Dear James Cameron,

Kathryn Dennett
Aug 25, 2017 · 2 min read

“Strong female characters” (a phrase which I have come to cringe at) do not have to be strong like men. The whole point of calling feminism FEMinism (as opposed to humanism or “I’m just for equality why do we have to label it”), is that traditionally “feminine” traits are not inherently worse than traditionally “masculine” traits and we need to fight so that all people, regardless of their mix of traits across the stereotypical spectrum are treated equally and given the same opportunities for a safe and successful life. Wonder Woman being beautiful and excited about a baby/ice cream does not make her less strong than Sarah Connor. (Also how dare you rant against “Hollywood backslapping” around Wonder Woman simply as an excuse to retroactively congratulate yourself about a character you created decades ago.) Is Gal Godot traditionally beautiful/appealing to the male-gaze? Yes. Does that immediately invalidate her/her character as a feminist example of one way to be a strong woman? Of course not. And in conclusion, maybe you should have asked some women why they responded to Wonder Woman so strongly. What it was that we saw that felt like we hadn’t seen it in previous “strong female characters.” Maybe then it wouldn’t be so befuddling to you that Patti Jenkins was getting more praise than you decided she deserved.

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Kathryn Dennett

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Archivist. Co-host of @MttMpod. Blogger. Will probably talk your ear off about books, movies, and theater. Flower fan. Strident feminist.

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