Academic

?What?s My Line?? Clip from January 27, 1957

By Ann Bartow

As Froomkin notes, the Mystery Guest is surreal. What I also find interesting is that even though the female panelists are hyper-feminizied with lacy blindfolds (which I’m guessing were pink) and high maintenance hair, make-up and clothing, they are permitted to be smart and assertive players. Also, note the glaring “sponsorship” advertisement on the front of the desk which the panelists sit behind is for a beauty products company. The host, male panelists, and male announcer do not seem to fear that this causes girl cooties!

–Ann Bartow

Full post as published by Feminist Law Professors on April 15, 2008 (boomark / email).