Analysis of Women’s Empowerment Captured in the Movie Wonder Woman

1984 ( A Feminism Study)

This research is a descriptive qualitative research. The purpose of this study is to find out
the reflection of the idea of women's empowerment contained in the movie entitled Wonder
Woman 1984. The issue of women's empowerment has become an issue that is increasingly
gaining space and is shown in various media. One of them is in the film Wonder Woman
1984. This film raises the figure of a woman, which is played by Gal Gadot as a superhero
who appears to uphold the truth and maintain peace. The figure of a superhero in women is
something that is still rarely found, so from there it will be able to be studied from the
perspective of feminism, what values and ideas are seen regarding women's empowerment
and women's emancipation in the film.
Keyword : Woman Empowerment, Feminism, Wonder Woman 1984
Introduction
Film is a medium of delivery messages via audio visuals with storyline in it. Because of
that, sending messages can be easier absorbed by the public. in movies, female character is
described as feminine gender and male as masculine gender. And we dont realize if gender
bias is developing in patriarchal society and culture. Based on Standpoint Theory,
individuals do not need to be forced to only choose one identity but he should be free to use
various identities according to his choice. (Morissan. 2015:128).
In the media, especially films, women often described as weak, dependent on men, and
need protection. And men will be ready to be a strong and brave protector of woman. Male
actors are often described as preferring to be with sexy women. They show the masculine
side of being a protector women to become criminals or violence.
Examples of films that illustrate woman as a weak figure and chased by a male is,
Mikaela's figure in the movie Transformers 1 and 2 and Mary Jane in in the Spider-Man
movies. Looking at the examples the film, we can see how most women's roles are only
described it as the sexual object with beautiful face that highlights the part of their body.
Mary Jane is weak, need protection, emotional and passive because it relies on male actors.
His role has never been higher than that of men. Female construction has sides feminine
while men have sides masculine, that's what we often see on the movie. Moreover, media
construct the that image into society so that we always think that women have such
characteristics
However, The women character in the movie Wonder Woman is really interesting.
Themyscira is led by a woman. All the women who lived there were able to fight. Likewise
Diana is described as woman who can fight, tough, able to make their own decisions and
can solve the problem, also they can cooperate with other people, have strong will and
passionate to achieve a definite goal so that she can achieve identity herself. In time of war,
Diana will come forward in the front row with the men helping her behind. The opposite
applies to movies mostly, Diana’s character is usually done by men. It is so contrast with
the image of the woman in Public. If it's usually the male lead who saves the female who
weak. This time it's the female lead saved a lot of people from women to men.
Based on the explanation above, the film is very interesting to research. So that Researcher
want to describe how feminism in the character Diana in the film Wonder Woman. This
research using Roland's Semiotics method Barthes which there consists Denotation and
Connotations meaning. Source of data is from Wonder Woman movie. Data support taken
from book literature, as well as related sites with research. In this research The researcher
carried out several stages, namely: by collecting data first, then analyze the data that has
been obtained and selected, then make research report.
Litterature Review
The difference between sex, and gender is a form of definition of cultural characteristics
that have been becoming the center of the significant form of gender theory. Struggle over
injustice gender is then known as feminism. Basically, feminism is an awareness of the
existence systematic injustice for women all over the world. Feminism can interpreted as an
understanding that carries or fight for equality for women. (Sabhana. 2012:29).
People who believe in feminism is called feminist. They are divided into several streams.
According to Feminist Thought book written by Rosemarie Putnam Tong, there are eight
the types of feminism embraced by feminists. Among them are (Tong. 1998:1-2) :
1. Liberal Feminists
2. Radical Feminists
3. Marxist and Socialist Feminists
4. Feminist Psychoanalysis and Gender
5. Existentialist Feminists
6. Postmodern Feminists
7. Multicultural and Global Feminists
8. Ecofeminist Feminist

