A Strong Woman is a Real Woman

It's not a new idea that the media doesn't portray women in a strong light.  But recently, I've been reading a lot of flack on the internet in regards to how Aaron Sorkin has written the female characters on The Newsroom.

Some of the main issues brought up on main character MacKenzie McHale (played by Emily Mortimer) are that Mac has to subtract using her fingers and she doesn't know anything about the economy.

Sloan Sabbith (Olivia Munn) is horrible at relationships and people skills in general. And in one episode, it was revealed she had taken compromising photos that are leaked to the press.

Besides just these two, there have been other issues on the show where women could be considered "crazy".

But remember this. Mac is known as the best Executive Producer in broadcasting who not only spent years in the Middle East covering stories at her own risk, but she also wants to bring integrity back to the news. Sloan has two PhDs in economics and speaks several languages. 

Think back about other "strong" women on television.

Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)- Buffy kicks ass, you can't deny that. But Buffy has her faults. She's horrible at picking the right men, she doesn't do well in school (even drops out of college) and has her fair share of mental demons throughout the series' run. 

Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones)- The Khaleesi herself is bold, loyal to her people, and will stop at nothing to take over the Iron Throne with the help of her dragons. But while she frees the enslaved and conquers land, she's ruthless in her quest. She kills anyone who is in her way and is blind to the affections of those around her.

Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation)- Council Woman Knope is loveable, loyal to her town and country, and works hard for what she believes in. But she's not without her faults. Some of the most memorable character moments include her jealousy, prejudice towards the neighboring town Eagleton, and sometimes her resolve is a bit too much.

Donna Noble (Doctor Who)- While there are plenty of strong women on this TV show, Donna is the one who comes to mind. She's kind-hearted, wanting to save everyone even when she knows it's against the laws of the universe (Pompeii). And she faces her fear by traveling with The Doctor and getting in dangerous situations. But Donna is also known for her quirks. She's quick to mouth off, not the brightest of women at the beginning of her storyline, and isn't the most tactful at times.


So why am I bringing all this up? Because these are not only STRONG women, they are REAL women. A woman without faults is not a woman, but a projection of one. Without their drawbacks, a woman is not truly strong because she has nothing to truly overcome. Sure an apocalypse, the end of the universe, a town hall race, a siege on Westeros and taking on the current culture of mainstream media are all immense situations to be a part of. But these women still face them head on.

Feeling Nostalgic

I remember being in first grade, in the library after school. My mom was finishing up work so we could go home, so I was just looking through the shelves. Scooting along on my hands and knees. School libraries always had the shortest shelves.

I remember coming to a book that I recognized and thinking that this was the book my mom and my sister kept talking about. Going on about smelting sticks and a game with brooms. My mom had purposely ordered it for the library so she could read it once it was available. I turned it around in my hands, interested in knowing more.

Not long afterward my mom and I were sitting in the car, waiting for my sister to finish dance class, while I read it aloud with her. She helped me with names I was mispronouncing. I thought one name was like Harmony.

I remember being curled up in my parents’ bed as we read about snitches, bludgers, and quaffles. My dad hearing us and asking, “What are you reading?” He’d be the next to get his hands on it.

I remember my mom finding a British copy of the second book at a used bookstore. Weeks before it was available in the US. We were so excited.

I remember going to a midnight release party for the third book, dressed as my favorite character, holding a homemade wand.

I remember being so excited to see a sneak peak on TV at a scene of the first movie when it was shown on the WB network.

I remember sitting in a movie theater, anxiously waiting for the first film and hearing that distinctive theme as it started.

I remember crying at the first character death, in complete shock at the quickness of it.

I remember seeing the third film over five times in theaters.

I remember that the tears continued with each new book, yet there was a sense of happiness that came with being with those familiar characters.

I remember more midnight releases of the films and books, more excited than tired.

I remember staying up all night to finish the last book. Never putting it down even when some of the deaths were too painful.

I remember going to a Yule Ball hosted by a local movie theater before the second to last film.

I remember camping out overnight for the last film’s premiere in NY.

I remember clutching my best friend’s hand and crying as the WB logo appeared on the screen for the last time in the film series.

I remember these moments because they mean so much to me.

It’s been close to 14 years since I was in that school library, sitting on the floor, looking at that first book.
The memory will stay with me forever.

 

I remember Harry Potter.