I recently learned about something called the Bechdel test which asks whether a work
of fiction , including movies, features at least two women who talk to each other about something
other than a man.
I was reminded of that on Saturday morning during our walk and the
after-breakfast. I have written before about how much I enjoy the fluid and
far-reaching nature of the conversations we walkers (both female and male) have
over the course of a morning. I tried to
keep count of the topics and lost track at some point but here is some of what
we covered: aging parents, jobs, the power dynamics of male vs female strippers
and their audiences, races we plan to do, the joy of a sunny day, the sorrow of dementia, politics from the
municipal through the conservative leadership to brief mention (with moans) about
'you know who' south of us, what to consider when vetting a possible flatmate,
why someone would vandalize our favourite breakfast spot, films we have seen,
who Susan owes $5 to and heaven knows what else.
So I am thinking that Hollywood would be wise to recognize
the complexities, breadth and humour that characterizes women's conversations -
both with each other and with men.
Oh, and if you want to know more about the Bechdel test,
(click the link). Interesting and a bit depressing in terms of some of the analysis -
but we will get there.