Definition of Liberal Feminists

People who believe feminism is called feminist. They are divided into 8 streams based on
Tong in Feminist Thought book. One of them is liberal feminism which holds that that the
patriarchal system can be destroyed by changing the attitude of each individual, especially
the attitude of women in relation to man. Women must be aware and claim their rights. This
claim will awaken the men and if this awareness is evenly distributed then awareness will
form a society new, where are the boys and girls work together on the basis of equality
(Ilyas. 1997:47 in Rokhmansyah 2016:51). People have faith that women are naturally not
as smart and strong as men, society marginalizes women from academies, forums and
markets (world education, politics, and economics). As a result, the true potential of women
are not fulfilled. If girls and boys are given educational opportunities and civil rights the
same, but it turns out just a little women who can reach the high position in science, arts,
and professionals. Liberal feminist emphasize, first of all, that gender justice insist that we
should make a fair game rules. Second, to ensure that neither man nor woman are harmed
systematic. Gender justice does not demand us to give gifts to winners and losers (Tong.
1998:2- 3).
In its history, in the 18th century Feminists demand an equivalent education (Tong.
1998:19-20). Then in the 19th century, feminists demand political rights and equal
economic opportunity. (Tong. 1998:26). And in the 20th century, Friedan in The Feminine
Mystique concluded that women contemporary need to get a meaningful job as
employment in the public sector permanently. (Tong. 1998:39-40).
b) Standpoint Theory
Standpoint Theory researchers like Sandra Harding and Julia Wood (Griffin. 2006:482-483)
claims that one of the best ways to find out how the world runs is from female standpoint or
other community groups who marginalized. Standpoint is a place for us to see the world
around . Synonyms for standpoint are viewpoint, perspective, outlook, and positions. It
should be noted that each of these words show specific point in the time and space in which
researchers take place while directing values and behavior. Social group where we belong
in it is very important in adding experience and our knowledge, including our way to
understand and communicate with ourselves, others, and the world (Griffin In Prime. 2012)

