Geek Culture Has A Massive Gender Problem
Almost every aspect of geek culture has a substantial set of female fans, be it gaming, comics, movies, books etc., especially now that elements of geek culture have become mainstream and not niche properties. However, despite years of dedication and genuine interest female fans are frequently treated with suspicion and derision.
Women are treated like imposters in their own areas of expertise at a frighteningly high rate, with brush off comments like "you're not a real nerd," or "gamer girl." Add in elements like a female led film at a movie theater chain that serves food and drinks and you've got a cocktail for potential disaster as a fella with two drinks begins making comments about how "none of these girls would even be here if this was Wonder Man!"
As such, a female only screening means women can watch the movie unharassed and in peace, without their motives or even their interest being questioned. And maybe just maybe feel empowered.
Men Only Clubs Exist and Have Existed Since Civilization Began...These Are Movie Screenings
Hey guys. You know that feeling you got when you heard you aren't allowed to go a specific screening for a movie you really wanted to see, and might have to go see it at a time different time instead? All of that rage and anger, that brought up because you weren't treated the same as someone else? Yes I know you're really irritated by this minor inconvenience. Can you imagine if you had to deal with stuff like this day in and day out from the time you were a little kid? How awful would that be.
I know that entire section was extremely sarcastic, but here's my beef. This is one event. It's meant to be empowering to the women who will attend, not a punishment to men. Even the staff for these screenings will be entirely female. It's a unique and cool experience that's almost unheard of for female movie-goers celebrating a movie I'm certain many of them have been waiting their entire lives to see around equally enthusiastic women.
And in spite of all of these good intentions, a ton of interest from women (apparently the screenings are selling-out rapidly), and plenty of opportunities for men to see the film at other venues or at other times at the same theater chain, this is a world stopping example of discrimination against men. As I said earlier, I understand the impulse, but my mild inconvenience pales in comparison to how awesome it will be for women young and old to cheer Diana as she fights against and perhaps inspire the younger ones in the audience that they can do anything.
And all I have to do to guarantee that experience for a lucky group of women is watch the movie another time? Push back my screening as long as you like. It's worth it.
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