Private Vasquez - Revision history

JLeland: correction -- there are also Ferro and Dietrich

2009-03-10T03:19:56Z

correction -- there are also Ferro and Dietrich

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:19, 9 March 2009
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	The presence of a [[Latina characters\|Latina character]] -- again, still, today, underrepresented -- was likewise welcome.		The presence of a [[Latina characters\|Latina character]] -- again, still, today, underrepresented -- was likewise welcome.

	However, while all these things are true, it is also true that there is some sort of disproportionate representation of kick-assery among women of color; as if it is safer (for white male creators) to confront the traditional images of femininity in a woman of color. This pattern can also be seen in the numerous representations of [[Black Warrior Woman\|Black warrior women]], and it suggests that racist views of women of color -- particularly women of African descent -- affect the casting and characterization of female roles. Sigourney Weaver was butched up for this role, but not as significantly as Vasquez; as the ~~only~~ two ~~adult human females~~ in the episode, this strongly suggests some comparisons between the two.		However, while all these things are true, it is also true that there is some sort of disproportionate representation of kick-assery among women of color; as if it is safer (for white male creators) to confront the traditional images of femininity in a woman of color. This pattern can also be seen in the numerous representations of [[Black Warrior Woman\|Black warrior women]], and it suggests that racist views of women of color -- particularly women of African descent -- affect the casting and characterization of female roles. Sigourney Weaver was butched up for this role, but not as significantly as Vasquez; as they are the two most prominent women in the episode, this strongly suggests some comparisons between the two.

	The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry. Casting Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.		The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry. Casting Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.

Lquilter: cat

2008-05-09T00:53:07Z

cat

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:53, 8 May 2008
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	[[Category:Race and gender]]		[[Category:Race and gender]]
	[[Category:Characterization]]		[[Category:Characterization]]
			[[Category:Characters of color]]

Liz Henry: gnoming

2008-01-21T03:58:41Z

gnoming

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 20 January 2008
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	Female characters who were visibly muscular and strong were a rarity in commercial US film releases at the time of "[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]" (1986); they were still rare enough five years later that Linda Hamilton's buff appearance as [[Sarah Connor]] in "[[Terminator 2]]" (1991) also excited notice.		Female characters who were visibly muscular and strong were a rarity in commercial US film releases at the time of "[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]" (1986); they were still rare enough five years later that Linda Hamilton's buff appearance as [[Sarah Connor]] in "[[Terminator 2]]" (1991) also excited notice.

	Vasquez is laudable in many ways: by including her, it is apparent that Sigourney Weaver's character [[Ellen Ripley]] isn't a one-off, the rare [[exceptionalism\|exceptional woman]] among men. At the least, Vasquez' character suggests that ~~touch~~, competent women aren't uncommon (although still not, perhaps, commonplace).		Vasquez is laudable in many ways: by including her, it is apparent that Sigourney Weaver's character [[Ellen Ripley]] isn't a one-off, the rare [[exceptionalism\|exceptional woman]] among men. At the least, Vasquez' character suggests that tough, competent women aren't uncommon (although still not, perhaps, commonplace).

	Coding her as physically strong or [[butch]] was at that time -- and twenty years later, still is -- also a rarity, and a welcome portrayal on the screen.		Coding her as physically strong or [[butch]] was at that time -- and twenty years later, still is -- also a rarity, and a welcome portrayal on the screen.
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	However, while all these things are true, it is also true that there is some sort of disproportionate representation of kick-assery among women of color; as if it is safer (for white male creators) to confront the traditional images of femininity in a woman of color. This pattern can also be seen in the numerous representations of [[Black Warrior Woman\|Black warrior women]], and it suggests that racist views of women of color -- particularly women of African descent -- affect the casting and characterization of female roles. Sigourney Weaver was butched up for this role, but not as significantly as Vasquez; as the only two adult human females in the episode, this strongly suggests some comparisons between the two.		However, while all these things are true, it is also true that there is some sort of disproportionate representation of kick-assery among women of color; as if it is safer (for white male creators) to confront the traditional images of femininity in a woman of color. This pattern can also be seen in the numerous representations of [[Black Warrior Woman\|Black warrior women]], and it suggests that racist views of women of color -- particularly women of African descent -- affect the casting and characterization of female roles. Sigourney Weaver was butched up for this role, but not as significantly as Vasquez; as the only two adult human females in the episode, this strongly suggests some comparisons between the two.

