Does the Bechdel Test Really Empower Women?

Warner Bros.' latest film Joker, a retelling of the origin story of the popular DC Comics supervillain, has been garnering a ton of press and controversy in recent weeks.

Many people, especially those who have been affected by mass violence in real life, are saying the movie is irresponsible because of its sympathetic portrayal of a social outcast who turns to violence and murder as a way to cope with his feelings of being shunned by society. But does that mean films like this are immoral and shouldn't exist? And what exactly are the ethics and responsibilities that filmmakers undertake when creating and releasing a project of this nature, especially since it has so many real-life implications?

When Star Trek: Voyager star Kate Mulgrew called the original version of the longstanding and iconic sci-fi series misogynistic, many Trekkies were quick to take to social media to express their anger and frustration. After all, Star Trek has always had a fairly progressive and inclusive reputation since the first episode aired back in 1966.

But when you consider the history of women in the franchise, and how they have been included and portrayed, does Mulgrew's statement actually make any sense?