Gender stereotypes still exist - also in 2019. Angelina Jolie opposes this - with an essay that celebrates "crazy" women!
Gender stereotypes are by no means a thing of the past. In 2019 too, women in many parts of the world are expected to live cautiously, submissively and chastely. Those who do not want to live by the rules of society are seen as "bad" and "wrong". These outdated views are not only frustrating but also dangerous - fortunately, there are people fighting to change the rule. Angelina Jolie is one of them and recently published an essay celebrating "crazy" women.
In an essay published in Elle, she argued that in the past women have been punished for standing up for their rights or for voicing their opinions. She cited Joan of Arc and the Salem Witch Trials as examples, suggesting that this attitude persists today. She wrote about women politicians in democratic countries who have been labeled "witches" and mentioned women activists who have been imprisoned for their beliefs. She argued that "women's independence and creative energy is still often viewed as a dangerous force that needs to be controlled, often in the name of religion, tradition or culture."
“In that light, 'crazy women' are just women who are fed up with injustice and abuse. Women who refuse to obey rules and regulations that they believe are not best for themselves or their families. Women who do not give up their voice and rights, even if they are at risk of death, imprisonment or rejection by their families and communities. If that's bad or crazy, then the world needs crazier women."
Jolie went on to urge readers to support other women to be who they want to be - regardless of social expectations. She also gave advice to her daughters. According to ET Online, the actress shares custody of her six children with former partner Brad Pitt - Maddox, 18, Pax, 15, Zahara, 14, Shiloh, 13, and Vivienne and Knox (both 11).
“I often tell my daughters that the most important thing they can do is develop their thinking. You can always put on a nice little dress, but there is no point in being beautiful on the outside if your will is not strong. There is nothing more attractive - one could even call it enchanting - than a woman with an independent will and her own opinion."
Jolie's words are an excellent reminder of why we must keep fighting for women's rights. We have to agree with Angelina Jolie: The world needs more wicked, crazy women.
