What made "manspreading" acceptable in American movies?
In the 1962 film The Music Man, after the librarian Marion Paroo turns down Harold Hill's advances, there is a scene in which the salesman engages in (fully clothed) "manspreading." The movie was considered "G" rated, so I imagine that the display was not too shocking for its time, even though the context of the act (the chasing of the librarian) made the intent clear.
On the other hand, Basic Instinct in 1992, thirty years later, featured an actress who spread and unspread her unclothed "legs," and that was considered shocking.
What accounted for the acceptability of Professor Hill's "manspreading" in 1962 versus Sharon Stone's, 1992. Was that "new" to the time, that is, the more expressive 1960? Was it because the people were clothed? Or was it less pejorative for men than for women?
Edit: I linked the film clip for clarity. The referenced scene occurs toward the very end.
Best Answer
Unfortunately, you have completely misconstrued what is going on here.
He's not "manspreading"...he's dancing while sitting...as part of a musical scene..
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Answer 2
It's not the time or the leg position that matters, it's the nudity. Absolutely clothing makes a huge difference. Also, most nudity in American movies that are rated R or less is only the breasts and buttocks. I can't think of another example where the female genitals are displayed so prominently (although briefly) in a major motion picture.
As far as I know, any leg position for a man or a woman where no nakedness or genitals are revealed has never been shocking in movies. Generally, being fully clothed is totally acceptable to American audiences, as long as the clothing is not so tight as to reveal all the contours and shapes beneath.
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