DC Comics, Sexism and Pyjamas: A Reflection

DC COMICS, SEXISM, AND PYJAMAS
By Marie Victoria Robertson

As some of you may know, one of my biggest frustrations related to the younger generation is gendered children’s toys. Every time I think that maybe we’ve done some progress, I walk through a toy store and overhear things like, “No son, those are girl toys. The boy section’s over here” and “I can’t like Transformers, I’m a girl”. I’ve nearly had to be physically restrained to keep from speaking up to the parents. I hate the idea of a baby doll somehow damaging a boy’s psyche just like I hate the idea of a Transformer being a sacred, boys-only thing. On the same note, I’m tired of finding little boys’ clothing with trucks and baseballs on them. When I tried to buy my son a pink shirt a while back, all I could find was frilled and bedazzled stuff I wouldn’t even let a hypothetical daughter wear. Enough already.

A few days ago, the now-infamous “Score! Superman does it again!” and “Training to be Batman’s wife” DC T-shirts made the rounds. I saw them, I scoffed, and filed them under “Wow, comics disempowering its female characters and its female fans, big surprise.” And then I saw Target’s DC baby pajamas: a pink “I only date heroes” and a boyish-gray “Future man of steel”. Come on. I mean, come on.

I get that a marketing department somewhere thought it was a cutesy idea for a girl’s outfit, and I’m willing to grant that maybe they weren’t thinking of the larger implications of this message, but that is exactly the problem. The idea that boys will grow up to the superheroes, and girls will grow up to hopefully marry a superhero, is so ingrained in our societal consciousness that no one gave it a second thought until the shirts and pyjamas hit the shelves. Never minding the fact that the grey pyjamas make no mention of boys in terms of relationships and sexuality, while the pink ones are doing nothing but that. Did I mention the baby pyjamas were meant for a three-month-old?

We need change in the comics industry, but take a look at what we’re doing. These pyjamas and shirts and toys are meant for the kids that are going to grow up to be the future creators, writers, artists, performers, etc. of superhero comics. We’re not even giving them the opportunity to make up their own minds about gender and society and how it all related to superheroes. We’re bombarding them, essentially from birth, with the message that girls are welcome in the comic book world, but only if they marry into it. 

Why aren’t we telling our girls that they can totally grow up to be heroes? Why aren’t we telling our boys that power doesn’t equal masculinity, and that it’s okay to not be strong? If my son wants to grow up to marry Wonder Woman instead of being Superman, that’s just fine by me. Can we just let kids decide what they really like, and what they think is really important, instead of forcing them to repeat our mistakes? 

“But for goodness’ sake!” you might exclaim. “It’s just a kid’s outfit. Chill out. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” Sure, and I won’t buy it, but the problem isn’t just with the pyjamas, or the T-shirts, or the next piece of clothing or toy or movie or advertisement that comes out with this same tired message—these are all the result of a mindset that still, in this day and age, encourages boys to grow up into men defined by their strength, and encourages girls to grow up into women defined by their relationships with these ever-so-strong men. A mindset that produces children’s clothing telling girls their value lies in their appearance and their ability to please men. A mindset that slaps pink pyjamas on a three-month-old girl that basically tells her, “You can’t be a hero, but at least you can date one.” 

The issue isn’t that the pink pyjamas exist. It’s that they exist as the only choice for girls. If you’re going to market a T-shirt or a pyjama that showcases who kids are going to grow up to date, at least have it go both ways. Give me Wonder Woman “scoring” Superman. Give me a powder-blue “Training to be Batwoman’s Husband” pyjama, ideally next to a pink “Training to be a superheroine” shirt. 

And even better, put them next to “Training to be Batman’s Husband/Batwoman’s Wife.”  

Marie Victoria Robertson is a published speculative fiction writer and playwright, as well as the board president of Jer’s Vision: Canada’s Youth Diversity Initiative (www.jersvision.org). When all the other girls wanted to marry Johnny Depp, she wanted to run away with Worf on the Enterprise. She enjoys giant robots, time-travel paradoxes, and forcing her son to watch Futurama.

