Independent Women Need Better Representation

The recent presidential election served as a reminder for how little independent, ambitious women are valued, but online media has made this clear for years. 

Far too many films and TV shows portray independent female characters as the antagonist, causing the audience to root against them and limiting what women think they’re capable of. 

In “The Proposal,” Margaret Tate is shown as a control-freak boss who lacks humanity and doesn’t allow anything to disrupt her high-profile position. In actuality, she’s a dedicated, work-focused woman who’s earned her position and doesn’t stand for incompetent employees. 

In “Breaking Bad,” Skyler White is portrayed as an recalcitrant wife when she discovers her husband’s meth-dealing enterprise, instead of a concerned mother reasonably outraged by his web of lies. 

If these characters were men, they’d be seen as self-sufficient and strong instead of difficult and heartless. Women in movies are expected to wield qualities like empathy and compassion — virtues male characters are rarely tasked with developing. 

This can be seen in the show “Suits” with characters Harvey Specter and Samantha Wheeler. Despite both being known as harsh lawyers at a prestigious firm, Specter is depicted as a charming character while Wheeler is often painted as a nuisance.

The tendency in media to view a high-profile woman as annoying and a high-profile man as strong is representative of the sexism still rampant today, on and off screen. 

Despite the progress made, women still receive less pay, less respect and less opportunity than their male counterparts. Women working full-time make 84% of what men make on average. They’re also rarely found in leadership positions, despite being more likely than men to hold higher-education degrees, according to the University of Virginia. 

There are, however, some notable exceptions. The film “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” alternatively serves not only as a comedy but as a positive representation of a strong independent woman. 

Freshly-graduated Donna Sheridan decides to build her own life away from any familiarity. She travels throughout Europe, meeting various men and leaving them behind somewhat carelessly. 

Her flighty and individualistic characteristics could easily paint her as cold-hearted. Instead, her character is rounded out with a cheerful and humorous personality, portraying her in a positive light. 

Many films would characterize Sheridan’s cycling of men as promiscuous, but the depth and nuance of her character allow her to escape this unfitting label. 

The 2019 rendition of “Little Women” shows Jo March denying a life of conformity and an engagement to Theodore Laurence. March’s character could be deemed difficult, but she still upholds her status as an inspirational feminist icon. 

Sheridan and March’s free-spirited roles are rare examples of how an independent woman should be portrayed — with nuance, respect and grace. More of these beloved female characters are needed in a world so determined to tear women down. 

Entertainment has power over perspective. Movies and shows can embed stereotypes in public consciousness, perpetuating sexism and halting the move towards equality. 

A shift in media needs to be made before there can be a shift in reality.