Methodology
The method used in this research is referring to the theory Roland Barthes semiotics. About
the idea of the two orders of signification, denotation and connotation. Denotation describe
the relationship between the signifier and the sign within the mark, and between the mark
with its referent in external reality. While connotations is the basic way of the signs
function in the second order of signs, namely the order of where the interaction between
very active sign and culture happen.
The connotation describes the interaction that takes place when the sign meets feelings or
emotions of the users and their cultural values. connotation is a second-order meaning of
the signifier,
Wonder Woman movie tells about a woman named Diana as the main character who
struggles to quell crime. Diana with Steve decided to go to the battlefield where on their
way, they found many obstacles. Surrounded by men who incidentally are in the field war,
Diana with Steve and his friends were able to stop the war in several territories. Diana's
goal was only one, kill the God Ares (God of War) so that war can be stopped and humans
can live in peace without war. However, After it was finished, she felt that she had reached
her goal, she realized that the war would continue until the end. Diana realize that there is
great power hiding in the middle
The object for study is the Wonder Woman movie. The unit of analysis is in the form of
signs that are conveyed to the audience in the form of text, audio and visual. Technique
data collection in this study is collected through documentation technique, which works for
dig up data in systematically and objectively. Documentation of Wonder women movie is
the primer data. As for secondary data, the author reads various literatures related to the
problem such as books, journals, news or articles on various sites mass media, especially
the internet.
This study uses the analysis of data with a qualitative approach descriptive, which is a
description based on the results of the collection of documentary data. So that the data
obtained will be analyzed qualitatively and then described in descriptive form. Problems in
the study will analyzed using semiotic theory Roland Barthes which consists of a system
sign and signifier (connotation and denotation).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Diana is a representation of the feminist figure who exist almost in every scene. However,
in some scenes, Diana is also treated biased because she is a woman. The concept of
representation refers to how a person, a group, a certain idea or opinion is displayed in the
news (Eriyanto. 2001:113). Codes of representation are linked and organized in social
coherence such as social class, or dominant beliefs that exist in society (patriarchy,
materialism, capitalism, etc.). According to Fiske in Eriyanto, when we make
representations, it is unavoidable to use this ideology (Eriyanto. 2001:114-115).
The following is the finding of this study
NO Data Signifier Sign
1 Denotation Diana, who was dressed Diana monologued that her old way
neatly in high heels and of thinking was different from her
carrying a bag, walked current way of thinking. That the
from outside to her truth we face is not easy. It's hard to
office. Her appearance deal with. Then came Diana's staff
shows today's career who gave a bag that looked
women. Diana has a important because it was sent neatly
high rank position in and carefully. Diana immediately
her job because there is silent when she found out that the
a man who works under bag contain a photo of her with the
her commands team in the past.
2 Denotation Diana was on the beach Diana intends to leave Themyscira
in a sweater and ready quietly, but things don't go well
to set sail with Steve to because Hyppolita comes to see her.
leave Themyscira. But Diana showed firmness in the
Hyppolita came to meet dialogue she spoke based on how she
them. Seeing her raised her eyebrows. It showed that
mother coming, Diana's Diana was determined.
eyebrows shot up as
spoke and said that he
had to go.
3 Denotation Diana is wearing armor Antiope trains Diana even harder
and about to training to because he sees Diana off guard after
fight with Amazonian being able to beat her training
warriors using a sword. partner. Antiope spoke in a loud
And after that she voice and yelling at Diana so that
trained with Antiope Diana would be encouraged to be
but Antiope was blown able to beat him in fighting practice.
away because of the
power she have.
4 Denotation Diana was on the beach Diana intends to leave Themyscira
in a sweater and ready quietly, but things don't go well
to set sail with Steve to because Hyppolita comes to see her.
leave Themyscira. But Diana showed firmness in the
Hyppolita came to meet dialogue he spoke based on his
them both. Seeing her raised eyebrows. It showed that
 mother coming, Diana's Diana was determined.
eyebrows shot up as
spoke and said that he
had to go.
5 Denotation Steve and Diana are in Steve and Diana are cornered by a
the middle cornered by criminal who wants to take Dr.
some criminals who Maru. Steve was nervous and tried to
want to retrieve Dr. protect Diana from criminals but
Maru that Steve ended up protecting Steve from
brought. Steve looked criminals.
nervous because there
were twice as many
criminals as the two of
them. But Steve tries to
stay calm face the
unexpected situation.
No Data Signifier Sign
1 Connotative Diana walked into her office
and monologued. From the
dialogue that Diana spoke, it
showed that her old way of
thinking had changed with
the current one. Diana used to
always think that the truth
must always be upheld
somehow. However, the truth
that we face is not as easy as
it seems. We can't make the
world always be as good as
we want. In the past Diana
also believed that the ugliness
of humans was influenced by
the God of War. However,
even if there is no God of
War today, the world is not
always fine. Diana's way of
thinking used to be narrow
because she used to live in
Themyscira, while Diana now
lives side by side with
humans so she can accept
new thoughts openly. Her
way of dressing has also
changed, which used to be
not far from a suit of armor,
now she's starting too get
used to the clothes of other
humans.
2 Connotative Diana is seen practicing war
with the other Amazons. she
fought several soldiers and
succeeded. Then after that
Diana fought Antiope who
was the sister of her mother
and Diana's trainer at war.
Diana was directly trained
very hard by Antiope, at the
same time Antiope speak
Roughly with the intention of
making Diana more excited
and able to use all the
strength she had to fight it.
Inevitably Diana even felt
cornered by Antiope's
actions. Until Antiope was
about to attack her again,
 Diana reflexively blocked it
and sent Antiope flying
backwards. This made
everyone surprised and
surprised. Diana herself was
shocked by the power she had
to injure other people. But her
surprise overcame her regret.
Diana also decided to say
sorry to everyone who was
there.
3 Connotative Diana and Steve secretly
want to get away from
Themyscira without
Hippolyta knowing. But the
plan failed after Hippolyta
and her henchmen came over.
From the look on Diana's
face, she seemed ready for
her mother's arrival and
forbidding her to go. So when
Hippolyta came, Diana
immediately said that she
wanted to go. Diana said it
firmly so that her mother
understood what her decision
was that could not be
contested. The background of
the time taken is night which
is the best time to escape
because it is dark so it is less
likely to be caught than
during the day. The setting
itself is deliberately taken on
the beach because the beach
is a connecting place between
the island of Themyscira and
the outside world. Diana's
departure can be interpreted
as wandering for the term in
Indonesia. Migrating itself
has the meaning of someone
going from their place of
origin to a new area to live a
new life with
different purposes.
4 Connotative Diana and Steve hide in the
rat path to avoid the criminals
that are following them. But
the criminals were waiting for
 them there while pointing a
gun. Steve, knowing the
unpleasant situation, asked
Diana to step down with the
intention of protecting him
from criminals. However,
when the villain fires a gun at
Steve, Diana turns out to be
able to parry it.
Finally Steve let Diana
protect him. It can be said
that Steve let Diana
protect him or ask Diana to
protect him. Which means
Steve is not confident in his
ability to fight the criminal.
5 Diana came in following
Steve into the meeting room
of the top military officers in
the Council Great War. Steve
only intends to meet the
colonel but without Diana
As far as he knows, Diana
also goes in, making people
look at her. At that time,
women were not allowed to
enter the military. The
military has always been
synonymous with men since
the first, therefore this film
also shows the real situation
in the past that women were
not allowed to interfere in
military affairs. And the
military is not meant for
for woman.
Discussion
1. Feminism Against Evil
This categorization is taken based on what Wollstonecraft stated that Women are not “male
toys or bells belonging to men”. That is, women are not merely "tools" or instruments for
the happiness or perfection of others. On the contrary, women are a "goal", a reasoning
agent, whose self-worth is in his ability to determine his own destiny (Tong, 1998:22).
Diana's character we can see how her portrayal of reasoning and how her ability to
determine her own destiny in fighting the evil that exists.

