'I will not be bullied into submission': Discussing subjection and resistance in GLOW (2017)

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the Netflix original series, GLOW (2017) which is inspired by the 1980's television wrestling show, GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (1986-1989). By adopting textual analysis as its method, this chapter is interested in the usage of self-reflexivity as a narrative strategy in the series to emphasize the empowering influence of taking part in this show on women even though they mainly appear as performing highly stereotypical roles in terms of gender, race and nationality. Judith Butler's theories on subjection, power and performativity are employed to examine the ways in which the characters are empowered and question how the whole mindset behind the performed stereotypes is revealed and subverted in GLOW by means of the series' self-reflexivity. © The Author(s) 2020.