To help celebrate International Women’s Day, we at GWW thought that we should join in this celebration, but it wouldn’t be GWW material without our own unique spin of course.
There have always been talented ladies in Movies and TV throughout the years, but with the popularity of all things Marvel & DC in recent times, you would be forgiven to think that the male heroes are at the forefront… but you would be wrong in some ways. If you look much closer you’ll see that for every superhero that takes the plaudits, there’s a heroine making him look good.
Not convinced? Ok, I’ll try and change your mind. Neo, the hero of The Matrix, only got the chance to shine because Trinity (Carrie Ann Moss) pushed him into believing he was the one. Where would Fox Mulder be without the analytical minded Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) to keep him grounded? That’s an easy answer… in a padded room. These are just examples to get you thinking. To make you realize that without great women, we wouldn’t have great men.
Although the people I’ve mentioned are only fictional characters that we find in cinemas or on our TV, the concept is the same. Women are no longer looked at as the ‘lesser sex’ and rightly so, as these characters are something that young generations can inspire to follow. I’m not suggesting for one minute that I want my daughters to become super spies fighting aliens, or try and chase government secrets (as cool as that would be)! What I am saying is that they should aim as high as they can possible imagine. That they shouldn’t be stereotyped into positions because of their gender.
So that being said, I’m going to name a few of the actress and the characters they portray, whose characteristics I think have potential to drive the next generation in the right direction. As a dad of two impressionable girls, would gladly watch them grow into such a person.
Pepper Potts – Gwyneth Paltrow
Consider the facts. Pepper runs Stark Industries while Tony plays with the other Avengers. She’s strong minded, organized, and keeps Tony Stark from going over the top in his ideas. As an actress, Paltrow shows great diversity in her roles, from executive business woman, to singing teacher (Glee), not to mention her reversal of the sexes, pretending to be a man to show everyone that women are just as capable as men (Shakespeare in Love). All of this while also juggling her personal life of being a mom. Perfect 21st century role model. Plus, one of the only good scenes in Iron Man 3 was when Pepper saved Tony in the end.
Katniss Everdeen – Jennifer Lawrence
Whether you like the Hunger Games or not, Katniss shows us what you can achieve when you have determination. Defeating the odds to survive a brutal ordeal, showing strength and bravery. Jennifer meanwhile stood up to the higher powers of Hollywood, refusing to lose weight for the role, and I quote; “We have control over this image, we have control over this role model. Why would we make her something unobtainable and thin?” What a way to tell young women that they should be proud of who they are. Awesome!
Oh, not to mention, she went full blue for her role of Mystique!
Agent Peggy Carter – Hayley Atwell
If you want an example of a woman trying to make it in a world that is dominated by male chauvinists, who think women are only there to make coffee and take messages, Agent Carter is that example! Set in a time when it was unheard of for a woman to be in a position of power, she works under the radar to prove time and time again that she is not only as capable, but more capable than her male counterparts. Proving herself in both armed and unarmed combat, while using the male misconceptions that she’s weak to help her achieve her goals. Hayley Atwell herself proves that hard work and determination can help you reach your dreams. Working in both stage and television before landing what is arguably the role that catapulted her into the limelight, starring in Captain America – The First Avenger.
For me personally, I would be happy if my children took the positives of any of these example I’ve used. They show women as strong, confident role models that they can look up to and if only part of the message that they send rubs of on young women today, then surely that makes for a better, more equally balanced tomorrow.
Let me know what your top 3 most inspirational women in movies & TV are on Twitter @waynehughesBFG.
Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day by supporting this year’s Pledge for Parity. Click here to pledge!