The ’90s were a simpler time without smartphones, high-speed internet, or Netflix.
From sometruly questionable fashion trendstopresidential scandals, the decade definitely had its ups and downs.
Just twenty-odd years later, we live in a rapidly changing world.
A lot of things that were cool back then are totally cringe-worthy from a 21st century perspective.
She’s All That (1999)
The whole premise ofShe’s All Thatis pretty problematic.
The protagonist, Laney Boggs, is totally nice, pretty, and a darn good artist.
While it can be argued thatLaney is a feminist, she lets Zack off the hook all too easily.
Listen up fellas, placing bets on women is not okay.
Stalking women is not okay.
Reducing women to a set of physical characteristics?
Say it with me:not okay.
If she doesn’t want to be called “woman,” you don’t call her woman.
Valid forms of expression aside, it’s just plain disrespectful to keep disregarding her wishes.
Remember how condescending he was whenteaching Dionne how to drive?
As in many of his other films,his treatment of womenleaves a lot to be desired.
First of all, there’s no shame in working at Hooters.
Sonny’s harassment is both disrespectful and demeaning.
Second of all, Corinne worked her way through med school, which deserves some major props.
At a party at Hooters he manages toget in another tauntabout Corinne’s employment history.
Pretty Woman (1990)
How did this movie become so popular?
Fast forward a few scenes.
Marian Hatcher, a sex trafficking survivor, toldTimethat the film’s portrayal of the sex industryis glamorized.
“There is nothing pretty about prostitution,” she said.
“Nothing pretty about it at all.”
According to Hatcher, most women working in the industry aren’t thinking about meeting Mr.
The film adaptation is slightly better but still has some pretty awful moments.
Dazed and Confused (1993)
“I get older, they stay the same age.”
The now-iconic line spoken by Matthew McConaughey as David Wooderson helped launchDazed and Confusedto cult status.
Despite its accolades,not everyone was impressed with the film.
Consent given while drunkdoesn’t countand Sebastian’s actions constitute sexual assault.
Women in this time had few rights, particularly those who weren’t from the privileged class.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
On the surface,Mrs.
Doubtfireis a feel-good comedy about a father’s love for his children.
The film is based on a 1987 book calledMadame Doubtfirewhich iseven more messed up.
Fortunately, Hillard’s ex, Miranda, doesn’t fall for his antics.
In recent years, Hollywood hasbecoming increasingly more opposed to sexism, both on and off the set.
Hopefully, this means that there will be fewer cringe-worthy misogynistic scenes in the future.
