Yeah, I totally get the frustration with the over-sexualization and objectifying of female characters but Harley’s always had a little bit of sexiness to her and I think that’s part of her charm–she can can crack a sexual innuendo without it coming across as sleazy or vulgar and still be her fun, bubbly self.
In an issue of Batman Black and White written by Harley’s creator Paul Dini, Harley says that she “misses men”:
And then holds a flirty contest with Poison Ivy over who can kiss the most men in the asylum. Both women remain in full control for the duration of the contest–in fact, the men are all under the influence of Ivy’s powers.
In regards to her costume, I don’t really like the idea that just because she started wearing clothes that were more revealing than her head-to-toe jester suit that it automatically means she’s become more sexualized. Let’s not forget that in the Batman: The Animated Series episode “Harley’s Holiday” (again, written by her creator Paul Dini) Harley is seen wearing a crop top and shorts.
And while Harley’s original costume did cover her body from head-to-toe, it was still pretty form-fitting to her figure and enhanced her breast, hips, thighs, etc. Just look at the way Bruce Timm drew her:
I think it’s important to call out the degradation of female characters when they’re being reduced to nothing more than objects, but I also think it’s important to not erase their sexuality or say that if they do anything sexy that it must be solely for the male gaze. Both of those scenarios are harmful and strip them of their autonomy over their own sensuality.
