Emma Watson: An Advocate for Gender Equality
Hermione Granger has been able to make more of a positive impact as a fictional character than most people could imagine making in their lifetime. She has been cited as a role model for girls all over the world who love to learn and are not afraid to share their opinions and to do things their own way. However, Emma Watson, with her new role as a spokesperson for the HeforShe Campaign, is on the forefront of the gender equality movement and might be able make even more of an impact and change even more lives.
In 2014, Watson gave a speech to the United Nations that was later viewed millions of times on YouTube. People everywhere were inspired by her words, and she helped those who had not previously been a part of the conversation join with the comfort of a familiar face. She cites it as the most important thing that she will ever do. Celebrities are chosen as ambassadors all the time, asked to repeat slogans and support causes, but what comes across with Watson is an authenticity behind her words. It is clear that this is an issue she truly believes in, and because of that, she is making a difference by using her fame for good to help educate others.
Feminism can be defined as the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. Equality: if you really want to boil it down to one word. Watson once stated, “I think it is right I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions on my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decisions that will affect my life. I think it is right that socially, I am afforded the same respect as men.” And that is why she says it was an easy decision for her to label herself a feminist and become and activist.
However, while there was an overwhelmingly positive response to the campaign, the press surrounding this issue specifically has not always been encouraging. It takes very little effort to find people around the world, including celebrities, who not only shy away from the cause, but publicly denounce it; most don’t truly understand the meaning behind the word feminism. So why are there so many confused about what the term feminism means? Why would some rather label themselves anything other than a feminist? Where is the miscommunication? Where is the misunderstanding? Where is the education lacking? How is it possible that we are still living in a world in which people openly denounce a word that simply means equality of the sexes?
Watson, in her speech to the UN, did not fail to address this. “I decided I was a feminist and this seemed uncomplicated to me. But my recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word. Apparently I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, anti-men, and unattractive.” The campaign ensures to drive this point as Watson states, “Men… Gender equality is your issue too… It’s about freedom.”
Emma Watson has become one of the many new faces in this timeless struggle, and a welcomed one, with the hope that the more people who choose to champion the cause, the more progress we may see. And to end on a similar note, as she does in her address, it is important to remember that, “If you still hate the word — it is not the word that is important but the idea and the ambition behind it.”
Featured Image: Marco Bond | Flickr via CC by 2.0
