With a new daughter in our family, I'm now much more aware and sensitive to role models in the media. Especially female role models.
I have a bone to pick with the movie industry and their female heroes. The female heroes I typically see on the big screen don't have terrible qualities: they're tough, keep up with their male counterparts, have mysterious backgrounds, they're strong and independent. I wouldn't mind Rey growing up with a touch of some of those characteristics (maybe minus the scantily clad outfits). But I have always felt there was something lacking.
Last week we had the opportunity to view a pre-screening of Wonder Woman. What an awesome opportunity to showcase a female character, and they delivered.
Wonder Woman, or Diana, is everything you see in other (good) female super heroes. She is certainly physically strong, outshines the men in her strength, and is independent. But what struck me was seeing compassion and love intermingled with those other traits. Diana and her people are created specifically to be peacemakers and to bring warmth and nurturing spirits into the world. This is where Wonder Woman shines. Sure, she can toss a truck across a field and flick bullets away like they're insects, but is this what we expect from our own daughters? While other female heroes have carefree attitudes that are supposed to seem aloof, Wonder Woman puts her heart and soul into her work. She is open and vulnerable, and isn't afraid to be emotional and sensitive. When faced with a room full of powerful men, she defies social norms to work together with them because of her innocence and genuine care, rather than to intentionally prove a point with her presence.
Strength, tenderness, emotion, compassion, determination. What I hope for my daughter is that she will be full of love and have a gentle heart. That she will see people who are suffering and not turn a blind eye, but come to their aid and be their hero in some small way. I want her to be fiercely kind and courageous, and to let her heart lead her in life.
Thank you, Wonder Woman, for being a true example of womanhood .