Vintage Friday: Holy Discontent, Batman!
Posted by Rosepixie on September 18, 2009
This is an ad featuring the cast of the live-action Batman show from the 1960s and is advocating fair pay for women as per the federal equal pay law.
This ad is awesome. It uses the tropes of the show (Batman and Robin have been captured and are in deadly peril – as they were in every single episode) to actually create a story. Batgirl makes her point articulately and Robin whines about how it’s stupid, both representing major arguments of the time. Batman listens like he cares, but kind of dismisses Batgirl’s demands for fair treatment by trying to turn the focus back to his own concerns, the bomb and his captivity, thus representing another major tact taken in discussions of the issue. The point is made well and the slant of the ad is very evident, but it’s done in a fun way and it’s clear that the writers have listened to discussions of the issue before. So not only is this a fun little movie on it’s own, it’s actually a really good ad. And it has Batgirl, so bonus points for that!
Eva said
It’s a hilarious ad and I think you’re right that it conveys their point well, while still being relatively lighthearted and consistent with the tone and characters of the show.
I think it’s somehow inherently ridiculous to be payed “less than Robin,” whether you’re a woman or not (isn’t that like saying you get less than Robin’s allowance since he’s Batman’s ward?). At least Batgirl seems to have a firm handle on the right strategy for contract negotiations.
If I can’t linkdrop it’s not my revolution | Geek Feminism Blog said
[...] Holy Discontent, Batman!: Rosepixie reviews a clever vintage equal-pay advertisement featuring Batgirl. [...]
Liz said
Oh, that’s fantastic and hilarious! Thanks for posting it!
asdf said
I’m with batman, they’re about to die, there’s not time to whine about money. plus she’s a woman, she’s not supposed to talk back to her men like that
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