The comic “Bitch Planet” can be interpreted in many ways. At first it comes off as a satirical poem poking fun at an obese woman being sentenced to jail for erratic behavior. However, that is simply just the first layer of the true meaning. For centuries, women have been imprisoned to the patriarchal ideology many countries abide to. In “Bitch Planet”, the corrupt inequality and prejudice women have faced and will continue to face are brought to attention. The comic strip’s elaborate and obvious patriarchal superiority, shown through tone and scaling, brings awareness to the inequalities that women, women of color, and women all of shapes and sizes face during the 1970’s when DeConnick wrote the piece and still continues in modern day society.  

Throughout history, there have many too many instances where women are treated unequally to men, not being paid the same amount for the same job, and being downgraded just because of their gender. “Almost 90 percent of 143 economies studied have at least one legal difference restricting women’s economic opportunities. Of those, 79 economies have laws that restrict the types of jobs that women can do. And husbands can object to their wives working and prevent them from accepting jobs in 15 economies” (UN Women). Through “Bitch Planet”, it is apparent that women are treated as though the male figurehead is in control of their lives, picking the jobs for their wives, jobs that are assigned the “woman” role. “No wonder she’s state sponsored, Christ. Look at her, who wants to come home to that?” (DeConnick 194). It is evident that the role women play in society is given by men as if they are the breadwinners. This unequal ideology that men are superior to women is clear through DeConnick’s use of derogatory attitude that society inflicts towards the main character, Penelope. 

The negative attitude towards women that is exemplified in “Bitch Planet” stems from the ongoing prejudice and discrimination that occurs worldwide. Especially in the late 19th century, when most countries such as Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and Australian colonies, finally granted women the ability to vote in elections, there was much controversy over the unfairness that resulted in women protesting and fighting for their equal say in the government. “In much of the written literature of the ancient and medieval world, we have evidence of women's oppression by men in European, Middle Eastern, and African cultures. Women did not have the same legal and political rights as men, and were under control of fathers and husbands in almost all societies” (About Education). In “Bitch Planet”, Kelly Sue DeConnick addresses the hopelessness that most women faced through the eyes of the main character, Penelope, as she is being mistreated and scorned by her “fathers” who only “wanted to help her” (DeConnick 178). 

In history and present day, there have been many instances as where the “fathers” of our country implement rules and laws that they believe “benefit” every person equally, no matter gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, etc. In 2015, “female full-time workers made only 80 cents for every dollar earned by men, a gender wage gap of 20 percent. Women, on average, earn less than men in virtually every single occupation for which there is sufficient earnings data for both men and women to calculate an earnings ratio”. Many political figures have “addressed” these issues, stating there needs to be a call of action as to create an equal gender pay, but no action has been done. The unequal treatment of women in the workforce displays society’s refusal to accept and acknowledge the change in government and politics that needs to be done in order to show the citizens of the country that this is a major issue and it is wrong to treat women or anyone unfairly.

The scaling and size throughout the comic strip, “Bitch Planet”, is a prime example of the belittling and discrimination of women. Kelly Sue DeConnick demonstrates her views of the degrading of women and women of color throughout the text, with the use of line and scaling. Between the men hovering around the main character, Penelope, and the use of the many little images of men surrounding a large colored woman, it is clearly evident that the men find themselves superior to the woman. They look down on her as if they control her destiny and they determine her success in the world; which is the far opposite. The use of male dominance throughout the strip showcases the ideology that men need to control society in order for it to function properly. Sizing of not only the male figures but the sizing of the main character shows the unequal importance and control that society has on individuals. Penelope shows the unequal treatment that women face when it comes to their relationship with men. Women are held to a certain high standard as what it means to be a woman in a “man’s world”. Women are supposed to be feminine and be inferior to men, only existing to please them. The ideology that women are only on earth to please and satisfy men shows how much society and the world needs to learn and accept the idea that that is not the case. People were brought onto this earth as equals and should be treated like that politically, socially, economically, romantically, etc.

Diction plays a vital role in the perception analysis of “Bitch Planet”. The conversation and dialog between the characters, especially from the men to the woman, shows how derogatory and evil men are to women. The language used belittles the main character, making her feel less than she is worth. “You’re being given a chance, Penelope. A ‘thank you’ would be nice” (DeConnick 178). The tone and diction brought onto her is treating her as if she is not competent and needs to be spoon-fed. Her weight and size is a major issue in the comic strip, with the “fathers” and men constantly pointing it out as if it is a flaw: “…wanton obesity… good god, woman” (DeConnick 177). The need to point out the insecurities and physical attributes of a woman to belittle them is another issue that society needs to address.  

The inequality that women have faced for centuries needs to be changed for good. The patriarchal ideologies that have been placed in society that encourage male superiority and women inferiority is not only morally wrong, but dehumanizing and discriminating to women. Women are just as equal in politics, knowledge, and life as men are. Women should not be punished or changed to fit the mold that the “fathers” have placed in people’s minds. Knowing the prejudice that women faced during the time DeConnick wrote this comic strip in the 1970’s when there was so much discrimination and prejudice towards women, it influenced how she perceived the patriarchal role in the plot and the treatment Penelope faced. There needs to be a change in way people see others, not by their skin color, ethnic background, or gender identity, but as equal humans.