	The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and ~~even~~ today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry~~, and casting~~ Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.		The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry. Casting Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.

	[[Image:VasquezPlusBoys.jpg\|175px\|left\|thumb\|Vasquez with the men in her squadron]]		[[Image:VasquezPlusBoys.jpg\|175px\|left\|thumb\|Vasquez with the men in her squadron]]

Ide Cyan: putting the templates next to each other means they don't disrupt the page's formatting

2007-06-20T17:09:17Z

putting the templates next to each other means they don't disrupt the page's formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:09, 20 June 2007
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	\| Image = [[Image:Aliens-Vasquez-300x200.png\|150px]]		\| Image = [[Image:Aliens-Vasquez-300x200.png\|150px]]
	\| Caption = Vasquez in a military pose. Note her serious, unsmiling expression. Women are often expected or told to smile; not smiling can be seen as unfeminine, or coding for butchness.		\| Caption = Vasquez in a military pose. Note her serious, unsmiling expression. Women are often expected or told to smile; not smiling can be seen as unfeminine, or coding for butchness.
	}}		}}{{WOC}}

	{{WOC}}

	'''Private Vasquez''' was a Latina Marine in the movie ''[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]'' (played by actor Jenette Goldstein). Vasquez was killed on the colony LV-426 in battle with the aliens.		'''Private Vasquez''' was a Latina Marine in the movie ''[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]'' (played by actor Jenette Goldstein). Vasquez was killed on the colony LV-426 in battle with the aliens.

Lquilter: edit

2007-06-20T16:40:58Z

edit

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:40, 20 June 2007
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	: Vasquez: No. Have you?		: Vasquez: No. Have you?

	Here, the character confronts sexism with a sharp retort. It's clear from the ~~comment made to her~~ in this future, tough women in the marines can still occasion comment, although they are not necessarily a rarity.		Here, the character confronts sexism with a sharp retort. It's clear from the exchange, though, that in this future, tough women in the marines can still occasion comment, although they are not necessarily a rarity.

	Female characters who were visibly muscular and strong were a rarity in commercial US film releases at the time of "[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]" (1986); they were still rare enough five years later that Linda Hamilton's buff appearance as [[Sarah Connor]] in "[[Terminator 2]]" (1991) also excited notice.		Female characters who were visibly muscular and strong were a rarity in commercial US film releases at the time of "[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]" (1986); they were still rare enough five years later that Linda Hamilton's buff appearance as [[Sarah Connor]] in "[[Terminator 2]]" (1991) also excited notice.

Lquilter: image, reordering

2007-06-20T16:40:01Z

image, reordering

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:40, 20 June 2007
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	\| Image = [[Image:Aliens-Vasquez-300x200.png\|150px]]		\| Image = [[Image:Aliens-Vasquez-300x200.png\|150px]]
	\| Caption = Vasquez in a military pose. Note her serious, unsmiling expression. Women are often expected or told to smile; not smiling can be seen as unfeminine, or coding for butchness.		\| Caption = Vasquez in a military pose. Note her serious, unsmiling expression. Women are often expected or told to smile; not smiling can be seen as unfeminine, or coding for butchness.
	}}'''Private Vasquez''' was a Latina Marine in the movie ''[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]'' (played by actor Jenette Goldstein). Vasquez was killed on the colony LV-426 in battle with the aliens.		}}

			{{WOC}}

			'''Private Vasquez''' was a Latina Marine in the movie ''[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]'' (played by actor Jenette Goldstein). Vasquez was killed on the colony LV-426 in battle with the aliens.

