That 70s Show

Donna Pinciotti plays a prominent role in That 70s Show as she holds a more masculine persona. Unlike her friend Jackie, Donna does not give into social norms. Jackie is content living in the shadow of her boyfriend and gives into the social standards as she is a housewife and does not involve herself in work or push herself in school. Donna differs as she is focused on her education and is driven to be successful. For the majority of the show she is in a relationship with Eric Forman, who is also her neighbor. Donna’s dedication to success causes flaws in their relationship stemming from Eric’s insecurities. One episode in particular clearly outlines the basis of their relationship as Donna beats Eric in one-on-one basketball. As soon as their friends found out they asked Eric “[did] Donna beat you in basketball?” Eric responded, “What is that a big deal?” Which they followed up saying “of course not unless Donna happens to be a girl.” At first Eric did not think twice about losing to Donna, but the social pressure made him think it is embarrassing for him to lose to a girl. Not only did Eric get teased and made fun of by his guy friends, but Donna was patronized by Jackie and her mother. Jackie calls the house phone and screams at Donna “oh my god you beat Eric in basketball… how could that happen.” Donna then replies “so I beat him in basketball what’s the big deal?” Jackie then follows “Eric will never be your boyfriend if you keep beating him at stuff.” Her mom then adds in by saying “honey I think your annoying friend is right… women have to pretend to be weak and fragile so that men can feel superior.” Donna proves her feminist views by ending the conversation at “thats insane if women do not learn to stand up for themselves men will always control the world.” Donna’s mother plays a stereotypical housewife whose sole purpose is to provide for her husband. These social standards force Donna to feel the need to act more fragile in order for Eric to gain his “manliness” back. Although she plays a powerful feminist role the people around her force her into believing she should care more about societies opinions. This goes to show how much gender stereotypes affect people’s day to day life. Men need to feel power and superior to women and in order for them to feel this way, women have to fall into a weaker role. Donna proves that women are not as weak and inferior, and men are not as tough and strong as society alludes to. Later she is shown bringing Eric to a feminist rally which cause people in the show to view her as unattractive and ultra masculine. This portrays feminism as a joke and degrades women for standing up for themselves and what they believe in. Towards the end of the show Donna is shown conforming to social standards as she decides at the last minute not to go to college to stay back with her boyfriend Eric. Giving up the opportunity to go to college for a boy completely goes against her morals. Throughout the entire beginning of the show she was seen as independent and refused to be controlled by a man. This proves how big of an impact society has on women as they are forced into what is seen as “the right thing to do.” She even dyes her hair from red to blonde, causing the men in the show to fixate on her appearance. They use degrading language as they refer to her acting “whorey” because of her new hair color. The fact that they take the way she looks and turn it into how she acts or her sexuality truly puts all women down and objectifies them solely on appearance. Men do not experience the same connotations when they change or alter their appearance.