Ep 7. Battle of the Sexes
- TV-PG
- December 4, 2017
- 40 min
-
(10)
In episode 7 of Soundtracks: Songs That Defined History season 1, titled "Battle of the Sexes," the series explores the cultural background and the impact of the performance by tennis legend Billie Jean King in the 1973 match against Bobby Riggs. The controversial match was more than just a tennis competition, it was a fight for women's rights and gender equality.
The episode highlights how the events leading up to the match sparked a national conversation about gender roles and the fight for equal pay and equal rights. The episode features interviews and archival footage with King and her team as they reflect on the significance of the match and the role of "The Battle of the Sexes" in the fight for women's rights.
The soundtrack of the episode features some of the most iconic and revolutionary songs from the 1970s, including "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy, "Respect" by Aretha Franklin, and "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye. The episode shows how these songs captured the emotions and ideas that were driving the feminist movement and how they helped to inspire and mobilize women across the country.
The episode also examines the major role that the media played in shaping the public's opinion of the match. The media circus surrounding "Battle of the Sexes" was unprecedented, with millions of people tuning in to watch the event on television and follow the ongoing coverage in the newspapers. The episode sheds light on how the media coverage reflected and influenced the cultural attitudes towards women's rights and gender equality.
Overall, "Battle of the Sexes" is an inspiring and insightful episode that highlights the powerful impact of music and sports in shaping our cultural history. The episode beautifully weaves together the stories of King, Riggs, and the feminist movement with an incredible soundtrack that captures the energy and emotion of the era. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the struggle for gender equality and the pivotal cultural moments that defined the 1970s.
