9 Times Your Favorite TV Characters Dismantled the Patriarchy

In the simplest terms, “the patriarchy” is a social system that values masculinity over femininity and dictates that men should occupy positions of power over women. In other words, if you’re a fan of equality, you should also be a fan of dismantling the patriarchy.

And guess what! Your favorite TV characters are right there with you. Read on for nine TV characters -- of all genders! -- who break societal norms, defy stereotypes, and stand up for equality across the board.

1. A Union of Black LGBTQ Police Officers! Captain Ray Holt Elevates His Coworkers (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

Captain Holt is is a black, gay police officer who openly describes the struggles he faced on the police force in the 1960’s. In this clip, he describes the organization he founded that supports black LGBTQ police officers. Holt dismantles the patriarchy by embodying the traits of a powerful, professional man, while caring deeply about his community, and making strides to better the lives of those marginalized in his profession.

2. Using Past Hardships for Good! Nomi Marks Speaks Out With Pride (Sense8)

Nomi is a powerful, brave, transgender character. After pushing against the obvious pressure from her family to remain male, Nomi has transitioned into a person that she loves. She uses her experiences with abuse, bullying, and rejection to elevate her voice as one that speaks for those who cannot. In this clip, Nomi gives a powerful speech about why marching in Pride is so important to her. The speech pushes back against the stereotype that trans individuals are broken or unwanted or unloved. Nomi is loved, happy, and speaking out with pride.

3. Don’t Even Try to Argue! Annalise Keating Tears Up the Courtroom Floor (How to Get Away with Murder)

As an intelligent high-profile criminal defense attorney and law professor, one of Annalise’s core traits is her strong will in the face of adversity. This clip depicts Annalise during one of her particularly moving and passionate courtroom speeches regarding the discriminatory treatment of black Americans at the hands of the justice system. Annalise truly dismantles the patriarchy by navigating the white male dominated judicial world with courage, determination, and flawless speeches.

4. Snakes Should Have Arms! Steven Universe Destroys the Patriarchy Through Raw Emotion (Steven Universe)

Steven is a male character that demolishes the stereotypes surrounding masculinity. Although Steven identifies as a straight guy, his magical powers come from traditionally female abilities, such as healing and shielding. Additionally, he is only able to utilize his powers by harnessing empathy and love. Steven displays a great deal of emotion throughout the TV series, something that is particularly taboo for men under the patriarchy. In this clip, Steven is crying over the fact that snakes do not have arms. Although that may not seem like a particularly upsetting fact, Steven does not feel shame for his emotions and in fact embraces them.

5. Galentine's Day! Leslie Knope Redefines What it Means to Support Other Women (Parks and Recreation)

Leslie Knope is an-all around feminist hero, and one of the things that makes her unique is her unwavering commitment to supporting other women. Instead of tearing them down, Leslie strives to help her friends achieve happiness and personal fulfillment. In this clip, Leslie describes Galentine’s Day, a holiday solely focused on making your women friends feel loved and appreciated. Leslie’s holiday dismantles the patriarchy by demonstrating the power of appreciating the amazing ladies in your life.

6. Break That Glass Ceiling! Taylor Mason Destroys the Boundaries of a Non-Binary Character (Billions)

Taylor Mason is the first non-binary character to appear on American network television. Taylor is confident about their identity, introducing themselves using their pronouns and owning who they are. In this clip, Taylor’s character is studied by the directors, producers, and actors on Billions. Through this character study, it is apparent that Taylor confidently dismantles the patriarchy by breaking their way into a male-dominated field and quickly rising to the top because of their work ethic, not because they have to change their true self.

7. Toph Smash! An Earthbender Demolishes Disability Stereotypes (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Toph Beifong dismantles patriarchal norms surrounding disabilities. Although Toph is blind, her disability does not limit her, nor does it define her. Toph’s blindness is never presented in a negative light by anyone other than her parents. In fact, being blind allows Toph to become the most powerful earthbender in the world. In this clip, Toph defeats the reigning earthbending champion easily. Although Toph is blind, she does not let societal norms force her into a position of helplessness. Instead she becomes a brave woman, ready, and able, to protect those she loves.

8. Kindness Prevails! Betty Suarez Is Betty Suarez (Ugly Betty)

Betty Suarez is a perfect example of a female character that does not let the patriarchy’s image of what a woman is “supposed to look like” define her. Betty works in the fashion industry, surrounded by traditionally beautiful women. However, Betty does not have to “glow up” in order to achieve success, happiness or love. In this clip, after Betty receives a promotion, she remains kind and empathetic, even to those who once made her life miserable.

9. Vulnerability is Fabulous! The Fab Five’s Friendship (Queer Eye)

The Fab Five are a group of five completely unique men. Each presents their masculinity in a different ways and embraces their sexuality independently. One of the most groundbreaking patriarchal institutions that the Fab Five destroys is how men express friendship towards other men. In this clip, the Fab Five complete different friendship challenges, each demonstrating vulnerability through touch and emotional connection. It is rare to see men in television engage with each other lovingly, outside of a romantic relationship.

Mac Patrick is a campaigns intern at DoSomething.org. An Ohio native, she is currently studying political science and women’s studies at The Ohio State University. She loves reading, eating, rollerblading, and changing the world.

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