Bitch Planet- Penny Rolle

In the third section of Bitch Planet, we learn about the character Penny Rolle. In this section, the leaders want to see what Penny's ideal image of herself is so they can work on "fixing" her and making her into that person. What they saw was the last thing they expected. What they wanted to see was the stereotypical woman that aims to please those around her before she ever considers to please herself, but that is not what Penny wants. Penny's ideal version of herself is of her looking exactly the same and being completely happy with that. When seeing this image she says, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." This shows that unlike most "compliant" women, Penny is happy with who she is regardless of what men and others may think of her. She lives to make herself happy and that's all. I believe that this makes Penny a great role model for many women and will help readers learn that it is okay to love yourself the way you are despite what anyone else might say or think.

Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 26, 2017 at 8:03 AM

    Chelsea, I agree that Penny makes a good role model for women. In no. 3, the authors play off of the contrast between societal expectations and reality for Penelope Rolle. Many people would likely expect that Penelope would want to change herself to better fit the mold of an ideal woman, however, her ideal and current self are one and the same, shocking the men in charge. One of the men remarks, "There's got to be a mistake. Is the wire frayed?" The male characters work to try to change these women even when they feel comfortable in their own skin like Penelope. What does this say about gender dynamics and the different expectations for men and women? Women of all backgrounds should strive for Penelope's confidence even when people make unflattering remarks and stereotype simply on the basis of gender or color.

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