Spring Break Indulgences: Women!

Seeing that Women’s History Month is coming to a close, and we have an upcoming break, I thought I would suggest some entertainment that promotes strong and compelling female characters. I have personally read/watched these, and I believe it’s important to see layered female characters in the media (we’re commonly depicted as flat, like objects), as it gives us a subconscious reassurance that we are worth so much, and there is a whole world awaiting us. 

1. How to Get Away With Murder

How to Get Away With Murder is a thriller show, full of mind-blowing plot twists, cliffhangers, and mysterious plotlines. If you’re looking for a continuous adrenaline rush, this is the show for you. This is one of my absolute favorite shows, not only because it incorporates dire systematic issues in the legal system very naturally, but also because it stars Viola Davis as the main character, Annalise Keating, the headstrong yet internally broken lawyer who gets caught up in a string of messes, and faces societal issues having to do with her race, gender, and sexuality. Viola Davis is a phenomenal actor, and her performance as Annalise is truly inspiring, as her character goes through grueling circumstances, and her character development is very well written. All six seasons are available on Netflix. 

2. The Crown

Here is another of my favorite shows. A Netflix Original historical drama, The Crown is a chronicle of the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. This show is truly a cinematic experience, with excellent writing, moving music, and groundbreaking acting (it has the awards to account for this!). Now, although I don’t condone the actions of the royal family, the depiction of Elizabeth is very compelling, as she struggles with the internal and external battles of her reign, and the resistance to her gender. Her empowerment is incorporated naturally, as both her flaws, and her strength in overcoming them are depicted. Also, Princess Diana is shown in the fourth season!! 

Emma Corrin as Princess Diana

3. Little Women (2019) 

Once again, a favorite of mine. This movie is an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel, and it follows 4 sisters in America in the 19th century, depicting the beauty of a woman’s life through all her joys and struggles. I’m sure many of us have heard of this movie, and it is a comfort film of mine. The characters are intricate and well written, and have some empowering and emotional moments. The different paths that the sisters take in the movie represents the freedom of women, and how no matter how they chose to live their life, they are still completely valid. If you’re looking for an emotional rollercoaster, this is the film for you. 

4. The Handmaid’s Tale

And last but not least, The Handmaid’s Tale. The Handmaid’s Tale is a chilling dystopian tale by Margaret Atwood, depicting the core of American systematic issues, mostly regarding the patriarchy, in a gruelling and exaggerated way. Though this book is not necessarily empowering for women, it sheds light on important issues regarding the constrained sexuality of women, and the shackles on their identity in present-day society. There is no way to describe this book other than to say that it is eye-opening. It may be uncomfortable to read/watch, not only because it depicts a terrifying reality, but also because it overtly shows sexual assault and violence (viewer/reader discretion is highly advised). It also has an excellent TV adaptation on Hulu (also has many awards). There are three seasons so far. 

WAP: Women And Patriarchy

     If you have been keeping up with recent pop culture news, you will have heard of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s performance at the 61st Grammys this past sunday. Cardi’s portion performance started with her single “Up”, and it merged into a controversial feature with Megan Thee Stallion, in their hit single “WAP”. 

Their performance together included a lot of sexual innuendos, which sparked a controversy about the “appropriateness” of displaying that at an award show presented to the public. Some concerns mentioned that the performance would not be appropriate for kids watching at home. Now, that might be a valid concern, but this excuse only masks the real issue at hand: misogyny. 

For generations society has tried to dictate what it means to be a strong woman, whether that be acting masculine, cross-dressing, being stubborn, or achieving crazy inspiring things. At the core of it all, these definitions try to veil the sexuality of a woman, because it is perceived as weak and an overt display of femininity.

Women are very commonly sexualized by men, objectified for their body, and even shamed for their sexual history (as Rosie mentioned previously). The essence of Cardi and Megan’s performance, and by the same hand their song, is embracing sexuality, and reclaiming it as a strength rather than a weakness. 

The real reason for outrage at their performance is the fact that they owned their body, making it individualistic and something to be proud of. This strength in sexuality essentially takes away the single tool that men use to belittle women, and that makes them angry. I personally thought that their performance was inspiring, as it took a lot of bravery to pave their own way despite knowing the criticism they would get.

 

Remember that change has to start somewhere, and this road to embracing sexuality has only just begun. It is perfectly okay to be proud of your body and your sexuality, After all: your body, your choice. And for the ridiculous parents who were concerned about their kids, they can just turn off the TV. :) 

Happy Women’s History Month!!

Assertiveness in Speech

 If you have ever noticed, while speaking or hearing anyone else speak, women may end their thoughts or ideas with any of the following phrases:

• “I don’t know”

• “maybe I’m wrong”

• “do you understand?”

• “if you get what I mean”

• “maybe I’m not making sense”

It can be any variation of these, but the idea is that we end our thoughts with something that makes us unsure of ourselves, and perpetuates the idea that we don’t make sense, or our ideas are not valid. I read somewhere that these speech particles come from deep rooted societal structure. For so long, the patriarchy has embedded the idea that the opinion of women is not valid, and any views that they have must be confirmed by someone else. Therefore, when we speak, we subconsciously think that we don’t make sense to others, and in a way, we are embarrassed of our own completely valid opinions. 

Even if you think what you are expressing is confusing, rather than saying something self-deprecating, try to explain further, or wait for others to ask questions and clarify parts they don’t get. 

Any thought that you may have is absolutely yours, and you must own it with all confidence. Try your best to stop saying particles of speech that suggest that your thoughts are untrue or confusing (if you want to of course), and always assert your beliefs unapologetically.  

Stay tuned for more tips on how to be more assertive in class discussions and emails!!

Happy Women’s History Month!

The Queen of Mystery

This month is Women’s History Month, so it is important to delve deep into the powerful contributions of women to society, especially in moments where they had to push against the current of their time. Agatha Christie, an English mystery novelist in the 1900’s, changed the game in murder mystery books, and left a legacy that has lived on for around a century. It is no wonder that she is known as the “Queen of Mystery”.

You may know Christie by some of her famous novels, like And Then There Were None and The ABC Murders. And, if you were a fan of Knives Out (2019), you will definitely enjoy movie adaptations of Christie’s most popular books: Murder on the Orient Express (2017), and Death on the Nile (coming this September!).

Yes! That is Michelle Pfieffer and Daisy Ridley! Penelope Cruz is not pictured here:(

Death on the Nile →

That is indeed Gal Gadot and Letitia Wright (to the back left)!

Christie is famous for her compelling detectives she used in a succession of books, Hercule Poirot and Jane Marple. Jane Marple is a particularly important milestone in the depiction of women in literature. Miss Marple is a quirky old lady, who has a sweet complexion and loves to knit, yet she has a precise mind and will of iron. 

While some think that a strong woman is obligated to have a fierce, stern, and stubborn personality, Christie’s depiction of Miss Marple shows that females can find strength in their emotion and compassion. Moreover, Miss Marple has many flaws in her career, but her personal journey in navigating her shortcomings makes her character that much more close to heart and personal.

As a girl who may feel insecure about showing my emotional side, or showing any flaws that may be taken advantage of, Miss Marple, and Agatha Christie’s legacy proves to me that I can be unapologetically me, and still pave my way through the world. 

Happy Women’s History Month!