Discovering Godzilla's Feminine Side

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Something Real

MemberGodzillaApr-28-2014 2:22 AM

Hello there. I've a question that's been on my mind for a little while now - stemming directly from the many "Godzilla's Gender" threads I've seen popping up across the boards. How can we be certain of Godzilla's biological gender? "He" very well could be a "she". However, it's extremely difficult to tell for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which is the creature's overall heavily-scaled and menacing appearance. Not only that, but with the vast majority of large and commanding presences, we traditionally allocate the generic descriptor of "He" - it's a facet of human nature left over from the near stone-age and bronze-age eras in which women were viewed as not quite equal with men. I'm reminded of various, older Dinosaur films hosted by Gary Owens in which the majority of the creatures were described as "He", or a recent event in Madision, WI called "Dinosaurs Roaring In!" in which the predators are often billed as male, while the much larger saurupods are described as female (strangely enough). Look at the Tyranosaurus Rex from Jurassic Park. Though it was referred to by the descriptor of "He", that creature - and every other dinosaur for that matter - was female (at least to start). Is it that we view agression and certitude as masculine? Is the figurative "He" more worthy of being lauded as a dangerous being or commanding presence? With that on the table, I posit this question: what if Godzilla really did happen to be a female of the species? Would that deplete the respect and awe we feel for the creature? Would it in any way diminish the incredibly magnificent figure the creature cuts as it wades through cities and brings destruction down upon the heads of all challengers? Would we still look at Godzilla in the same light if the King of the Monsters was actually the Queen of the Monsters? Nature, of which Godzilla is supposed to be an avatar, is almost always referred to as "Mother Nature" - and we all know that the natural world is the most prolific killer of all. Remember: "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned"? That is a very powerful and telling phrase used by many an individual to describe the dire consequences that can arise from drawing forth a female entity's wrath. Yet, it seems that we (as a general whole) wish to describe most destructive creatures a male. As always, your thoughts and conjecture on this topic are most appreciated, even if you choose to keep them to yourself. :)

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Huge-Ben

MemberBaragonApr-28-2014 2:20 PM

i am hoping that they dont make "him" a zilla over again where both male and female gens are in the blood lines. O_O

However, then why would terry morse decide to call the 1956 film "GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS?"

http://hugeben.deviantart.com/ check out my gallery of Godzilla artwork! Follow me on Twitter@thebigbadben90.

Devianteist

MemberMothra LarvaeApr-28-2014 3:36 PM

When it comes to the opposite sex, I live by these two rules-
"Women are crazy. Men are stupid." & "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorn."

A female Godzilla utterly terrifies me to a point beyond anything that I can describe. Biollante scared the hell out of me, back in and back out again the first time I saw her in her Godzilla-like form, and ever since, the idea of a REAL female Godzilla has been pushed aside time and again.

As for Destoroyah being female, I've always felt that way. Its anatomy, roar and behavior pointed me in that direction, but I refer to her as an it primarily because there was no official say on that particular debate. If Destoroyah is indeed female, then I will be even more frightened of the thing than I am now.

Deviation is not shameful. Conforming is.

TW_G-Fan2014

MemberMothra LarvaeApr-28-2014 9:29 PM

This is definitely an interesting topic. I personally believe the whole battle of the sexes thing is complete crap and that both men and women need to shut up and realize they're equals in every way, but that's neither here nor there.

Here are a few things to consider when taking into account Godzilla's "gender."

One - The term "mother nature" and the phrase "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" were both created by humans. What are humans? Flawed. The battle of the sexes has absolutely no meaning beyond what it means to the human mind. In terms of actual nature when human mentality and societal views are negated, it's just a pointless feud that ends the same: going nowhere. Such phrases and terms have no impact on Godzilla's gender or the relation he carries with nature.

Two - Japan is a very sexist culture. Always has been, likely always will be. Women in Japan, even today, are viewed as weaker than men. This can be seen most obviously in anime, video games, and television shows where the men dominate the scene unless women are the focal point with few to no men present at all, which is a very small percentage.

Three - Godzilla is hailed as the "King" of the monsters, and what is a "King?" Male. If Toho intended for Godzilla to be viewed ambiguously in terms of sex, they failed. Godzilla was depicted as the result of an atomic bomb and is referenced as a "he" for a reason. Toho meant him to be a "he." Even in Son of Godzilla, Godzilla himself was referenced as male every step of the way.

So unfortunately, the debate about Godzilla's sex is meaningless. Godzilla is a symbol, and a symobl has no gender.

However, when it comes to his "implied" gender as a creature within the movies, he is undoubtedly male all the way. Godzilla has never been referenced as female, and that fact alone proves his "implied" gender as male. There has never been a female Godzilla, and there likely never will be. If there is, it's going to be a big deal when it happens, and I can guarantee there will be a lot of negative criticism about it.

Something Real

MemberGodzillaApr-28-2014 10:24 PM

DEVIANTEIST - You've presented an excellent bit of conjecture with that post - very interesting and fun to read! Thank you for your contribution; I knew I could count on something interesting from you. ;)

Something Real

MemberGodzillaApr-28-2014 10:27 PM

TW_G-FAN2014 - The response you've presented is quite thought-provoking - and quite enjoyable to read as well! I particularly enjoyed the way in which you presented your information in a concise and well-thought manner - allowing us to take it in at a steady pace. Very nicely done! Thank you for your insight on this topic! :)

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