November 5th will forever go down in history as the day the internet took roughly three minutes of an interview out of context in order to discredit a woman who talked thoughtfully about the many issues of the world.
Emma Watson’s interview with British Vogue brought the term “self-partnered” into the eyes of the world. In an interview that lasted half an hour, everyone latched onto a term mentioned once. Regardless of your own opinions on the term, the very idea of boiling down such a long interview that covered a myriad of topics into just that one phrase is quite frankly ridiculous. Granted, the interview itself was called “Emma Watson Talks Turning 30, Working With Meryl Streep, And Being Happily Single,” which already tells you they weren’t focusing on what she had to say about societal issues.
You might be wondering what everyone could possibly have overlooked from this interview? Well as it turns out, quite a lot. If you want Emma Watson’s full thoughts on the topics covered, watch the interview.
1. White feminism
Many have accused Watson of being a white feminist and in turn, she listened to their criticisms and sought to be better. She discussed why it was important she learned from her critics and acknowledged her privileges. In discussing this candidly, she makes it clear that we must always question our beliefs and change for the better.
2. Growing up as a child actor
Emma Watson was nine years old when she became Hermione Granger. She became an icon for many young girls and embodied a beloved fictional character. But Watson says she has next to no memory of who she was before Hermione. She talks about her struggles with her identity and how it has affected her as a person.
3. Transgender individuals
Watson makes her support for the trans community clear while reminding cis people that everyone deserves to feel safe and to be treated like the humans they are. With interviewer Paris Lees being an openly trans woman, they have a well-spoken discussion on the issues that surround trans rights.
4. Societal pressures
This is where we got the infamous term. In discussing the pressure that she feels the media puts on women once they reach a certain age, Watson mentions how she’s come to terms with the fact that she doesn’t have to take the path that is expected of her. She mentions her change in mindset as well as how the expectations of others can have a powerful influence on one’s well-being.
But hey, let’s talk about the small section where she mentioned being self-partnered and ignore all the other conversations we could be having in wake of this interview.
Because that’s what we do best; ignore the call to challenge our beliefs in favour of discussing a superficial topic. It’s time we stop whittling down thought provoking interviews to the one thing we deem silly.
Stop reducing women to their relationship status and start listening to what they have to say.