responds, “These things happen” (Crichton 51). Although this exchange is not replicated in the
film, a similar incident occurs when Hammond suggests that it is more appropriate for him to
restore power to the park, as he is a man; Sattler exasperatedly responds that, “We can discuss
sexism in survival situations when I get back.” Additionally, Sattler is never sexualized in the
film – instead, the flamboyant Malcolm spends most of Jurassic Park displaying his chest
through open shirts, a deliberate role reversal. However, Jurassic Park’s feminist sensibilities are
most prominently demonstrated through its dinosaurs, which challenge hegemonic gender roles
in society.
After Hammond introduces Grant, Sattler and Malcolm to one of Jurassic Park’s attractions,
a Brachiosaurus, he takes them to lunch and invites them to share their initial thoughts on the
park. However, he is dismayed when all three experts question the moral implications of cloning,
as well as his ability to manage and control the park’s prehistoric ecosystem. Malcolm argues
that Hammond’s actions represent “the rape of the natural world,” a sentiment shared by Sattler,
who points out to Hammond:
You have plants in this building that are poisonous; you picked them because they look good.
But these are aggressive living things that have no idea what century they’re in, and they'll
defend themselves, violently if necessary.
Satter’s dialogue in this scene serves two purposes. First, it calls attention to Hammond’s
recklessness and Jurassic Park’s inherent danger; second, it highlights a common misconception
about femininity. Flowering plants are popularly regarded as feminine due to their beauty and
perceived docility, and therefore harmless (Tessler 3). However, Sattler is asserting that
femininity is not diametrically opposed to aggression or dangerous capability, which are
culturally regarded as more masculine attributes (Donaldson 645). Not only does this neatly
compliment the third-wave feminist philosophy that “third-wavers [are] entitled to interact with
men as equals” (Snyder 179), but also alludes to the legitimate danger posed by Jurassic Park’s
female dinosa