To Be A Woman is to Perform: A Reflection of Modern Society

To be a woman is to perform. Women must look perfect. Women must be the spitting image of sensuality, innocence, and femininity. The act we put on every day to appease society is becoming harder and harder to maintain.

Burn out.

Exhaustion.

The constant need for approval.

The result of society deeming us as objects.

As years have passed, the role of a woman has changed drastically. From being a homemaker to a breadwinner. There is no limit to the many possibilities a woman can have. We have become teachers, doctors, lawyers, scientists, and vice presidents. Although women are no longer confined to a single role, this freedom still faces resistance.

The male gaze and its expectations for women are never satisfied. Their hunger for perfection contributes to unrealistic standards.

The movie Barbie contributed to a massive uproar from the male populace. Men found the film’s focus on female empowerment and a female-centric narrative to be exclusionary and sexist. Due to the reinforced gender stereotypes, men perceived the film as an inaccurate portrayal of women. The film aims to inspire women to be whomever they choose. Even though Barbie is a fictional character, being a woman meant she had to uphold stereotypical expectations. However, women have the freedom to choose their own path, which was evident in the film, as there were a multitude of Barbies. No two Barbies were alike. Her many “personas” have taught the younger demographic they can be whoever they want. An astronaut. The president. A fashion designer.

Diving deeper into the influence that women have thus made on the film industry, it is notable to acknowledge indigenous actress Lily Gladstone; Gladstone made history when she won a Golden Globe award for “Best Performance by a Female Actress.” She starred in the film Killers of the Flower Moon, which sheds light on the current crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). In this film, we are introduced to the Osage tribe from Oklahoma. However, after oil was discovered on their land, they were brutally massacred. Her success in this role is no surprise since Gladstone is an indigenous person. As she accepted her award, Gladstone spoke in her native tongue, Blackfoot, to pay homage to her Native American heritage. Gladstone showed the world that her talent knows no bounds. No matter her race or gender. She can be a Golden Globe winner too.

With the passage of the centuries, society has evolved to empower women and recognize their many accomplishments. Women have shattered the glass ceiling and fought for their well-deserved roles. The many brave women who fought before us have made it possible for us to pursue any dreams we may have. The freedom to choose. The freedom to be whoever we want.

No more performing as puppets for an audience of men.

Do what you want.

Make a difference.

References

Jgln, K. (2023). Why So Many Men Are Consumed by Rage Over the Barbie Movie. Retrieved December 24, 2023. https://medium.com/the-no%C3%B6sphere/why-so-many-men-are-consumed-by-rage-over-the-barbie-movie-7349bdfef80f

Sanchez, C. (2024) Who is Lily Gladstone, The Star of Martin Scorsese’s Latest Film. Retrieved January 29, 2024. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a45552269/who-is-lily-gladstone-killers-of-the-flower-moon/

Written by Lovely Grace Pilibino

Copyedited by Emily Slepsky

Graphic by Gianna Uvari