Geek Girl Picks: Laptop Bags

LOVELY LAPTOP BAGS
By Katie Bonnar

Yes, we are really doing this. We are talking about replacing your ratty, beat-up, dropped-in-the-mud, covered-in-coffee-stains, college/uni leftover laptop bag. Why? Because that bag is probably not who you are anymore. I’m not saying you’re defined by a bag – we’re can’t all be Jane Birkin, but even us geeks like to have a little chic in our lives. Am I right? If I might be even the teensiest bit correct, then here we go: the hunt for a fashionable laptop bag!

Here are the things I believe about laptop bags: They should last in both style and durability – preferably longer than the laptop they’re toting. They should be smartly and stylishly designed, keeping in mind their purpose. They should HOLD ALL THE THINGS.

I have scoured the farthest corners of the “Will Ship to Canada” Internet to come up with these contenders, ranging from total budget killers to cheap and cheerful chic.

TOP PICK:

Daame Everest 15” Leather Laptop Tote

If you fall in love easily, walk away now. This Daame laptop tote is a complete splurge, but if you’re a mobile office, investing in a sturdy, high-quality bag with some serious design appeal can make sense. Not only are these bags made in the USA, Daame also donates 5% of all profits to partners that further the education of girls. This is, as the name suggests, the Everest of fashionable laptop bags. Daame produces their bags in waves, as demand dictates – there is currently a waitlist for their newest model, Naked, while Everest is currently accepting orders.

Daame Everest 15” Leather Laptop Tote in black, $465.00 USD, photo from daame.com

EUROPEAN CHIC:

Mamtak Aya 15.4” Laptop Bag

Mamtak – now, here’s a brand that’s new to me, but speaks my language: quality, affordability and run by designers based in Amsterdam and Tokyo. Mamtak’s offering is the Aya, made of leather and comes in four colour combinations. What gets me about this bag is the handles – padded and wide – perfect for hauling around your precious cargo without killing your shoulders. The classic shape and very purse-like appearance make this a strong contender for the laptop bag most likely to double as a convincing purse if your work day takes a more social turn.

Mamtak Aya 15.4” Laptop Bag in green and white, $201.75, photo from mamtakbags.com

LEATHER-LESS BEAUTY: 

Mobile Edge Eco-Friendly Tote

Not so keen on using leather? The Eco-Friendly Tote from Mobile Edge might fit the bill: made with an eco-friendly natural cotton (using DuPont’s Sorona polymer fabric) and available in a variety of colours, this bag has space to spare. Fitting a 16” laptop or 17” Macbook, this tote is big bang for your buck at a very pocket-friendly price and goes from chic to oh-so-sweet depending on the colour you choose – just promise you’ll remove the clip-on cell phone pouch. Currently on sale in several colours on Mobile Edge’s own site.

Mobile Edge Eco-Friendly Tote in Blue, currently on sale for $49.99 USD, photo from mobileedge.com

GOING SOLO:

Solo Classic 15.6” Tote

Here’s another leather-free gem: the Classic Tote from Solo. Be mindful, this bag has a vinyl body, so let’s not put too much stock in this one going the true distance, but with the low price point and the paisley interior lining (I’m a sucker for a good lining fabric), this might be a bag worth trying. One feature that hits the mark is the key clip – having one secure location for your keys in a big bag is a huge bonus and a thoughtful feature that more companies should be adopting. If you’re not ready to make the leap to a leather bag or prefer not to use leather, the Classic might be the tote for you.

Solo Classic 15.6” Tote, $44.99 USD, photo from solo.net

TRAVEL COMPANION:

Kailo Chic Green Circles 15.4” Laptop Tote

This colourful tote for Kailo Chic is available in six different patterns in canvas with faux leather edging.  Kailo Chic does recommend giving their bags a quick seal with Scotch Guard to keep them looking fresh and clean, but at the price point, that’s acceptable. Stuffed with features and pockets, this bag can handle whatever you throw at it (so long as you Scotch Guard first). Their bright, fun fabrics definitely take top billing, but where features are concerned, their back pocket with the bottom zipper is absolutely worth coveting. The pocket opens at both ends to allow you to slip the tote over the handle of your suitcase when travelling. Anyone who has struggled through an airport, feeling more “bag lady” than “business woman” will immediately know this feature is brilliant and necessary.

