On the power of women
Celebrating women and what it means to be a woman
Last Friday was International Women's Day.
In case I forgot, I was reminded by every targeted marketing email that arrived in my inbox before I woke up this morning. Everything from Postmates to Ulta to The Skimm reminded me that today was a day to honor women.
Often, when I get emails about a designated "international day," I roll my eyes and think that it's some grand marketing ploy, particularly when the days are the "International Day of Donuts" or "International Day of Pizza." Last week I got an email for “National Dry Shampoo Day”. I love a dry shampoo, but that feels like a stretch.
But, International Women's Day is different.
International Women's Day has been observed for over a century. It is simultaneously a celebration of the amazing women on this planet and a sobering reminder of how far we have to go in the fight for women's rights around the world—especially in a post-Roe world.
Throughout history, women have made incredible contributions to society, too often under the label of "anonymous." Looking back on my education, which I consider fairly progressive and critical, I am always shocked to think about how few books I read, achievements I learned about or songs I sang were done or written by women. The prominent discourse in American curriculum highlights the work of White men, furthering a narrative that men had a monopoly on innovation, intellect and inspiration.
I was fortunate that I had many educators, progressive women in their own right, who sought to challenge this narrative. Even still, with AP Tests to teach to and a Common Core curriculum to which to adhere, stories of historical women were relegated to the few, leaving out many figures about whom I would have loved to learn.
It’s no surprise that a lot of the stories that I seek out today are about women, written by women, or helmed by women. My summer was dominated by conversations about Barbie, and the highlight of my August was going to the Beyoncé concert with one of my best friends. I barely even need to mention my TV show of the year—a procedural refreshingly showrun by women. I also have been reading books primarily written by women because I find that I relate to the characters more. I often find that women characters in female-led works are allowed to just be in ways we don’t always see in the media. They don’t have to be the perfect boss, mother, detective, wife—what have you. These characters are deeply flawed and still lovable because they are human. Because women are writing from their experiences, they understand that women are multi-faceted, making these stories much more interesting to read or watch. The representation of flawed women gives me permission to be less-than-perfect myself.
Besides, champion women’s voices—from a diversity of backgrounds—makes entertainment more interesting, and that’s the type of story I am interested in seeing and telling. We are nowhere near parity, but I am inspired by all of the women who continue to create and tell their stories.
Ten Things This Week
On the plane last week, I watched Portrait of a Lady On Fire (Portrait de la jeune fille en feu), and it blew my mind. It didn’t make a big dent in the award circuit in the United States, but it’s widely regarded as one of the best movies of 2019. I completely agree. It’s directed and written by Céline Sciamma and rests on the performances of four fantastic actresses. I can’t wait to watch it again.
I cannot stop talking about Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. The latest in the Ryan Murphy collection is stacked with some of the most talented actresses of the last few decades. Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Demi Moore, Molly Ringwald, Chloe Sevigny, and Calista Flockhart are all fantastic. And Tom Hollander as Capote is just delicious.
I watched 7/10 Best Picture nominees this year. A new record for me. The ones that stuck with me most (other than Barbie) are Poor Things, Past Lives, and Anatomy of A Fall. I would definitely watch all of them again.
Speaking of Anatomy of a Fall, I cannot get enough of Messi. The dog, not the football player.
There’s a reason Merrily We Roll Along is the hottest ticket on Broadway. I am so glad that I got to see it last week when I was in New York, and it was even more exciting that I got to see a friend play the principle female role. An incredible production!
If I need a show to make me laugh, I routinely turn to Not Dead Yet. A fun watch with great writing.
I’m trying to cook a little bit more during the week. I got into a routine of making scrambled eggs and toast for dinner (nothing wrong there), and I want to be more creative. Marley Spoon once again is pulling me out of a dinner rut.
Quick dry drops from Olive and June are manicure savers. Goodbye smudged nails because of a lack of patience. A true marvel.
I’m trying my first reformer pilates class on Saturday, and I’m both excited and terrified. Wish me luck
I SAW MADONNA. And she was everything I wanted her to be. At the end of the concert, she played a montage that ended with a quote “I think the most controversial thing I did was stick around.” I’ve thought about that each day.
Till next time!
—Melanie