Previous post: http://cophilosophy.blogspot.com/2015/11/12-1st-installment-jeri-radford.html
Moving onto an episode with an underlying issue that is not
so obvious, season 5, episode 9 on Scandal (the most recent one), Olivia Pope’s
role in Scandal does a complete 360.
In this episode, Olivia finds
herself taking on roles as a “First Lady.” However, this is not her true title,
but she is publicly the president’s girlfriend at the time. Mr. President, or
Fitzgerald Grant, moved Olivia into the white house without question. Olivia
was not too fond of the idea because she knew the consequences of doing so.
With moving into the white house as the president’s partner, she would take on
many many tedious tasks very unlike the one she is used to or in favor of.
Usually in
each episode, Olivia Pope is tasked with “fixing” someone else’s problem,
however in this episode, she seems to have the problem herself. Olivia does not
like doing these small, unnecessary duties as lady of the president, however
she tries to uphold the responsibilities as she wants to be with Fitz. So, as
she tries to push through it having to attend and host dinners, give tours of
the White House to children, and pick out the China for the holiday
decorations, Olivia finds herself feeling like she is being lessened. She knows
her worth; she knows who she is as a woman.
[ Olivia not enjoying her time ]
In the end
it comes down to an argument with the president, her boyfriend, about the whole
situation. The situation was forced by Fitz because he moved Olivia in the
White House without any notice or questions. Previously in an episode, Olivia
and Fitz talked about how if they went into their relationship to quickly then
it would not last. They knew, well Olivia knew, that if they went public with their
relationship before giving it some actual time, then the outcome with
inevitable. It simply would not work that way, however Fitz, being the man he
is, moved her in anyways and went on with it. Yes, Fitz is the president,
however you can look at it like that, or that he is just simply a man abusing
his power. Olivia knows how big of a deal she is; she knows that she is not the
woman that likes to pick out decorations or entertain guests at many parties.
Olivia is a “big dog”, and she feels that the job as a “First Lady” that she
has been given has been lessening her as a woman (putting her down).
Now you may ask, how does this relate to philosophy? Well,
Shonda Rhimes, the founder/producer of the show uses her show to voice issues
that are currently in society. I believe Shonda Rhimes is using her platform for
the better. I believe she wants to inform and help society in producing
controversial issues in her T.V. shows.
[ Olivia enjoying being back at home ]
In this episode, Shonda Rhimes tells a story simply about a
woman going through gender inequality. In society now, this is a big issue,
whether it’s in the workforce, schooling, or within families. Women slowly but
surely are pushing their way through this issue, gaining positions at or above
men, but women go through stuff like this everyday. Men think women can not do
what they do, or they believe that women are just below them in society. Either
way, it’s wrong. I believe Shonda shows her philosophy through her shows on
television.
Written RECAP:
important CLIPS from episode:
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