When speaking of gender, sexuality, and the other in terms of hierarchical and hegemonic societal power structures, one example of popular culture that assists in further elucidating such constructs is the television show “Breaking Bad”. Having just finished its run on television, “Breaking Bad” featured a predominantly male cast, of which the majority of the characters exemplified positive traits of masculinity, and often made other characters – both male and female – subordinate to them.
Walter White, who was once a doting father and chemistry teacher, soon turned in many different ways. On many occasions he made his wife, Skylar, feel that she was put in her place or otherwise lesser than himself. Though Skylar proved time and time again to be a powerful female character, the invisible yet unfairly agreed upon hegemonic structure of male vs. female/husband vs. wife/breadwinner vs. homemaker was imposed upon the couple numerous times. What is extremely interesting about Breaking Bad however, is that Walt is often cognizant of “the other sex” implications that arise, and will at times feel remorse for acting as such towards his wife. Consequently, Skylar often notices such a phenomenon as well, but does very little to shift the antiquated status quo for fear of unknown consequences.
A curious question arises – what will it take for the “other sex” dilemma to disappear? That is to say, if parties involved are cognizant of the labels and statuses delineated to one another, then what is holding up one party or another from breaking from the mold of such terms? Perhaps it is the fear or anguish of attempting to break an antiquated perspective, or even as simple as a domestic dispute that may arise. Sadly, there is some oppression that exists that would disallow the “other sex” from trying to take steps towards liberation that would result in some sort of pain.
Despite what discouragement may come, perhaps we collectively can feel less crestfallen about hegemonies imposed by the mere fact that we are aware that we follow social constructs and that we are not obligated by any means to follow them. Perhaps Walter White’s realizations of his mistreatment of his wife and other women around him will ultimately lead to steps toward a reformation of what ought to come in terms of the deconstruction of the other.
(aoltv.com)
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