Kailo Chic Green Circles Laptop Tote, $79.99 USD, photo from Kailochic.com

HONOURABLE AND UNAVAILABLE IN CANADA MENTION:

Lo and Sons The O.M.G.
Part of me regrets ever finding this site because they DON’T SHIP TO CANADA yet. But if you’ve got magical United States superpowers, here’s a contender that is probably a touch large for daily use, but if you’re also going to the gym or away for the night, may I present, The O.M.G. Yes. That’s the name. Let’s ignore that for now. This bag comes across like a Tardis where space is concerned – watch the video on their site to see what I mean. And with several colours to choose from, this Lo and Sons style can suit just about anyone. Bookmark the site if you’re a patient soul who can wait for their Canadian shipping expansion.

Lo and Sons The O.M.G. in plum exterior with light gold hardware, lavender interior and brown handles, $275.00 USD, photo from loandsons.com

Katie Bonnar is a modern renaissance woman, which is reflected in her interests. She is a seriously devoted fan of music, art, photography, arm chair economics, fashion, culture, language and My Little Pony. She's an early adopter and, while obsessed with the visually stunning and well-designed, she's also on a quest to minimise the ephemera in her life. You can find her on Twitter at @iamkatiebonnar

Plus Size Problem: An Open Letter to Geek Fashion

AN OPEN LETTER TO GEEK FASHION
By Courtney Lockhart

Dear Nerd Wear Companies,

I want to start by saying thank you. You are wonderful, creative people who have put your talents to good use.  You make us ladies able to rock our fandoms in beautiful creative ways.  I have found myself truly inspired by you to take the time for me and dress in ways that make myself feel awesome.  I love you.  So please try not to see what I’m about to say as an attack. This is a friend, coming to another friend, to try to make the relationship better. 

You hurt my feelings.

I know you didn’t mean to, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.  It’s not the first time either. It happens quite a bit actually. I found something you made and fell in love with it. I really wanted it in my wardrobe and wanted to show of your wears to the world.  But you didn’t make it in my size.  Or you made it in something you call my size, but is actually much smaller.

Most retailers 3X is a size 24

I’ve talked to you about it before. Usually you blame the manufacturer. Or tell me it’s available in that size in the unisex style. Or tell me that you did have one of them in that size but someone already bought it and you’re not sure if you’re getting any more.  You agree it’s dumb, you apologize and sympathize but  considering not much seems to change, I wonder if you really get what your actions are saying to me.

When you tell me the manufacturer just doesn’t make that size, that means that when you chose them to make your product, one of two things happened. One: You didn’t think to ask the question, or  Two: You asked about it, but didn’t consider limiting your offerings in that way was to be a big enough problem to not give them your business.  That makes me feel like I’m not very important to you.

When you tell me it’s available in unisex, it means that you thought about the big guys, but not the big girls. I know there are lots of  ladies who like unisex shirts and that’s great, but with very few exceptions, straight cut t-shirts make me feel awful.  They hide the curves I like and amplify the ones I don’t.  Despite having the same design, they are not the same product. It’s like asking for a ballet flat and being offered a sneaker. Both will cover my feet but one makes me feel better about myself and the other will simply do the job. It makes me feel like I don’t deserve to be pretty.  

When you make the item in my size, but in a small quantity, to be honest, this one perplexes me the most. You know that we are out there, that we want  to spend our money, and in a lot of cases you charge up more than the regular sized folks. So if you get three dollars more per shirt than a size small, why wouldn’t you stock just as many 2X shirts as you do XS?  It makes me feel unwanted. 

So, friend to friend, can we fix this?  

Courtney Lockhart lives in the west end of Ottawa with her husband and step-cat.  She is polishing her skills to pursue one of her dream careers as either a costume drama character, Torchwood operative or executive assistant to a billionaire vigilante. You can follow her daily mission to DFTBA on Twitter @corastacy.