	==Analysis==		==Analysis==

	Unlike many women in film at that point, Vasquez was noticeably muscular. She also had one of the best lines in the film:		Unlike many women in film at that point, Vasquez was noticeably muscular. She also had one of the best lines in the film:

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	Here, the character confronts sexism with a sharp retort. It's clear from the comment made to her in this future, tough women in the marines can still occasion comment, although they are not necessarily a rarity.		Here, the character confronts sexism with a sharp retort. It's clear from the comment made to her in this future, tough women in the marines can still occasion comment, although they are not necessarily a rarity.

	Female characters who were visibly muscular and strong were a rarity in commercial US film releases at the time of "[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]" (1986); they were still rare enough five years later that Linda Hamilton's buff appearance in "[[Terminator 2]]" (1991) also excited notice.		Female characters who were visibly muscular and strong were a rarity in commercial US film releases at the time of "[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]" (1986); they were still rare enough five years later that Linda Hamilton's buff appearance as [[Sarah Connor]] in "[[Terminator 2]]" (1991) also excited notice.

	Vasquez is laudable in many ways: by including her, it is apparent that Sigourney Weaver's character [[Ellen Ripley]] isn't a one-off, the rare [[exceptionalism\|exceptional woman]] among men. At the least, Vasquez' character suggests that touch, competent women aren't uncommon (although still not, perhaps, commonplace).		Vasquez is laudable in many ways: by including her, it is apparent that Sigourney Weaver's character [[Ellen Ripley]] isn't a one-off, the rare [[exceptionalism\|exceptional woman]] among men. At the least, Vasquez' character suggests that touch, competent women aren't uncommon (although still not, perhaps, commonplace).
Line 22:		Line 25:
	Coding her as physically strong or [[butch]] was at that time -- and twenty years later, still is -- also a rarity, and a welcome portrayal on the screen.		Coding her as physically strong or [[butch]] was at that time -- and twenty years later, still is -- also a rarity, and a welcome portrayal on the screen.

	~~And the presence of a [[Latina characters\|Latina character]] -- again, still, today, underrepresented -- was likewise welcome.~~

	[[Image:Aliens-Vasquez.jpg\|left\|Vasquez firing a weapon. Note (and admire) her arm musculature.]]


			[[Image:Aliens-Vasquez.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Vasquez firing a weapon. Note (and admire) her arm musculature.]]





	== Race and casting issues ==		== Race and casting issues ==
	~~{{WOC}}~~		The presence of a [[Latina characters\|Latina character]] -- again, still, today, underrepresented -- was likewise welcome.

	However, while all these things are true, it is also true that there is some sort of disproportionate representation of kick-assery among women of color; as if it is safer (for white male creators) to confront the traditional images of femininity in a woman of color. This pattern can also be seen in the numerous representations of [[Black Warrior Woman\|Black warrior women]], and it suggests that racist views of women of color -- particularly women of African descent -- affect the casting and characterization of female roles. Sigourney Weaver was butched up for this role, but not as significantly as Vasquez; as the only two adult human females in the episode, this strongly suggests some comparisons between the two.		However, while all these things are true, it is also true that there is some sort of disproportionate representation of kick-assery among women of color; as if it is safer (for white male creators) to confront the traditional images of femininity in a woman of color. This pattern can also be seen in the numerous representations of [[Black Warrior Woman\|Black warrior women]], and it suggests that racist views of women of color -- particularly women of African descent -- affect the casting and characterization of female roles. Sigourney Weaver was butched up for this role, but not as significantly as Vasquez; as the only two adult human females in the episode, this strongly suggests some comparisons between the two.

	The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and even today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry, and casting Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.		The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and even today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry, and casting Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.

			[[Image:VasquezPlusBoys.jpg\|175px\|left\|thumb\|Vasquez with the men in her squadron]]

	==Further reading==		==Further reading==

Lquilter: fr

2007-06-19T22:48:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:48, 19 June 2007
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	The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and even today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry, and casting Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.		The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and even today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry, and casting Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.

