"Captain Marvel," are centered on a woman's experience and celebrate womanhood. It is also important to create films where women are represented, but their characters and storylines aren't about being women. "Black Panther" and "Ahsoka" are wonderful examples of stories that have many complex, well-rounded female characters without their gender being a talking point. Personally, I like having more female characters. I like feeling represented in media. I was excited for "Encanto" because Mirabel wore glasses like me and wasn't portrayed as a nerdy or ugly character. Even in films like "Captain Marvel" where the blatant feminism gets annoying, I still root for Carol Danvers and get excited when she's onscreen. To this day I will defend "Turning Red" with my life because it is so precious to me to have a teenage character who grows and matures while still being silly and contident. But I'm also tired of defending "Turning Red." I'm tired of JU t1fymg the existence of every female-led film 11k Barbie." Film I n't only a window; it is also a mirror. Media can reflect how we feel and act in a way that gives us clarity in our lives, in both an affirming and convicting way. When I point to a character or a film and say that it feels like my experience, I'm giving other people a glimpse into how I feel and think. And if people dismiss it, or refuse to give it a chance, it feels like they're dismissing me. That's not to say that just because I have a personal connection to a film, no one is allowed to criticize it ever. Every film has its problems, and I like analyzing films critically. But as representation has become more prominent, it's easy to dismiss films we see as not for us, without considering what it means for other people, and our relationship with them. These films can be a special look into the experiences of those closest to us, and that is an opportunity to cherish. Janie Walenda is a Junior Global Business major and the A&E editor for Cedars. She is passionate about musicals, animation and cold brew. When she isn't obsessing over her own nerdy interests, she's usually absorbing her friends' nerdy interests.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=