And, just for the record, why do the widowers get to be hot and sexy and date? When was the last time you saw a widow on TV being anything other than pathetically noble (that's a description of the characterization usually seen on TV, not a comment about real widows) as a single parent struggling to make ends meet in a guest starring or supporting character-soon-departed way (thinking of Harm's brief love interest on JAG, among others?
I would imagine it's because of gender role assignment. The Male is *still* perceived as the primary breadwinner throughout society, whether or not it's the actuality of the situation. When the wife is the survivor, she has to adjust to a new role, and in only a few cases is that role an equal one. Writers cheat, they use expected norms.
A widower can be the pure, faithful and noble object of desire, *and* be available while the widow can also be that image, (Mrs Muir..) but also needs to deal with the new role situation.
A competent widow I can think of is Dr. Cameron on House, although her Widow status is almost an afterthought.
no subject
I would imagine it's because of gender role assignment. The Male is *still* perceived as the primary breadwinner throughout society, whether or not it's the actuality of the situation. When the wife is the survivor, she has to adjust to a new role, and in only a few cases is that role an equal one. Writers cheat, they use expected norms.
A widower can be the pure, faithful and noble object of desire, *and* be available while the widow can also be that image, (Mrs Muir..) but also needs to deal with the new role situation.
A competent widow I can think of is Dr. Cameron on House, although her Widow status is almost an afterthought.