			==Further reading==
			* [http://mynewplaidpants.blogspot.com/2007/06/next-tuesdays-mood.html My New Plaid Pants] entry in the 2007 Action Heroine Blog-a-Thon

	{{DEFAULTSORT:Vasquez}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Vasquez}}

Lquilter: moving WOC temp

2007-05-02T21:35:50Z

moving WOC temp

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 2 May 2007
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			== Race and casting issues ==
	{{WOC}}		{{WOC}}

	~~== Race and casting issues ==~~

	However, while all these things are true, it is also true that there is some sort of disproportionate representation of kick-assery among women of color; as if it is safer (for white male creators) to confront the traditional images of femininity in a woman of color. This pattern can also be seen in the numerous representations of [[Black Warrior Woman\|Black warrior women]], and it suggests that racist views of women of color -- particularly women of African descent -- affect the casting and characterization of female roles. Sigourney Weaver was butched up for this role, but not as significantly as Vasquez; as the only two adult human females in the episode, this strongly suggests some comparisons between the two.		However, while all these things are true, it is also true that there is some sort of disproportionate representation of kick-assery among women of color; as if it is safer (for white male creators) to confront the traditional images of femininity in a woman of color. This pattern can also be seen in the numerous representations of [[Black Warrior Woman\|Black warrior women]], and it suggests that racist views of women of color -- particularly women of African descent -- affect the casting and characterization of female roles. Sigourney Weaver was butched up for this role, but not as significantly as Vasquez; as the only two adult human females in the episode, this strongly suggests some comparisons between the two.

Lquilter: shrinking image to shrink infobox

2007-04-30T15:43:21Z

shrinking image to shrink infobox

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:43, 30 April 2007
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	\| Occupation = Marine		\| Occupation = Marine
	\| Works = [[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]		\| Works = [[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]
	\| Image = [[Image:Aliens-Vasquez-300x200.png\|~~180px~~]]		\| Image = [[Image:Aliens-Vasquez-300x200.png\|150px]]
	\| Caption = Vasquez in a military pose. Note her serious, unsmiling expression. Women are often expected or told to smile; not smiling can be seen as unfeminine, or coding for butchness.		\| Caption = Vasquez in a military pose. Note her serious, unsmiling expression. Women are often expected or told to smile; not smiling can be seen as unfeminine, or coding for butchness.
	}}'''Private Vasquez''' was a Latina Marine in the movie ''[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]'' (played by actor Jenette Goldstein). Vasquez was killed on the colony LV-426 in battle with the aliens.		}}'''Private Vasquez''' was a Latina Marine in the movie ''[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]'' (played by actor Jenette Goldstein). Vasquez was killed on the colony LV-426 in battle with the aliens.

Lquilter: cat

2007-04-30T15:42:34Z

cat

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:42, 30 April 2007
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	The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and even today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry, and casting Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.		The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and even today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry, and casting Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.

			{{DEFAULTSORT:Vasquez}}
	[[Category:Characters~~\|Vasquez~~]]		[[Category:Characters]]
	[[Category:Race and gender]]		[[Category:Race and gender]]
	[[Category:Characterization]]		[[Category:Characterization]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:19, 9 March 2009
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	The presence of a [[Latina characters\|Latina character]] -- again, still, today, underrepresented -- was likewise welcome.		The presence of a [[Latina characters\|Latina character]] -- again, still, today, underrepresented -- was likewise welcome.

	However, while all these things are true, it is also true that there is some sort of disproportionate representation of kick-assery among women of color; as if it is safer (for white male creators) to confront the traditional images of femininity in a woman of color. This pattern can also be seen in the numerous representations of [[Black Warrior Woman\|Black warrior women]], and it suggests that racist views of women of color -- particularly women of African descent -- affect the casting and characterization of female roles. Sigourney Weaver was butched up for this role, but not as significantly as Vasquez; as the ~~only~~ two ~~adult human females~~ in the episode, this strongly suggests some comparisons between the two.		However, while all these things are true, it is also true that there is some sort of disproportionate representation of kick-assery among women of color; as if it is safer (for white male creators) to confront the traditional images of femininity in a woman of color. This pattern can also be seen in the numerous representations of [[Black Warrior Woman\|Black warrior women]], and it suggests that racist views of women of color -- particularly women of African descent -- affect the casting and characterization of female roles. Sigourney Weaver was butched up for this role, but not as significantly as Vasquez; as they are the two most prominent women in the episode, this strongly suggests some comparisons between the two.

