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Found Feminism: “Things Starbuck Wouldn’t Say” by Katee Sackhoff

2011 April 7

Amongst my other social problems, I’m a Sci Fi nerd. When done well, Sci Fi (and its cousin Fantasy) manages to untangle itself from mainstream ideas of gender, and can often career down some interesting feminist pathways. Equally, when done badly it can look like a strangely silver and laserbeam version of Traditional Family Values. Take this book, for instance.

Katee Sackhoff as Starbuck: a white, athletically-built young woman wearing a leather military-style jacket with one hand resting on her hip as if to draw a weapon

Katee Sackhoff as Starbuck

Anyhow, on to finer things.

Now, I particularly love Katee Sackhoff as Starbuck in the revamped Battlestar Galatica. And that in itself would be a Found Feminism, if it weren’t already enormously obvious, especially after everyone (well, some bloke) got their knickers in a twist over Starbuck being played by a woman.

For reference, a good interview with Ron Moore, the director, on that decision is here.

We can rejoice in that decision, and also now in the existence of (new) Starbuck as an internet meme.

Which brings me rather meanderingly to the actual Found Feminism. This hashtag: #thingsstarbuckwouldntsay, started off on Twitter by Katee herself.

Personal favourites, hand picked by fellow Bad Repper and Sci Fi nerd, Steve:

Does this flightsuit clash with my highlights?

I’m sure you’re all going the right way, … men always have a better sense of direction.

How many calories are in this drink?

I can’t go yet. I’m finishing my makeup!

Could Things Starbuck Wouldn’t Say be a Skippy’s List for Found Feminism?

So say we all.

  • Found Feminism: an ongoing series of images, videos, photos, comics, posters or excerpts – anything really, which shows feminist ideas at work in the everyday world. What’s brightened your day? Share it here – send your finds to [email protected]!
3 Responses leave one →
  1. Stephen B permalink
    April 7, 2011

    I love that she came up with 4 or 5 herself immediately (“I’m 5 pounds away from my goal weight” #thingsstarbuckwouldntsay) and then started re-tweeting everyone who joined in :) Half of whom were guys. What a great spontaneous cultural voice that is!

  2. April 7, 2011

    Interesting post! I was going to write a story on the immediacy of the response and how social media has really changed interactions. #thingsstarbuckwouldntsay was amazing in how overwhelming and rapid the response was to Katee. And, there really were some very funny responses.

    Still might write it for my blog!

  3. April 7, 2011

    “Could Things Starbuck Wouldn’t Say be a Skippy’s List for Found Feminism?”

    God I hope so. That would be awesome.

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