Photo credit: Netflix’s Facebook Page
Izzy Spears|06.01.2018|IG: @izzy_spears
Please be advised- Spoilers Present
On June 29th Netflix aired season two of GLOW. Needless to say, I binged the entire season over the weekend. I am always down for some hard core girl power but I wasn’t prepared to feel so many emotions while watching the cast prepare to wrestle on a weekly basis.
On the surface, The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling may appear to be a television series highlighting a struggling production team trying to make the best of a d-list roaster of talent. In reality, GLOW is exhibiting obstacles that women face daily. Although the setting of the series is in the 1980’s, in terms of how women are treated today, not much has changed.
Let’s start with Ruth. Ruth is absolutely in love with her job. She is grateful for her opportunity to portray Zoya on stage, has a genuine concern for her co-workers and always goes the extra mile. Ruth was so enthusiastic about her new career as a wrestler, she took the initiative to direct a promo video for the production. The video highlighted all the wrestlers and introduced the cast in a fresh and creative light. Unfortunately, the grumpy and insecure director, Sam, let his pride and insecurity prohibit him from enjoying the video. His reaction was defensive, filled with rage, he fired a cast member and punished Ruth by limiting her time on stage for the first few matches.
Debbie, also known as Liberty Bell, understood the value she brought to the production and made a few demands before signing a new contract placed in front of all the ladies of GLOW. After a negotiation with the network, held over diner, Ruth walked away with a new position as producer for the production of G.L.O.W. Although Debbie had gained the title as producer, she struggled to make her voice herd. The men would hold meetings without her and dismiss her input on a daily basis. Unfortunately, many women face the same problem today. Women are looked at as objects of beauty, caregivers or even inferior when it comes to our male counter parts. It was uncomfortable to watch Debbie fight for a place at the table. It was inspirational to see her determination and perseverance.
Back to Ruth. She was summoned to a meeting regarding her position with GLOW. She was greeted at the personal quarters of a major player with the network. She thought she was there to talk about her career. Instead, she was objectified. Again, here we are, in an unfortunate situation. I am happy the creators of GLOW included this scene. In light of all the #metoo, it is important to shine light on how easy it is for an innocent party to get in a setting that can leave someone between a rock and a hard place. I don’t want to ruin the outcome for anyone who has not finished the season.
Now, for the strong and beautiful Cherry. Cherry was cast as a leading lady in a crime series. One day she is told by the hair and make-up department that she has to permanently make alterations to her appearance by chemically relaxing her hair. Cherry feels devastated about the news and protests. The hair stylist quickly reminds her that if she wants to keep her job she will do as she is told. Cherry submits and agrees to the relaxer on her hair.
These are just a few of the challenges the ladies of GLOW faced this season. It is refreshing to see so many moments of girl power, unity and sisterhood in this television series. The diverse cast of plus size and straight size women is doing so much for representing women of all shapes and sizes. Oh, but they did not stop there. The cast of GLOW is sprinkled with women of color representing many ethnicities and many backgrounds. These modern day superheroes are inspiring women around the world one close-line and suplex at a time.
I do hope to see a season three of GLOW. We need to continue to inspire the female directors, producers, camera operators, writers and entertainers of tomorrow.