Even Female Superheroes Are Unable to Break the Glass Ceiling in Hollywood

"...In some ways, these films [Captain America,The Dark Knight Rises etc.] paint a progressive picture of gender relations, and they could provide important role models for the next generation of women; but without superpowers, these strong, independent women will always be second-class citizens to the male superheroes. Despite Black Widow's ability to kick ass and take names, she is never really a formidable threat. She never fights anyone with superpowers because if she did, she would lose.  

More significantly, Black Widow remains an object of the male gaze so that her real power can always be compartmentalized by the young men in the audience. Clad in skintight black, she is closer to a BDSM fantasy than a genuine threat to the male hierarchy, and the way the camera objectifies her — particularly in that opening sequence where the camera lingers at ass-level as she walks away — ensures that she never really challenges the traditional gender roles that we have become accustomed to seeing on film.

It's the same story for Elektra and Catwoman, who notably also wear skin-tight outfits that show off their assets, and Hit Girl in the Kick-Ass films, which take things to a new, twisted level by making their female superhero not just sexualized, but also a child. Male superheroes are rarely seen as sexual objects and often remain hidden behind masks (Spider-Man), armor-like suits (Iron Man) or a ghoulish alter ego (Hulk).

Of course, most of this is a matter of marketing. The objectification of women in film may be inevitable as long as men ages 18-39 remain Hollywood's most prized demographic, but making a movie about a genuine female superhero — with actual superpowers and not in a supporting role — would be a huge step in the right direction."

http://www.policymic.com/articles/87757/even-female-superheroes-are-unable-to-break-the-glass-ceiling-in-hollywood