I search bar-ed this and didn't find anything similar, but I apologise if it's been done before.
I know my argument is quite long, but I've tried to split it up into as many purdy, bite-sized chunks as possible.
Alright, on to the topic at hand! So, amazingly, I only just played Bayonetta (I know, disgusting, right???) and I really love Bayonetta both as a character and as an icon for feminism. I don't really want this discussion to turn into a debate over whether the game was good or not, just the titular character herself. OK, to be more specific, you might not necessarily buy into the feminism thing, but the fact that she could easily be seen as a good role model coincides with this.
1. Bayonetta does not shy away from her sexuality. As we all know, that game is laden with sexual references, innuendo and partial nudity. However, I don't believe that the creators specifically created Bayonetta to be the sexual object that people have claimed. Her sexuality is part of her character, it's not just thrown in as sleazy pleasure on the side. When women were oppressed, their sexuality was something to be seen as shameful. History is littered with evidence of this. Surely, by embracing her sexuality so completely, using her sexuality to create highly powerful, highly charged attacks to despatch her enemies, it's safe to say that Bayonetta is the epitome of the things feminism strives and stands for?
2. Bayonetta is a strong, powerful, highly independent woman. Even Lara Croft has males at her side, helping her. Sure, Bayonetta has Luka (and Rodin and Enzo to a certain extent, although they can largely be ignored, because they don't affect gameplay), but he's only really there to look after Cereza when Bayonetta is kicking Angel arse. She is completely independent and, on the odd occasions when she fights with a partner, it is always Jeanne. Platinum Games presents an environment that truly is a "Woman's World"; even Jubileus, the Creator, is a female, whereas the angels are referred to as "boys" at every turn.
3. I'll probably be berated for this, but I believe that Bayonetta represents the female form better than a lot of other female characters. Yes, her limbs are exaggerated, but she has curves, an ass, she has breasts and she's not particularly skinny/size zero, which is what the media too often presents as perfection. Sure, she's slim (hell, she fights angels for a living, she has to be in great shape), but she bears more resemblance to real females than some others I've seen.
4. This is slightly taken out of context (I'm a Literature student, it's what I do
), but Bayonetta protects Cereza and tells her that she is a "strong, little girl" and that "there nothing [she] cannot overcome." This is such a lovely sentiment; if the women playing this game can apply this to their own lives, then Bayonetta could be a catalyst in inspiring a generation of strong women with perseverance, intelligence and confidence, both sexually and otherwise.
5. Bayonetta is completely comfortable in her own skin. Admittedly, she IS gorgeous, with a body to be proud of, and seems to be just as comfortable naked as she is fully clothed. Despite how beautiful she is, she's also teaching a great lesson because, if more women could feel comfortable with themselves, we'd be in a much happier place. Bayonetta never claims to be gorgeous but rather seems to be largely oblivious. She DOES say to Luka, "Do I LOOK like I have any interest in children?", referencing her body. But that could be more about how in shape she is as opposed to how hot she is. As I say, she never makes a reference to her own beauty, which suggests that you can still be confident and sexy, even if you're relatively average-looking.
I'm aware that this is not a particularly new or revolutionary opinion of Bayonetta, but I had formed this opinion before I read any of the articles about her. Bayonetta oozes sexuality and sensuality, and doesn't shy away from it. She embraces her beauty, and why shouldn't she? As I said, I don't think the creators set about to portray women in a vulgar way, which is evidenced by one of the PG team who was upset over the art works of Bayonetta which paired her down to being purely a sexual object. She has an intriguing personality that doesn't revolve around sex. I ADORE Bayonetta as a character, and as a role model, encompassing many ideals and sentiments. Women SHOULD be sexy, women ARE sexy. Women can be sexy and wear glasses, be intelligent, be witty and cool. Bayonetta just projects this idea more into the public eye than it has been in the past.
I would just like to say, I am by no means a feminist. I don't believe that women should be superior to men, just equal. l DO believe, however, that lessons can be learned from Bayonetta. The game, and character, don't represent women as "better", just as having different strengths to men. Rodin makes Bay's weapons, she kicks arse with them.
So, what do you fine people of The Escapist think about Bayonetta as a feminist icon?
EDIT: OK, the feminism thing is being brought up quite a lot. When I say I'm not a feminist, I mean an extremist. I believe in equal rights, but that's as far as it goes, but I only pointed it out because I wanted to have a more unbiased opinion; namely, would I get so excited if a male character came out who I could thoroughly relate to? The answer to this is "Yes", I just wanted to clarify.
Happy posting! This is turning into an excellent discussion, with a LOT of good points being raised!
