The pass rate on these tests varies from zero to roughly half.
Originally shared by David Brin
I don’t care for political-correctness litmus tests, but I do admit they can be effective and important temporary measures that alter thinking and help to change bad habits. One is the “Bechdel test” — which asks two simple questions of a movie: ‘Does it have at least two named female characters? And do those characters have at least one conversation that is not about a man?’
I’ve seen a better and more stringent version that asks: “And do those characters have at least one conversation that is not about relationships?” Notice that the latter version goes more to the heart of stereotyping in women’s movie roles.
Well, these columnists at FiveThirtyEight have asked, “What does the next Bechdel Test look like? The time is ripe for a successor. Is there a short, punchy test we can apply?” They asked a dozen women in Hollywood, and the answers ranged from on-target and helpful all the way to a couple that seem downright thought-police vicious. But sure, let the discussion ensue!
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/next-bechdel/
Only note whicy film scores best according to the largest number of these tests? The Independence Day sequel! Another that did well? Passengers. Science fiction leads the way! Hint: judging by the standards and context of its time, SF has always had a branch or several wings that were more advanced and eager for justice. Dissing that past science fiction was sexist provokes the question “compared to what?” In the sense of provocatively doing its job and poking at the ground ahead, SF was always ahead of its time.
