Remember being younger playing “make-pretend” with your friends? Remember wanting to be an all-powerful, all-knowing character in your game of make believe? When I was younger, I, a proud female, would almost always want to pretend I was a boy character. Why? Because men were portrayed as the ultimate super heroes I almost every available media source to me at that time.
Well, the year is now 2018, and television and films have finally become more inclusive when it comes to casting stronger female leads. A perfect example is the million-dollar box office movie Black Panther. The female leads in Black Panther were literally strong, independent, warriors, but also well-rounded. They got to experience joy, express sensitivity, emotional turmoil, and anger without being stereotyped. Not a lot of movies can say that about their portrayal of black women.
The female warriors of Wakanda were passionate, protective and held their nation down like equals. The female elders and council members were greatly involved in decisions concerning their country. They were leaders. They were everything they were always meant to be without the sexism that has been shoved down our throats since we were children.
Woman are now portrayed a lot more realistically and are finally seen as three dimensional.
In 2018, little girls can watch films like Black Panther (and many more) and aspire to be just as strong and just as powerful as these lead female roles they watch on the big screen.
Who am I kidding? Females young AND old can appreciate seeing more well-rounded woman on their TVs that will live on as an example of what all woman can aspire to be.
So, let’s continue to set an example, and lead with strength and dignity, while showing that we deserve to shine just as much as males do!
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”
Happy Women’s History Month!