Wonder Woman thesis outline

I would LOVE your opinions of my very rough outline draft.

XO

Intro: Wonder Woman’s stories are a reflection of where women are in American society at the time of publication. During World War II, she was conceived as a way to boost feminist sentiments, empower women, and bring understanding of a changing world to children. In the 1950’s as the country was espousing a return to family values and traditional gender roles, her stories focused more on the ways that Wonder Woman would conform to the feminine ideal and the cult of domesticity. After many years of pigeonholing the character, the women most focused on a feminist revolution reassigned her as their figurehead, citing her 1940’s story lines as guide for the modern woman they were told they could become as children.

It seems however, that Wonder Woman and women in American society in general face these issues cyclically. In each new political climate, Wonder Woman and women at large, see the power they worked to gain, taken away. After Gloria Steinem brought Wonder Woman to light, the conservative Regan-era killed her. Finally, fans were rewarded when beloved artist George Perez gave her a new and stronger origin in 1986 only to be erased and rewritten a decade later. It would be another 10 years before writer Gail Simone took the helm and steered Wonder Woman into the modern age where comic book heroines might be seen as equal to their male counterparts intellectually, physically, and emotionally, but with the anniversary of Wondy’s 600^th issue, all of that progress is seemingly destroyed in an effort to revitalize her image.

Wonder Woman has been strong when powerful writers with feminist inclinations have taken her on. When women are interested in Wonder Woman’s success, she perseveres.

I. William Moulton Marston – creator and writer 1941 – 1947 (his death)

A. He believed in feminism.

B. His work influenced millions of children and have a very wide scope.

C. His alternative lifestyle (bigamist) was often gossiped about and led to a loss of credibility in Wonder Woman.

D. As a result, critics began looking for themes of bondage and homosexuality in her comics.

E. Though many other characters had the same images and storylines, Wonder Woman was called out.

II. World War II – the need for a role model

A. Her stories gave women strength.

B. They brought understanding to children who watched their mothers work and take care of home and family. All mothers were Wonder Women.

C. At this time, Wonder Woman was very powerful. She fought on the front lines, against the Axis forces.

D. This helped young people to recognize that women could be equal to men.

E. Wonder Women of history was included in the comic by female editor.

III. Wonder Woman in the Cold War 1950’s and her return to traditional gender roles.

A. The United States needed stability and as such wanted to return to pre war notions of home and family life. This meant women stayed in the home and were subservient to men.

B. Wonder Woman couldn’t be the odd woman out so she became a housewife with super human strength instead of super hero.

C. The Comic Code Authority was implemented in 1954 and Dr. Fredric Werthham’s book Seduction of the Innocent forced all storylines to fit into specific categories.

D. There was a major decline in the sales and quality of Wonder Woman’s book.

IV. The Feminist resurrection – Gloria Steinem’s mission

A. Publishers depowered Wonder Woman – now Diana Prince – martial arts expert and boutique owner.

B. Women were outraged and wanted Wonder Woman’s powers back.

C. Gloria Steinem led a campaign supporting this and won.

D. Wonder Woman was on Ms. Magazine and became the face of the feminist cause.

E. The television show – helpful and hurtful.

F. Women cared about Wonder Woman and her success. They felt an emotional connection to her, as though someone had taken not only her power, but theirs.

Conclusion: Wonder Woman has just reached a milestone in her 600^th issue. DC changed her iconic costume and her origin under the premise that she needs a modern look that matches the women of today. In her new origin, the Amazons were killed when she was a baby. She was raised by mystic nuns in an urban underworld and it is her job not to save humanity, but to fix herself. Is this an accurate reflection of women today and if it is not, why aren’t more women up in arms over this change? Will Wonder Woman survive another 60-years?