HBO's "Game of Thrones" is one of the more controversial shows on television at the moment. Some critics point to the poor treatment of female characters as an example of the series furthering sexist ideals. While it is true that some female characters have had a rough go of it on "Thrones," it's also true that the show empowers many of its female characters more than any other series on TV.
Actress Sophie Turner, who plays the tormented and tortured Sansa Stark, believes the show is actually quite feminist in its strengthening of key characters and storylines.
"I think the depiction of women in 'Game of Thrones' is really...nice," the 20-year-old British actress said. "I think back then, women didn't have half the power that they do in the show. This isn't a popular opinion but it's definitely a feminist show, I believe.
"Back then, women didn't have powers to control kingdoms and they weren't...the strongest characters in life. And in the show, some of the strongest characters are the female characters. Obviously, we have to cater to the times that they were in, and so there are those social boundaries put upon them, but they break out of them in the show, and that's why I think it's quite feminist."
Fellow female "Thrones" star Emilia Clarke, who plays the Dragon Queen Daenerys Targaryen, also spoke out in a recent interview against critics who label "Game of Thrones" as sexist.
"There's so much controversy," Clarke said. "Yet that's what's beautiful about Game of Thrones - it's depiction of women in so many different stages of development. There are women depicted as sexual tools, women who have zero rights, women are queens but only to a man, and then there are women who are literally unstoppable and as powerful as you can possibly imagine. So it pains me to hear people taking Thrones out of context with anti-feminist spin - because you can't do that about this show. It shows the range that happens to women, and ultimately shows women are not only equal, but have a lot of strength."
Which side do you fall on in this debate? Let us know in the comments below.
"Game of Thrones" will return to HBO for a sixth season on Sunday, April 24.
Follow Brandon Katz on Twitter at @Great_Katzby
