Hollins Digital Commons

Catching Fire and Feminism: A Philosophical Analysis of Katniss Everdeen, Apologetic Feminism, and the Glorification of Masculinity

Goodwin Private Dining Room

This essay argues from a philosophical/gender studies perspective that the ideology of apologetic feminism glorifies masculinity and teaches young women and girls to value masculine characteristics in order to be successful, but simultaneously stresses their gender as females in order to conform to the standard binaries set by society in a Western capitalist culture. The actions and characteristics of Katniss Everdeen as a fictional character are used to draw parallels to reality and to act as a conduit when reflecting on the binary characteristics used to define “masculinity” and “femininity.” I will analyze these terms to show that American society separates some genders and excludes others using this binary, but is generally unsupported. I then argue that The Hunger Games and Katniss Everdeen are methods of Western capitalist society to teach young women and girls that they can only be successful to the extent that they can perform well as apologetic feminists. I will conclude that in order to fight apologetic feminism and gender-based oppression, we must not apologize for our gender performances. Rather, we must embrace of all characteristics and refuse gender traits necessary to combat the idea that masculinity is the key to success and survival.