happened to the tough women in science fiction?”
Knowing the BBC, this could go any way. It might just be a couple of minor celebrities saying that once there was Ripley and now there isn’t. Alternatively they could have Farah Mendlesohn on the show again, presumably having to explain that she’s still alive.
Then again, the UK edition of God’s War is due out on Thursday. Has the BBC discovered Nyx? Goddess, I hope so.
Anyway, I shall listen in and see what they say. If anyone knows any more about it, do let me know.
The website has more details now:
“If they’re not being forced to fight the alien forces of evil clad in just a bikini, then women in science fiction films or TV series are frequently seen trailing after a chisel-jawed leading man so that, at some point in the action, they can become the damsel-in-distress. For years, female science fiction characters played second fiddle to the men in the story but in the late 70s along came a new type of science fiction heroine and the likes of Ellen Ripley in the Alien films, Sarah Connor in The Terminator series and Servalan from Blake’s 7 suddenly stormed onto our screens and started to give the men a run for their money. But has the trend continued? Who are the Sarah Connor and Ellen Ripley characters of today? Writer and academic Dean Conrad argues that they no longer exist and that women in science fiction and TV have once again been reduced to compliant side-kick status. Dr Christine Cornea, from the University of East Anglia, believes that the role of women in science fiction has changed more subtly in the last few years. They join Jenni to discuss.”
I had not heard of Dr Cornea before, but she has some interesting publications listed at: http://www.uea.ac.uk/film-television-media/People/Academic/Christine+Cornea
Likewise, Dr Conrad, who seems to be an independent academic, and has a web page about women in science fiction films: http://www.deanconrad.com/writing/sfflists/wisff_viewer.htm