Iconic Female Characters in Mainstream Media
Like Barbie (2023) said, “Because Barbie can be anything, women can be anything.” March symbolizes a month-long tribute to women, honoring their remarkable contributions and addressing the challenges they face in modern society.
Taking inspiration from Barbie's extraordinary journey beyond being a popular doll figure, let's reflect on other iconic female characters in mainstream media who have encouraged women to voice their opinions and embrace their assertive nature.
Outspoken March
If you admire Louisa May Alcott's work, then Jo March from 'Little Women' is undoubtedly a favorite. Jo, the second of the March sisters, was brought to life by actress Saoirse Ronan in the 2019 film adaptation. Setting her apart from her sisters, Jo is seen as unconventional, often dressing in masculine attire. She defied societal norms by prioritizing her passion for writing over marriage, ultimately becoming a renowned unmarried author who famously declared, “love is not all a woman is fit for.”
Famous DC heroine
Many young girls aspiring to be superheroes have looked up to Wonder Woman, the iconic heroine from DC Comics. Beyond her divine abilities as the daughter of an Olympian goddess, this Amazon princess has shown immense courage in times of war.
In the 2017 film, actress Gal Gadot portrayed Diana, with the standout moment being the No Man’s Land scene. She transformed into Wonder Woman and fearlessly ventured into the heart of battle, defying warnings of danger from armed German forces. Using her shield as a formidable defense, she triumphed over the enemy's trench, showcasing the epitome of girlpower.
At her service
Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me? Mulan isn't just Disney's first Asian princess; her story deviates from typical fairytales. She's a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army, a move considered a serious offense in traditional Chinese society where strict gender roles are observed. Driven by filial piety, Mulan embraces the challenges of posing as a male soldier until she reveals her true identity and wields a sword, steadfastly fulfilling her duty to defend her kingdom.
Odds are in her favor
Remember the iconic line, 'May the odds be ever in your favor'? It's from the immensely popular movie trilogy, The Hunger Games, penned by Suzanne Collins. The series follows the journey of Katniss, famously portrayed by actress Jennifer Lawrence. Another memorable moment is when Katniss utters, 'I volunteer as tribute,' stepping forward to take her sister's place in the deadly Hunger Games competition.
She demonstrates her survival skills by navigating the treacherous Arena and competing against other tributes to ensure her survival. Despite emerging victorious, Katniss ignites a rebellion against the oppressive Capitol, ultimately bringing an end to the suffering endured by her people."
The iconic female character in mainstream media today
The live-action film released last year, which had everyone saying "Hi, Barbie!" surprised moviegoers by delving deep into themes of women's empowerment based on the beloved doll figure. Barbie addresses issues faced by women, including power dynamics and challenges in the workplace.
Leaving behind the fantasy of Barbie Land, the character confronts the natural process of aging through a common bodily change experienced by women — cellulite. The Kens eventually overtook the once female-centric society, allowing the Barbies to unite against this change. The movie has emerged as a strong advocate for womanhood, shedding light on the persistent struggles against oppression that ladies face in today's society.
