Banal Space in Marvel’s
Agent Carter
Banal space is how different messages are transmitted based on
the environment of the space. Dr. Hillary Jones states that there are several
aspects of banal space we should take into account when analyzing the
environment of the space (Jones, 2016). Arguments are created by considering
“what is allowed, what is not allowed, and what are the rules” (Jones, 2016).
These arguments are created and supported by the 5 senses, behavioral rules,
other people, the identity we are supposed to assume, and how all of these
characteristics interact (Jones, 2016). This week I will be analyzing based on
how banal space shapes the identities the characters presume, how other people affect
their actions, and how they are supposed to behave when in the office or in the
presence of others in power.
The Scientific Strategic Reserve (SSR) is a common place where
most of the characters in Agent Carter
interact. They use this space as a space to get their work done, and a space
where the characters can take advantage of the resources they have access to,
to get other things done on the side. As a government agency, whose employees
sole purpose is to defend the United States of treason and enemy confrontation,
the employees at the Strategic Scientific Reserve were expected to behave a
certain way and follow certain rules. According to Marvel Database, the SSR was
formed after several events that caused the American government to become
alert, “The S.S.R. was formed from the greatest minds of the Allied nations who
assembled to battle the Nazis in Europe. The goal of the S.S.R. was to create
an army of super soldiers which could defeat anything the Axis powers had on
the battlefield” (Marvel Database). the wellbeing of the country was the most
important issue the government had around this time, that their agents, were
responsible to act in an honorable manner to show people that they were capable
of defending the country from the enemies. Although there were instances where
the Leads of the show decided to take information that was classified and was
only to be accessed in the office, they decided to take it out of the office,
which was considered dangerous and unethical. They also worked in an office environment
were they were expected to dress professionally.
Peggy Carter is a very intelligent and dangerous agent who can
od things on her own. Even though she can do things on her own she is always
underestimated. She is always underestimated because she works in an office
that is dominated by males who see themselves superior to her, assigning her
miniscule tasks when they know she can do better. Carter, uh... while we're really busy with your friend Stark, if
you don't mind these surveillance reports need to be filed, and... you're
really so much better at that kind of thing” (ABC). Agent Carter was being
assigned secretarial work when everyone at the office knew that she was one of
the people responsible during WW II of capturing the enemy and guaranteeing the
victory of the United States and its allies. This type of treatment caused
agent carter to act different around her coworkers. Around her coworkers she
acted defensive and strong. Occasionally, she let the treatment that she
received from her coworkers get to her and she acted submissive to their
demands. For Agent Thompson, who ordered Peggy to go file papers, felt more in
his element in the office because he could easily give orders and people would
follow them.
The
Scientific Strategic Reserve is an important place for all of the characters in
the show because it shapes their behavior and roles in the show. Some show dominance
over other, while some are suppressed by those in power. The space around them
also affects the way they act in certain situations when presented and their
work attire. All of these actions are related because it is a result of the
environment they work in and how they are expected to behave and what the norm
of the office is.
In this clip agent carter is getting
ready for work and you can see that she is dressed professionally because she
works in an office.
This video is about her proving herself
throughout the first season because she was never given the opportunity to
showcase her talents, and the first opportunity to do that, she decided to go
with it.
A video tour of the SSR so that you can
get a feel of the office environment that they work in.
Links to videos
