Life on Mars

We watched the first episode of Life on Mars which was a good example of both the present and past worlds which the narrative follows. Below are some notes on male identity.

• There is one female police officer in the past world, but she doesn't do many police-related tasks. However, Sam can't understand why she is mistreated and not used even though she has a psychological degree. The male identity of the past would have looked down on this, it was controversial and skeptical to treat women this way and put faith in them.
• In the future, there is also one women police officer, she is mistreated (although this is not common) and dropped from the case. This results in her kidnap. It could be argued that Sam's mistreatment of the female officer is the reason for her kidnap, almost as if he learns to respect women better in the past world.
• The first discussion n over a murder, in the past world, uncovers that technology is quick or detailed enough. Through this we are able to see Sam's frustration, and represent the modern day male identity as a fast-paced lifestyle, needing things in a rush, and having an obsession with monetary value.
• Also women refer to men by their professional title such as "D.C" or "D.I". Whereas, men refer to women in a more objective sense, and often call them by their actual name.
• There is a women's department in the past world, showing a form of segregation between the higher status of males and the lower females. It may also be a much needed segregation for the women officers.
• When they interview Dorrah, a witness to the murder case, Sam simply questions and does not really get his point across. Although Gene Hunt is far more rough proving that the male identity did not have as many boundaries are were far more free to dominate over women.
• Sam attempts to bring in the women officer when they are discussing the case, as she has a professional advantage with a Psychological BA. The other detectives look down on him, and believe that it's controversial.