In society there are so many people that are interacting with one another, making it easier for common expectations and opinions to become more popular than others amongst the group. Often the most common opinion or expectation is pushed on to other people whether they necessarily agree with it or not. In an excerpt from the comic serial, “Bitch Planet”, Kelly Sue DeConnick helps to demonstrate ideas about society’s expectations of women and how it may affect those in society in a visual way. The message of this particular excerpt is that women are expected to look and act a certain way by other people in society. Some people will frown upon women who go against the most common or most accepted standards but this excerpt is demonstrating it is okay to go against what others expect if that is what will make one happy. Through visual elements, “Bitch Planet’, depicts how women are expected to be according to society’s standards as opposed to how one may feel, how men are held to a different standard than women, and how race can also play a part in how one is treated in civilization. 

Throughout the excerpt women are held to a certain standard and those that do not comply with the expectations are looked down upon, and are even seen as criminals. The main character, Penny, is a heavier darker skinned female and does not appear to meet society’s expectations of what a woman is supposed to look like. Penny was raised to love herself and be confident with who she is but it becomes clear throughout her life that others do not agree with what she was taught. Women in this civilization are expected to have straight hair, light skin, and a slim figure. They are also expected to dress nicely all the time and wear a lot of makeup. This particular look appears to be the only one considered beautiful. Penny’s hair is curly and “refuses to behave”, much like her personality (DeConnick). Due to this Penny is frowned upon and the women around her constantly encourage her to try and make it lay down. 

Also, in addition to having perfect hair, a lot of the women in this society are extremely focused on dieting and staying skinny. Counting calories and putting parasitic worms into one’s body is a part of the norm for most women in this society. Penny does not, and has never wanted, any part in dieting or changing who she is. Due to her overwhelming confidence and no desire to change she is seen as a problem and a criminal by those with more power.

Corresponding with the unrealistic expectations of women, the older white men in this comic excerpt seem to be in higher positions of power than anyone else and also appear to make all the rules regarding those below them. The older white men referred to as “the fathers” are drawn in these monitors as they are talking to Penny while she is in prison. These men are drawn with angry facial expressions and in a bluish color tone presenting a cold and icy look to them. They constantly ask her what is wrong with her and they tell her that they are only trying to help her. These men feel like Penny is unhappy because she does not look like other women and “the fathers” are trying to “fix” her so that she will fit the criteria. Meanwhile, Penny feels confident with who she is and does not want to change her appearance in any way, shape or form. Not only the men shown through the monitors but the men from the bakery talk down to her.  There is a lot of evidence that proves it is due to her appearance. These men conduct themselves in a way that makes it look like they are free to do and say what they wish without there being any consequences or changes being pushed onto them by other people. In this society these men seem to be at the top of the food chain and appear to have the most power over everyone because the women help to enforce their wishes. Much like American society, older white men have more power and are held to a different standard than those of a different gender or race, and this may be the connection DeConnick is trying to make.

Also, race is believed to play a huge part in the treatment of individuals in society along with gender. Penny is drawn as a heavier set dark skinned woman and her appearance may also contribute to how she is treated in this society. When Penny is depicted working in the bakery she is ridiculed by some of the white male customers in the Born Big shop. They both start to talk about her appearance and one white man goes on to say, “Skins. They like ‘em big like that, it’s in their animal nature—big asses, big lips” (DeConnick). This statement alone describes how some people in this society look at black women like Penny. In this situation she is not seen as beautiful or even a person for that matter. Also it appears that African- Americans are referred to as skins and based on the male customer’s statement there is definitely discrimination happening in this civilization. 

In conclusion, DeConnick is able to successfully demonstrate the mistreatment of woman and people of color in society using visual elements and dialogue in this comic serial. DeConnick’s use of color and detail helps to better deliver the message to the reader because when presented in this form the reader may be more likely to see themselves in the comic itself. The visual elements may play a part in the connections made by the reader. There are a lot of parallels between Bitch Planet’s society and American society such as pressure for women to look and act a certain way and racial discrimination. Penny constantly faces these difficult issues in the world around her but she is able to still visualize herself as her ideal self.  She is still able to put a smile on her face and show everyone around her that she truly believes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” (DeConnick). 
