In all honesty, there should probably be more than one International Women’s Day a year–doesn’t it seems odd that despite two whole millennia of civilization, around half of our population is glaringly underpaid and underrepresented when compared to the other half? Strong women are all around us, from mothers and friends who support us daily to the public figures who inspire us with their work. Sometimes, even fictional characters can be a source of strength and empowerment, but then again, that should come as no surprise to anyone who’s ever enjoyed Jane Eyre.
It’s maddening when television shows aren’t realistic or relatable in their portrayals of women, but sometimes, either through stellar performances or sharp plot direction, the woman on screen really does become someone you can genuinely see as a sister to learn from. Here are some of the silver screen’s strongest offerings right now:
Ah, poor Doubt: it just aired its second episode and the ABC series has already been cancelled. That being said, I would have tolerated Katherine Heigl’s (unfortunately) insufferable turn as a litigator for a million seasons as long as I got to see Laverne Cox’s Cameron Wirth give Heigl the side-eye every episode. As a black, transgender lawyer who is astoundingly dignified when being open about her struggles, it was truly a privilege to learn even a tiny spoonful about experiences which many of our trans friends would identify with. There simply isn’t enough trans representation in our media and till Cox finds her next project, I’d say these first two episodes are well worth the watch.
