betrayal of feminism
When I think of feminism the first thing that comes to mind is female empowerment; the advocacy of women's rights and equality with men in social, political, and economic arenas. Although Thelma and Louise do embody characteristics of feminism throughout the film, one specific scene stands out as a betrayal to feminism. Thelma has just been almost brutally raped and has witnessed a murder, however she wants to pick up J.D., a strange man who appeals to her because of his nice rear end. The specific scene I'm speaking of is the hotel scene in which she invites J.D. in to spend the night and without a second thought, even after he tells her he is a bank robber, has sex with him. Thelma has just been the victim of sexual objectification and brutality, yet trusts a man she knows nothing about to come into her hotel room when she is completely alone. It is not only unrealistic, but a betrayal to feminism. Rape victims are often emotionally and physically scarred, certainly not willing to sleep with a stranger. It also puts into perspective ones perogative as a woman and the injustice of the legal system in such cases. Like Louise said, they couldn't go to the police because no one would believe them. Since Thelma was dancing with Harlan "cheek to cheek" that must have indicated that she somehow wanted or deserved it. Instead of standing up for her rights as a woman she turns to a man for pleasure and assurance. She even shows Louise a hickie on her neck the next morning at breakfast, a symbol of male dominance, as if she's proud of it. While it may have been a freeing moment for her character, one could most definitely view it as a betrayal of feminism.