	The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry. Casting Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.		The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry. Casting Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 20 January 2008
Line 19:		Line 19:
	Female characters who were visibly muscular and strong were a rarity in commercial US film releases at the time of "[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]" (1986); they were still rare enough five years later that Linda Hamilton's buff appearance as [[Sarah Connor]] in "[[Terminator 2]]" (1991) also excited notice.		Female characters who were visibly muscular and strong were a rarity in commercial US film releases at the time of "[[Aliens (film)\|Aliens]]" (1986); they were still rare enough five years later that Linda Hamilton's buff appearance as [[Sarah Connor]] in "[[Terminator 2]]" (1991) also excited notice.

	Vasquez is laudable in many ways: by including her, it is apparent that Sigourney Weaver's character [[Ellen Ripley]] isn't a one-off, the rare [[exceptionalism\|exceptional woman]] among men. At the least, Vasquez' character suggests that ~~touch~~, competent women aren't uncommon (although still not, perhaps, commonplace).		Vasquez is laudable in many ways: by including her, it is apparent that Sigourney Weaver's character [[Ellen Ripley]] isn't a one-off, the rare [[exceptionalism\|exceptional woman]] among men. At the least, Vasquez' character suggests that tough, competent women aren't uncommon (although still not, perhaps, commonplace).

	Coding her as physically strong or [[butch]] was at that time -- and twenty years later, still is -- also a rarity, and a welcome portrayal on the screen.		Coding her as physically strong or [[butch]] was at that time -- and twenty years later, still is -- also a rarity, and a welcome portrayal on the screen.
Line 38:		Line 38:
	However, while all these things are true, it is also true that there is some sort of disproportionate representation of kick-assery among women of color; as if it is safer (for white male creators) to confront the traditional images of femininity in a woman of color. This pattern can also be seen in the numerous representations of [[Black Warrior Woman\|Black warrior women]], and it suggests that racist views of women of color -- particularly women of African descent -- affect the casting and characterization of female roles. Sigourney Weaver was butched up for this role, but not as significantly as Vasquez; as the only two adult human females in the episode, this strongly suggests some comparisons between the two.		However, while all these things are true, it is also true that there is some sort of disproportionate representation of kick-assery among women of color; as if it is safer (for white male creators) to confront the traditional images of femininity in a woman of color. This pattern can also be seen in the numerous representations of [[Black Warrior Woman\|Black warrior women]], and it suggests that racist views of women of color -- particularly women of African descent -- affect the casting and characterization of female roles. Sigourney Weaver was butched up for this role, but not as significantly as Vasquez; as the only two adult human females in the episode, this strongly suggests some comparisons between the two.

	The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and ~~even~~ today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry~~, and casting~~ Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.		The casting also raises some questions. Historically in the US in [[separatist media\|white media]], white actors were often cast as people of color, donning [[blackface]] or in other ways trying to code themselves as a person of color. These characterizations were often offensive, relying on the grossest stereotypes, both in make-up and dress and in acting choices. Casting white actors also fostered persistent racism in Hollywood and theatrical circles, leading to segregation in media production and distribution as well as consumption. In the 1980s and 1990s (and today in the early 21st century) there was still significant discrimination against people of color in the film industry. Casting Jenette Goldstein to play Private Vasquez has to be considered in light of that history and economy as well.

	[[Image:VasquezPlusBoys.jpg\|175px\|left\|thumb\|Vasquez with the men in her squadron]]		[[Image:VasquezPlusBoys.jpg\|175px\|left\|thumb\|Vasquez with the men in her squadron]]