Thelma and J.D.: Betrayal at First Glance
“…Thelma and Louise seems to undercut, or perhaps complicate, much of its feminist critique […] her encounter with J.D. will in fact lead to her first fulfilling sexual experience […] he is the “sex object,” yet he instructs her, standing above her, in the how-to of being an outlaw […] the narrative has “taught” her through the authority of the male (Laderman 190).”
To me, feminism strives for female equality to men in all aspects of like (politically, economically, ect.). I believe it also has to do with how the female is represented in popular culture, with an emphasis on empowerment, and at times, females demonstrating traditionally “masculine” characteristics (strong, competitive, and dominant).
Though the 1991 film Thelma and Louise has strong feminist qualities, in several ways it presents a contradictory message. The specific scene (or relationship) I am choosing to bring out this betrayal of feminist ideology is that of Thelma and J.D.’s sexual experience. From the first encounter with J.D., Thelma is determined to have the object of her desire. When Thelma sees J.D. in the side mirror, she immediately begins doing herself up, going through the traditional female beautification for her man. Later in the bedroom, she is turned on by his rough, outlaw nature, which is seen as a negative (or unreal) characteristic for a woman to possess. J.D. “plays” robber for Thelma, and as Laderman points out, this is the model Thelma uses later when robbing the gas station – she makes up her mistake to Louise, but does so using the male (J.D.’s) model.
Intercut in the same scene is Louise and Jimmy’s more mature relationship. Louise takes a stronger approach to Jimmy’s advances, but uses the phrase “You get what you settle for,” and keeps Jimmy’s engagement ring, a symbol of being dominated or owned by a man.
This scene of the two women with their men brings their reliance/concern with men throughout the film to a head. This ultimately aids in their demise, as Jimmy and J.D. both give information to the police about their whereabouts, and J.D. forces Thelma to steal to regain their depleted funds, which also gives the police more information on their whereabouts and a crime to charge them with.