2. Feminism in Decision Making

This category arose from a condition where married middle class women in the 18th
century were not left to make their own decisions, they had no freedom. According to
Wollstonecraft, because they are hindered from developing their reasoning abilities, they
have no morality (Tong 1998:18-19). Then from this condition a feminist movement
emerged, namely to state that all humans are free to be able to make decisions, get equal
opportunities to develop their reasoning and moral capacities.

3. Feminism in the Power of Will

This categorization departs from Wollstonecraft in the 19th century, where John Stuart Mill
and Harriet Taylor viewed reason not only morally, as the capacity to make decisions
autonomously, but also through careful thinking, as self-fulfillment or the use of reason to
gain what one wants (Tong 1998:23). This is in accordance with the Wonder Woman film,
which takes place during World War I which also occurred in the 19th century
Conclusion
Based on the discussion in the previous chapter, we can conclude that Diana in Wonder
Woman is a representation of a Liberal feminist woman who has fought for equal
education, equal political rights and economic opportunities. Diana has a feminine and
masculine gender in her, or commonly called androgyny. However, this cannot be said to
be androgynous because Diana's masculine gender is only seen when she is fighting.
Diana's character in Wonder Woman has broken the stereotype of patriarchal culture, made
people aware that women and men have the right to have the same rights and opportunities.
Because that way, women can also develop according to their wishes.
The Wonder Woman film is researched using Roland Barthes' semiotic theory which
consists of denotative, connotative, and mythical meanings. So that we can see the true
meaning and hidden meaning of the Wonder Woman movie, and how Diana is represented
to the level of feminism. And from several feminist categories, Diana is categorized as
feminism in fighting crime which describes how Diana is a person who never gives up in
fighting crimes that are directed at herself and others. There is also feminism in decision
making, which describes how Diana is an independent woman who can make her own
decisions about her rights based on her thoughts. Then feminism in the strength of will
describes how Diana, a woman, has great physical strength that can surpass the strength of
men, as well as the power of mind where her intelligence can be matched with men. And
the last is feminism in affection which describes how Diana, even though she has a
masculine gender, still has a gentle and loving nature for others. These 3 points are
sufficient to describe Diana's character in the Wonder Woman film very well as a feminist
figure.
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