Barbara Eden responds to criticism 'I Dream of Jeannie' was sexist - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 08-07-2018, 09:09 PM

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/...174154427.html

Quote:

Was I Dream of Jeannie sexist or feminist?

The star of the beloved series I Dream of Jeannie, Barbara Eden, was interviewed Friday on Today by Al Roker. Eden’s character spent five seasons magically catering to the wishes of her master, Tony, an astronaut.

Roker asked, “Do you think today they could do I Dream of Jeannie, because some people said, ‘Oh, this was too sexist or she was subservient?’”

Eden responded, “Of course you could. The sexist or subservient part is so ridiculous. I mean, this is a classical theme. This is a #MeToo genie.”

Some have said the show was sexist, something that Eden has denied before. Others have agreed.

With the recent glut of classic TV shows being rebooted for modern audiences, who knows — we may just see an updated I Dream of Jeannie.

In the end, Eden said she’s happy to be known for her unique character. “I’m proud of her. Isn’t it lucky that I had one character that people remember?”

king of comedy · 08-07-2018, 09:35 PM

Great lady and great show.

PhoenixAcres · 08-07-2018, 09:42 PM

Jeannie calls Tony "master" all the time. Obviously the misogynistic writers crafted this as a subtle message that women are inferior and subservient to men and should be recognized as such. Or maybe it's because she was a genie and he was her literal master?

The whole sexism thing is nonsense. It was a good show and they never bothered stinking it up with political stuff.

Babalu · 08-07-2018, 09:55 PM

If anyone dared to make IDOJ today it would be wall to wall male-bashing BS.

In other words just like every other show on today.

RetroGuy2000 · 08-07-2018, 10:06 PM

The show is a reflection of its time: more than 50 years ago. Asking if it's sexist is like asking if there was racism during the Civil War.

Dale Key · 08-08-2018, 02:20 AM

Jeannie isn't sexist and neither is Lucy. The attitudes of the time they aired are intact but they were not subservient women. Why waste Miss Eden's time with questions like that?

TMC · 09-02-2018, 04:15 AM

I'm guessing that even though the show may likely have sexist underpinnings and was when you get right down to it, a male fantasy the chemistry between Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman is so amazing that they somehow made it work. I've heard the suggestion that Jeannie and Tony's relationship could be seen as a metaphor for an unmarried couple living together and trying to hide it from his superiors, so they can continue to fool around and have fun in private with no consequences.

TMC · 09-05-2018, 09:17 PM

I wonder if Jeannie could be considered an early example of a Manic Pixie Dream Girl? A quirky, free-spirited woman who is really only there to teach the otherwise aimless, downcast, or depressed male protagonist how to embrace life, fun and happiness.

king of comedy · 03-16-2019, 09:42 PM

I saw and met her at chiller fest in New Jersey. Great lady.

Schmoopie · 04-14-2020, 12:36 AM

That was a cute interview but so sad about her son. Wow, she looks amazing for being in her 80's! Loved the end of the interview and that Genie Barbie doll is so cute!

OH Nuts! · 04-14-2020, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmoopie

That was a cute interview but so sad about her son. Wow, she looks amazing for being in her 80's! Loved the end of the interview and that Genie Barbie doll is so cute!

Actually the show had a very passive-AGRESSIVE....tinge to it....Jeannie may act subservient to her “master“, but should he pi#s her off...he’d be dangling by a thin rope above hungry alligators!

08-07-2018, 09:55 PM	#4
Babalu Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 22, 2014 Posts: 4,779	If anyone dared to make IDOJ today it would be wall to wall male-bashing BS. In other words just like every other show on today.
	__________________ . I just nailed Mrs. Trumbull

08-07-2018, 10:06 PM	#5
RetroGuy2000 Julie,Julie Anne,&Felice 4Ever Forum Star Join Date: Dec 27, 2013 Posts: 16,914	The show is a reflection of its time: more than 50 years ago. Asking if it's sexist is like asking if there was racism during the Civil War.
	__________________ The Facts of Life's "Lost Girls" Tribute to Julie Piekarski, Eastland Girl Join "The Group", Sitcoms Online's Facts of Life group!

08-08-2018, 02:20 AM	#6
Dale Key Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 17, 2005 Location: Washington state Posts: 410	Jeannie isn't sexist and neither is Lucy. The attitudes of the time they aired are intact but they were not subservient women. Why waste Miss Eden's time with questions like that?
	__________________ Please release complete series of these already hi-def mastered shows on blu-ray: Seinfeld, I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, Cheers, Frasier, Everybody Loves Raymond thank you! Niles: God is forgiving, Miss Fine. When I was a boy, I once took five shillings out of the collection plate at church for toffee. Fran: And nothing happened to you, right? Niles: That's right, absolutely nothing. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go wash other peoples' underwear.

09-02-2018, 04:15 AM	#7
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 126,533	I'm guessing that even though the show may likely have sexist underpinnings and was when you get right down to it, a male fantasy the chemistry between Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman is so amazing that they somehow made it work. I've heard the suggestion that Jeannie and Tony's relationship could be seen as a metaphor for an unmarried couple living together and trying to hide it from his superiors, so they can continue to fool around and have fun in private with no consequences.
	Last edited by TMC; 09-07-2018 at 06:25 AM.

04-14-2020, 12:36 AM	#10
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	That was a cute interview but so sad about her son. Wow, she looks amazing for being in her 80's! Loved the end of the interview and that Genie Barbie doll is so cute!
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

08-07-2018, 09:35 PM	#2
king of comedy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 31, 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,140	Great lady and great show.

08-07-2018, 09:42 PM	#3
PhoenixAcres Member Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 26, 2016 Location: United States Posts: 6,824	Jeannie calls Tony "master" all the time. Obviously the misogynistic writers crafted this as a subtle message that women are inferior and subservient to men and should be recognized as such. Or maybe it's because she was a genie and he was her literal master? The whole sexism thing is nonsense. It was a good show and they never bothered stinking it up with political stuff.

09-05-2018, 09:17 PM	#8
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 126,533	I wonder if Jeannie could be considered an early example of a Manic Pixie Dream Girl? A quirky, free-spirited woman who is really only there to teach the otherwise aimless, downcast, or depressed male protagonist how to embrace life, fun and happiness.

03-16-2019, 09:42 PM	#9
king of comedy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 31, 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,140	I saw and met her at chiller fest in New Jersey. Great lady.