Mr. Smith Goes to Washington: Where the Women Are Like Finding a Decent Wi-Fi Connection in Congress...Rare But Mighty
Let's face it, folks, there ain't exactly a lot of estrogen flowing through the halls of power in Frank Capra's classic film, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. We're talking about a Senate chamber that looks less like a diverse democracy and more like a particularly dull game of checkers between old white guys in suits. But hold on to your sensible shoes, ladies, because amidst this historical sausage fest, there shines a beacon of female brilliance – Clarissa Saunders (played by the amazing Jean Arthur).
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| How Are Women Represented In Mr Smith Goes To Washington |
Clarissa: The Woman Behind the (Slightly Bewildered) Man
Clarissa isn't your average damsel in distress. Sure, she's stuck as a secretary, which in 1939 wasn't exactly the CEO track. But this dame is sharper than a senator's toupee. She's got the political savvy of Machiavelli and the sarcasm of a Twitter troll (if Twitter existed back then). Clarissa's the one who schools our wide-eyed hero, Jefferson Smith, on the ways of Washington, all while rolling her eyes enough to power a small windmill.
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
She's basically the brains of the operation, whispering tactics from the balcony during Smith's epic filibuster. Without her, he'd be lost faster than a Boy Scout at a Tupperware party.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
So Why the Lack of Lady Senators, Capra?
This is where things get a little murky. While the film might feel like an exclusive men's club at times, it was actually made in 1939, a period when women in American politics were still a relative rarity. There were some trailblazers, of course (shout out to Senator Hattie Caraway!), but they weren't exactly the norm.
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
It's a bit of a missed opportunity, for sure, but hey, at least Clarissa gets to be the hero behind the scenes. And hey, maybe it makes her victory all the sweeter.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
FAQ: How to Rock the Political Scene Like Clarissa Saunders (Even if You're Stuck in a Secretarial Pool)
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How to sharpen your political wit? Devour newspapers, listen to the radio (gasp!), and soak up all the political gossip you can.
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How to become an expert strategist? Think a few moves ahead and be prepared for anything those old dudes in suits throw your way.
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How to master the art of the eye roll? Practice in the mirror. Perfect disdain takes time and dedication.
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How to deliver killer advice from the sidelines? Be clear, concise, and don't forget the sass.
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How to make the most of a not-so-ideal situation? Use your smarts, stay positive, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed quip.
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