The most impactful and memorable scene in Portela’s “Cinderella’s Secret Dream” is the part where Cleis “turns and knees [the billionaire] in the crotch”(4). This scene stands out because it flashes intense imagery for the audience who has experienced the same event. An immense blunt force applied to the genital area is universally hated by all— not only does it inflict pain for the initial impact, but it also lingers exponentially based on the strength of said force. Before the 21st century, objectified women were normal — people treated — no — handled women like junk. Easily expendable and replaceable, even if they were their own sweat and blood. For women, this scene can symbolize a shift against patriarchy — a non-male fighting back against the oppression of the other genders — publicized in a male dominated porn mag. Cleis, the character, careens away from some main gender stereotypes. For example, women are often expected to be accommodating and emotional, while men are usually expected to be self-confident and aggressive. By asserting dominance over the wealthy businessman, Cleis established herself to be less accommodative and more self-assured and confrontative.  Furthermore, it is important to note that Cleis is only doing housework because the story, or society as a whole, wedged her into it. She wanted to become an actress — she eventually does become an actress (5), but gender norms and her stepfamily obligated her out of it. Not convinced yet? Cleis, herself, confirmed her own aggressive personality traits by opting to play the “villainess” in the soap operas.