Important rec.

[elisi]

bewarethespork wrote an absolutely must-read post about Amy and [a section of] fandom's reaction to her.

Spoilers for everything up to and including 'Cold Blood', so don't spoil yourself! Money quotes:

You know the problem with Amy Pond? Her problem is that she's a strong woman in a society that actively hates and tries to tear down strong women. Her problem is that she is smart and capable, and yes, pretty damn sexy. Her problem is that she looks comfortable in her short skirts and her manicured nails. Her problem is that she knows what she wants and goes after it in a world where only men are allowed to do that.

Her problem is that she delivers on something that a lot of people claim to want - strong women in their entertainment media.

[...]

Amy Pond is a woman who feels comfortable about her sexuality and her attractiveness, both things that are *independent* of male perception. She is also clever and inquisitive and capable - again, independently of male perception.

[...]

being confident about your attractiveness is not a crime. No, not even if you're female. No, not even if you're also smart. No, not even if you choose to express that confidence with miniskirts and manicures. No, not even if it's someone you don't like.

Comments

[kerkevik.livejournal.com]

Hi,

all of which is why I like Pink, as artist, singet/songwriter; woman and human being. She stands up for who she is, and what she is, and she's also a termendous song interpreter, as per this live performance of the song made famous by Janis Joplin, Me and Bobby Mc Gee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da-V8V0kSj0

Now I never thought I'd find a version I liked better than Janis', but this definitely fits the bill. Now there's no doubt that Janis' is far more powerful and heartbreaking, but even though there's still a melancholic edge to Pink's interpretation, it has a much more positively defiant edge to it.

"Can't cope with me being me? Well tough! I ain't changin' for you. You knew who I was, so deal with it."

She, and the character she's portraying, are comfortable with themselves and their sexual identity. Janis was never, ever, comfortable with hers, whether, or not, she was bisexual.

I also like, as people, for many of the same reasons, Madonna & Lady Gaga, thought I ain't no fan of their music (most of the time). They are perfectly comfortable with themselves in the same way as Pink and, given the comments in your post, Amy Pond.

Even though I've only, as yet, seen her first episode, she would, I feel, see all three as personal icons.

Still under Willow & Tara's spell,
Ray.

[elisi]

I am not overly familiar with Pink, but from what I've see she seems very unapologetic. Much like Madonna, as you say - Madonna who always owned and used her sexuality. (My best friend when I was a teenager was a HUGE Madonna fan, so I knew her very well back then. And - although not always agreeing with her choices, I loved that she was never afraid to be herself.)

Even though I've only, as yet, seen her first episode, she would, I feel, see all three as personal icons.
That's a good point. Also I'm very pleased that you're watching the new series - I hope you'll end up enjoying it enough to keep watching. :)