Jackson said he loved Ally. But he humiliated and demeaned her. It’s a “that’s what you get for trying to be a success” message to women.
Does Hollywood’s latest remake of A Star is Born make you nervous – for yourself or for your daughters? It makes me nervous!
The Typical Damsel in Distress Premise
You know the story – a very talented woman is busting it, but can’t seem to get a break. Then some man, a drug-addicted alcoholic star, gives her one…and she’s all starry-eyed because of it, and with him.
With that boost, she becomes a star. And, she decides with love and loyalty, that she’s save him from himself. But…she can’t.
Success Breeds Jealousy
Then, because he’s jealous or something, the guy embarrasses her in front of the whole world, stealing her thunder and ruining the biggest night of her life.
Afterward, he apologetically goes to rehab and gets clean. But, in the end, kills himself – leaving her guilt-ridden and forlorn. Wooo-hooo!!
The Successful Woman Portrayed as the Victim
Here’s the thing: At the end of that movie, you cry – not because Lady Gaga is on top of the world and you’re happy and hopeful. No, you cry because you feel sorry for her…the poor little victim. And you feel sad and powerless. It’s like getting the message “see, that’s what you get for being successful.”
What’s the Lesson for Successful Women here?
If women want strong role models, why does this movie keep getting made over and over – and starring strong and successful women (currently Lady Gaga)? It paints the woman as a victim at almost every turn. Yes, she’s a strong woman, but she pays a huge price for the success her talent gives her. Guy movies are seldom like that, right?
Hollywood and ‘Strong Women’
A generation ago, Thelma and Louise was touted as a “strong woman” movie – and it always seems to come up in those online lists. You’ll recall how two women go away for a weekend. One almost gets raped and the other one kills the guy. In the end, the women decide the best thing they can do is kill themselves. Apparently that’s the only way Hollywood can see a woman’s outcome.
From my Victorious Woman view, I made my own list. And today, for International Women’s Day, I’m sharing it with you…and maybe you can add it.
Annmarie’s “Strong Woman” Chick Flicks
- Hidden Figures (Katherine)
- Waiting to Exhale (Glo)
- Steel Magnolias (M’Lynn)
- Legally Blonde (Elle)
- The Color Purple (Celie)
- The Sound of Music (Maria)
- Silence of the Lambs (Clarice)
- Dirty Dancing (Baby)
- The Help (Aibileen)
- His Girl Friday (Hildy)
- The River Wild (Gail)
- Hunger Games (Katniss)
- Adam’s Rib (Amanda) and nearly every movie with Katherine Hepburn
- Erin Brockovich (Erin)
That’s my two cents…let me know what you think…
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