Squid Game is one of the most successful Netflix series ever. And admittedly, I’m one of those people who thoroughly enjoyed it. Its take on the dangers of being in debt and the extremes some take to escape it provide thoughtful social commentary. But I am a hot-take artist and still have some critiques. So the following is a closer look at Squid Game from a womanist’s perspective.
They Owe Us Better Sex Scenes
One of the most frustrating parts about watching Squid Game was that terrible sex scene. Sure, the action and violence were more critical, but let’s be honest, there were many hot people in the cast. As great as the series was, we deserved more than to see the least desirable characters smacking bellies on a public toilet. And this is not about the aesthetics; the sex scene included the two least likable characters fucking on a toilet. In context, the scene was important, but it was repulsive to most women who’ve come to expect a higher level of sensual representation on Netflix (hello Sex/Life?.) I hope the writers give us more and better hot and steamy sex scenes if there is a season two.
Reinforcing Negative Stereotypes Against Girls and Women
Did you miss how the series reinforced negative stereotypes about women and girls? Read on.
Bitter Ex-Wife
Seong’s ex-wife seems cold. It’s clear the issues between the two mainly were his fault, but part of the problem also appeared she was overly concerned with money. Despite moving on and being in a happy marriage, she still seemed deeply upset with him. Also, she wouldn’t even consider loaning him the money that would save his mother’s life. Let’s be clear; I’m not saying she had to. All I’m saying is that she didn’t seem like she would help even if she could. Also, since her husband ultimately offered him the money, it was clear that they could’ve afforded it. Her persona played into the overall narrative that landed him back at the Squid Game, but the writers could have gone a bit lighter on the ‘bitter ex-wife’ theme.
The Jezebel
Han Mi was the stereotypical male-written slut, another stock character we see time and again. She planned to use her sexuality as a way to make it through the games. She walked in flirting and telling the men she would trade sexual favors for help from the very beginning. There’s no real problem there. I’m a big fan of ‘using what you got to get what you want.’ However, since there were so few women in the cast, this reinforced the narrative that many women are weak and need to use sex to survive in the world. She would have been just as successful if she’d relied on her strength and intellect, saving sexual trysts for later.
No Girls Allowed
During the games, it was considered a weakness to have a woman or girl on the team. So, despite not even knowing which games were next, the men tried to limit how many girls were on their team. Nevertheless, one of the teams with the most girls was successful during the most physical game of the series. So, I guess not all is lost.
No Girls Allowed
During the games, it was considered a weakness to have a woman or girl on the team. So, despite not even knowing which games were next, the men tried to limit how many girls were on their team. Nevertheless, one of the teams with the most girls was successful during the most physical game of the series. So, I guess not all is lost.
But… There was Girl Power!
On a positive note, the women had a genuine sisterhood with one another. Even as it pertains to annoying Han Mi, the other women seemed to look at her with sympathy and hope rather than being cold or judgmental.
Two of the fan favorites were Kang Sae and Ji. It was their connection and friendship that warmed all of our hearts in the middle of one of the most heartless series ever made. From the very beginning, they seemed to have a connection. Undoubtedly, their ages played a factor, but I think it was more so that they were two young women in a horrible position that caused them to feel an instant bond. Even though they were stoic and desensitized, they seemed to very much be each other’s soft spot. This culminated when we saw Ji make the ultimate sacrifice to allow Kang to stay in the game.
Moreover, during the tug-of-war scene, Kang risked herself to enable Ji to join their team, likely saving her life. These two characters demonstrated how women can be loyal and protective to one another, one aspect of Squid Game that I truly appreciated.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the visuals, plot, and cinematography of Squid Game made it one of the top series in my book. Although it had its negatives, the good honestly outweighed the bad. So, if you are a girl or woman who is considering watching the series, be prepared for lots of blood and a few triggering scenes. Other than that, enjoy!
