Wonder Woman is psychological propaganda for the new type of woman who should, I believe, rule the world.
History of Wonder Woman
In 1941 Wonder Woman was created by psychologist and feminist, Dr. William Moulton Marston to provide a role model for young girls and showcase the women’s movement during World War II. The Amazonian superhero fought for women’s rights and democracy. Her look was inspired by pinup girls and suffragists to empower women to break free from patriarchy. Marston believed, “Wonder Woman’s attractiveness was part of her power, presaging the sex-positive feminism of future icons like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.” Since then, she’s been a soldier, sex symbol, spy, babysitter and one of the most popular comic book characters of all-time. Even though she’s been altered over the years, she’s been a reflection of women’s roles in society combatting against inequality. No matter her role, she embodies love, justice, empathy, strength, and beauty.
The Importance of Representation
It’s taken 75 years for Wonder Woman to star in her own movie and she is inspiring millions! After decades of white men dominating the comic book and movie industry, audiences are ready for a fresh perspective. While Batman, has had nine feature films and Superman with seven, Wonder hasn’t had any until . . . now! Earlier this month Wonder Woman hit theaters around the globe exceeding all expectations and has been crowned the largest opening weekend ever for a female-directed film. The director Patty Jenkins was inspired to tell the story of Wonder Woman from her perspective and give young girls someone they can relate to who promotes positivity and peace. She told the Hollywood Reporter, “It also was important to me to make sure she was as vulnerable, loving and warm as she should be. It’s important for her to be multidimensional. It’s been incredible to make something about a superhero that stands for a message of fighting for a loving, thoughtful government, especially in this current climate. It’s been a special process to make something with the beautiful message that it’s difficult to be a hero and stay kind and thoughtful in everything that you do. There’s going to be a lot of conversation about her being a woman in these times, but I think the greatest part about the character is that she’s so much bigger than all of that.”
Regardless of platform, programs with at least one women creator and/or executive producer featured higher percentages of women in other key behind-the-scenes roles.
How Wonder Woman is Changing the Trajectory of Women in Film & Television
Wonder Woman is the first major superhero film to be directed by a woman and the support from women is incredible. Women around the world flocked to go see the film to help it reach the top of the box office bringing in $103 million in its opening weekend. About 52% of the film’s audience has been female, a significant number for a genre that has been dominated by men for so long. According to a report by the Center for the Study of Women in Television & Film, more than 90% of television programs lacked female directors. Another interesting statistic states that when more women are employed behind the scenes, more female characters appear on screen. It’s crucial women are given lead roles on both sides of the camera to accurately represent women because it affects how others view us and our capabilities. The more inclusive and diverse media becomes, the more opportunities it will create for everyone.
Why This Film Matters
Not only is Wonder Woman a film filled with grit and grace, but a modern day example for young girls to be inspired by their unique gifts and talents. It’s exciting, heart-warming and action packed that will keep your eyes glued to the screen the entire 2 hours. The acting is remarkable and the storytelling provides an intimate connection giving you a sense of relatability.
What I love most is the effect this film is having on millions of little girls channeling their inner Wonder Woman showing the world how fearless and courageous they can be, check out these lil’ ladies here. Sometimes we simply need a reminder of how powerful we are and this is exactly why representation matters.
Continue to go against the grain, be resilient in your journey, remain faithful through it all and break the chains that society tries to place on you. You are stronger than you think . Trust your greatness!
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