Once upon a time there was a young, orphan girl who lived with her stepmother and stepsisters. She never received the love and care she deserved, her clothes became rags, she lived in attic, and functioned as the servant of the house. She was at her “family’s” demand. Nearly every person is familiar with this story; it is the classic Cinderella story. However, what if it had a slight twist? In the movie, Memoirs of a Geisha, young Japanese girl Chiyo is sold to an okiya. First, she lives as a servant girl where she is victimized. As time goes on, her life changes to one of a Geisha. With the classic Cinderella story as the outline for the movie, Memoirs of a Geisha has a slight twist to the well known plot. With this plot twist comes the exploration of societal gender roles. In her story, Chiyo exhibits multiple different characteristics; most are feminine, some are masculine. According the article by England et al (2011), popular culture adheres to gender norms. Therefore, a female character will exhibit more feminine …show more content…
During their encounter on the bridge, the Chairman advises Chiyo, “Nothing to be ashamed of, we all take a tumble from time to time” (Memoirs of a Geisha). His normal, intellectual, advising gender role is displayed when he interacts with young Chiyo on the bridge. Later, when she becomes Sayuri, he assertively sends her away to a safe haven during the war. His protection of her illustrates Sayuri’s need to be rescued, defined as a feminine characteristic by England et al (2011), and his need to save her, defined as a masculine characteristic by England et al (2011). Unknowingly, the Chairman encourages one prominent masculine trait that does not adhere to gender roles and that is the bravery trait. His kind actions towards Sayuri/Chiyo inspired her to have the courage to pursue her dreams. The Chairman was her “Prince