'The Bold Type' Season 4 Episode 12 confronts Jane's brand of staunch and opinionated feminism
Spoilers for 'The Bold Type' Season 4 Episode 12 'Snow Day'
There is no doubt that Jane Sloan (Katie Stevens) is a feminist -- a strong, old-school feminist, loud and proud regardless of all the modern-day connotations associated with the word. The young journalist never backs down from a good argument about equality and upliftment of women and other minorities and she is always on the go for issues related to women. Her personal belief is political and vice versa. It is this promptness that not only gets her recognition but also her new vertical at Scarlet. Under the keen eye of Jacqueline Carlyle (Melora Hardin), Jane continues to prosper and more.
In the latest episode of the Freeform drama, Jane, however, is affronted with a new problem -- the difference of opinion with the member of her brand new team Scott Coleman (Mat Vairo). The main reason that Jane had hired Scott was that he brings a male perspective to the table --something that Jane had deemed particularly important to her vertical. But when he did do so with his first story for her vertical, she refuses to take it the way it is. First draft edits are not a big deal, but when Scott learns that Jane has gone ahead and changed most of the content of his story, he refuses to take a byline on the article. And understandably so.
After her conversation with Jacqueline, she spoke to Scott about the rationale behind the reasoning of his article. And it was only then that she knew better and could open her mind to different perspectives. Feminists often fall prey to this. They live by their strong ideals so staunchly that it is difficult to immediately welcome a different, opposing perspective. There was nothing offensive about Scott's article. Of course, by definition, it might not have been something that one vouching for equality would have written. But the reasoning behind it is of more importance. Scott's idea of feminism and/ or equality isn't flawed -- it is only deeply personal. 'Snow Day' reiterates that the only way forward is by listening to more accounts instead of living by bookish ideals.
The episode has taught Jane an important lesson not just with being an editor and a boss but also about being a feminist. Credit also goes in part to Jacqueline who coaxes her to look at the bigger picture. On a side note: are they really showing sparks between Jane and Scott? Because we cannot deal with an office romance, no. Not in this socio-political environment.
'The Bold Type' airs Thursdays at 10 PM ET/ PT.