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:
Okay, perhaps Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Selina Myer isn’t quite back on TV just yet, but come April 16, she will be, and there’s no doubt she’s going to be as nutty and inspired as usual. Fans of Veep saw the 2016’s U.S. election unfold with a deep sense of dread–many of the most egregious jokes made at Myer’s expense were but thinly-camouflaged barbs most often thrown at one Hilary Rodham Clinton–but Myer’s focus on achieving the office of power is genuinely inspiring when reviewed in context. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is sensational and Selina Myer is sensationally manic, but as a woman intent on ruling a boy’s club, it’s clear that Selina Myer will set fire to the house if she can’t conquer it, and it’s hard not to empathise with that feeling.
