The Bechdel Test’s misconceptions come from a misunderstanding of what feminism calls for in films and movies. While there is a clamor for more robust and more prominent female characters in cinema, eliminating men from the scenes does not serve the cause. Indeed, scenes with female characters having conversations devoid of the mention of men are rare. However, that does not mean that the characters are necessarily weak. Even dominant male characters discuss women in their conversations while still retaining their lead roles. Therefore, removing men entirely from conversations between female characters would not improve the position of female characters. It may weaken the plot of the movie.

The test’s purpose lies in determining why the scenes involving women characters discussing things other than men are rare in movies. Digging deep into the issue reveals that most TV shows, films, and movies lack well-developed and relevant female characters. There are rare instances where a female character is strong enough to advance the storyline. Reversely, there are many instances where male characters can discuss issues without mentioning women or anything related to women. Most movies, films, and TV shows involve multiple well-developed male characters that can advance the story. Thus, although the test aims to show women’s representation in the media, passing it does not mean that the movie or film achieves gender balance. It can pass the test yet be sexist. Further, forcing a movie to conform to the test’s requirements may take away from the plot, making it dull.

Traditionally, male characters play dominant roles as female characters take peripheral roles. That explains why women often mention male names in their conversations. To the writers, they can only enhance female characters’ contribution to the plot by talking about men. The problem of weak character development for women characters is what the test seeks to highlight. It aims to show how writers have a bias against female characters in the development of their stories. Therefore, trying to force a scene so that two female characters can discuss a topic such as the weather while male characters are doing something worthwhile makes the scene awkward. It would further draw attention to the sidelining of the female characters in the story. It reveals the sexism that continues to persist despite the best efforts to avoid or deny it. For some people, sexism is unconscious, while for others, it is more predetermined.