Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

The Resistance to the Male Gaze in Chinese "She Theme" TV Series: A Case Study of The Romance of Tiger and Rose

Runjia RaoKing's College London*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

With the improvement of Chinese women’s economic strength and social status, “she theme” has become a popular trend in film and television. It shows women’s resistance to the male gaze, but there are certain limitations. The “she theme” TV series The Romance of Tiger and Rose set in a unique fictional society that regards females as the primary sex. Taking this drama as an example, this essay analyzes the new form of “she theme” TV series to resist the male gaze. By analyzing the characters’ images, it is concluded that the women in the drama avoid the stereotypical effeminate, fragile and lustful appearance in terms of figure and appearance. The women in the drama are strong, career-minded and occupy a more powerful position in heterosexual relationships. The external images of male characters tend to be lustful and feminine. Additionally, the loyal, sacrificial image of the male in the show conforms to the female audience’s imagination of a rational boyfriend. With its unique social background, the play overturns the social status of men and women. However, once back in the real world, the hidden male gaze remains.

Keywords: male gaze; she economy; the romance of tiger and rose
Published: October 31, 2023
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/10/20231209
Volume: CHR Vol.10
pp. 1-6
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