How to Poorly Represent Women In More than 10 Ways

Rain pouring violently from the sky releases two moods in me, cuddly, warm, and fuzzy. The other mood is cranky and annoyed. Unfortunately today the rain has brought out the second mood so I apologize in advance for my somewhat depressing rant. The rant does stem from what is portrayed on television that I, as well as all other people on the planet see. That is "what women do wrong in relationships" and directly after this phrase is uttered there is usually some tips on how not to be "that girl". A movie that perfectly depicts this is How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. While my love for both Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey is strong, this film tries to show what women do wrong in relationships and it is just not fair.

Naturally the female lead is shown in a job that she is not appreciated in, working for a magazine similar to Cosmopolitan writing "How to" articles instead of things like politics. While it is frustrating to not feel fully appreciated for your intelligence that doesn't mean a movie has to bash a female magazine. Not everyone working at female magazines are superficial, somewhat of an "airhead", and concerned about unimportant things. The female lead Andy, played by Kate Hudson, is supposed to be a relatable down to earth girl but is just another character without much depth. While Andy is at work her friend had just gotten dumped, again, for doing ridiculous things that a majority of people would not do in a relationship. The editor thinks it would be a wonderful idea to use the poor woman's relationship issues as an article. Andy takes charge to shield her friend and comes up with the concept to write about everything that women do wrong in relationships and how that drives men away.

The examples of what women do wrong are calling frequently, not understanding personal boundaries, moving to quickly, accusing their significant other of certain things such as flirting with other women, etc. All of these are done by both genders in relationships, some of the examples are more extravagant than others but it is not only women who make these choices. The film lacks showing both sides of the story, instead it is only Andy is who forced to extremes when she has to "lose a guy in 10 days" for her article. That being said the man she chose is very handsome but had his own flaws as a character as well, Ben, played by Matthew McConaughey. Ben uses his relationship with Andy for his own personal gains as well but does not run screaming for the hills either when Andy becomes "crazy". Andy being crazy is in fact crazy, going to the extreme in the situation from moving some of her stuff into his apartment, making friends with his mother, and creating a baby book. All over the top gestures that normal people just do not do.

The film continues into the blossoming relationship of Ben and Andy all the while each continue to use each other until the trust is revealed. A large fight happens and eventually there is reconciliation and all is right with the world. Honestly though the depiction of what women do wrong in a relationship is seen all throughout the film, occasionally touching on what men do wrong as well but the whole scenario is unhealthy. Lying, scamming, and being over the top are thrown in as building blocks to a relationship. While it is true that a relationship can stem from nothing it should not be built on negative attributes and unhealthy behavior. The film, while seemingly entertaining, is actually insulting when looking at the deeper picture. It lost a fan in less that 10 hours after seeing it.