Introduction xxiii amazing” (Trier-Bieniek, 2015). In her single “Flawless,” she also defined femi- nism and commented that she did not understand why the word has such a nega- tive connotation. Orange Is the New Black actress Uzo Aduba proclaimed, “All that [feminism] is trying to do is [make sure] people are being treated equally and not discriminated against because of their gender. I love that a lot of young women are taking it up and carrying the banner that was left for us. I love this neo-femi- nist idea—defining yourself as whoever, whatever you want to be today, and it can change tomorrow, and it can change the day after that” (Jang, 2017). Elliot Page, Chrissy Teigen, and Emma Watson have made similar arguments about what fem- inism means, with Page noting, “Feminism always gets associated with being a radical movement—good. It should be” (Jang, 2017). Watson is a UN Goodwill Ambassador, and in 2014, she helped launch HeForShe, a campaign for gender equality. At the 2015 Oscars, Patricia Arquette called for wage equality and equal rights when she accepted the award for Best Supporting Actress in Boyhood. Girls creator and star Lena Dunham has been a feminist since she was young, but she said that her activism for gender equality was reinvigorated after she came to Hol- lywood and saw the systemic sexism. Actress and activist Jane Fonda explained that early in her career she developed an eating disorder trying to live up to the ridiculous Hollywood beauty standards. She says this was one of many “wounds of patriarchy” and argues that those who criticize the concept that the United States is patriarchal or bash feminists miss the point. “It’s not about moving from patriarchy to matriarchy, but from patriarchy to democracy. Feminism means real democracy” (Jang, 2017). Singer Ariana Grande has denounced the double standards for men and women in terms of looking sexy as well as that women are so often defined in terms of the males in their lives. She experienced this when she dated rapper Big Sean, as she was often referred to as his girlfriend rather than noted on her own merit. Actress and activist Angelina Jolie has been outspoken about global violence against women. Comedian Chelsea Handler led a Women’s March in Park City, Utah, to protest the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Singer Alicia Keys frequently discusses feminism and often goes without makeup as a push back to the beauty standards. “Women are brainwashed into feeling like we have to be skinny, or sexy, or desirable, or perfect. One of the many things I was tired of was the con- stant judgment of women” (Jang, 2017). Actress Mila Kunis discussed being threatened by a producer when she refused to pose seminaked on the cover of a magazine to promote a film. It’s what we are conditioned to believe—that if we speak up, our livelihoods will be threatened that standing our ground will lead to our demise. We don’t want to be kicked out of the sandbox for being a “bitch.” So we compromise our integrity for the sake of maintaining the status quo and hope that change is coming. Throughout my career, there have been moments when I have been insulted, sidelined, paid less, creatively ignored, and otherwise diminished based on my gender. And always, I tried to give people the benefit of the doubt maybe they knew more, maybe they had more experience, maybe there was something I was missing. (Jang, 2017) Kunis formed her own production company, Orchard Farm Productions, with three other women in 2014.
Previous Page Next Page