2017 is here which I predict will be an important year for women and our voices. A lot happened last year which encouraged women to not sit down and stay quiet anymore. The times have changed too much for us to revert.
We’re all patiently waiting for January 20th to see how much is necessary for us all to speak up and defend our rights. There have been so many important historical women in history who would turn in their graves if they saw the state of our country today, and in their honor and our freedom, we need to stand up for women’s rights (as well as everyone who will be affected by the Trump presidency).
In a sea full of badass movie characters doing their thing, there are a smaller group of women who kick even more ass and take names. Here’s a tiny list of movies that feature inspiring women who don’t take any crap from anyone.
The Linda Blair we know and love from The Exorcist plays a tough gal taking action to set out and get revenge for her family and friends affected by this violent gang in her city. She single handedly handles them in the way they deserve, and she really gives justice to bad ass chicks with street smarts.
What I learned: it isn’t such a bad idea to balance both book smarts and street smarts. Don’t be afraid to be tough.
Put aside the magic aspect of the movie for a second. This movie was a great ode to misfits featuring a quartet with a powerful take on life, acknowledging their fears and bonding with each other showing their vulnerability. They shared their vulnerabilities and worked with each other to make themselves the best they could be. We all know the magic bit got out of hand at some point, but they were able to do something a lot of people don’t have the guts to do. They sought out ways to make themselves better people, and didn’t let anyone else put them down in the midst of it all. Despite the ending, they did okay.
What I learned: Do what you need to do to make yourself a better person without harming anyone else and ignore those who put you down. And maybe don’t mess with magic.
Spice World is a little more bubblegum than the rest of the movies on this list, but their level of girl power should always be addressed. No one promoted girl power the way they did. People complain there isn’t much of a plot here, or that it’s a bit too cheesy. Both of these may have some truth to it, but at the end of the day, here is a band at the peak of their time trying to poke fun at themselves which a lot of current pop stars don’t have the guts to do in fear of tainting their image.
What I learned: Forget Mariah, it’s a Spice World and we’re all living in it.
When you have a strong group of friends, you do what you can to protect each other and to keep afloat. Here are girl gang friendships in the 70s/80s, which was a rough time for youths living the life of latchkey kids which resulted in mayhem in the streets and peer pressure. Imagine being a girl during this time. You gotta fend for yourself, and you gotta thank the higher power that girl gangs existed.
What I Learned: Your friends who are with you during hard times are keepers; don’t let them go.
Two girls meet and create a band. They’re gutsy enough to hijack New York City the way they did to work up the hype they deserved. There will always be tension between people who are so very different from each other, but the two leading characters, Nicky and Pam, had a kind bond that made them relatable. Either way, they had the city’s attention which is hard to do in a city so populated. You have to give them credit for their marketing skills and devotion.
What I Learned: Start a band. Who cares. Anything is possible.
Another movie about troubled teens who start a band and have the world at their feet despite their lack of musical experience. With the right kind of marketing, you can create a following and have media coverage. We see that a lot these days with reality stars, but they’re not as bad ass as Corinne.
What I Learned: I need to step up my marketing game. Maybe I should take tips from The Stains.
May be one of the more brutal movies on this list. This is one hell of an example of a girl gang featuring such different personalities that find themselves in a situation which cause them to bond. Aside from the tragedies in this movie, the bonds that do form are relatable, teaching each other to not be afraid of being themselves. We all need friends who remind us to “do you” and don’t let others intimidate you into thinking otherwise. Women especially needs these reminders as a lot of us fall into overwhelming self-doubt and clouded judgement.
What I Learned: Be a tornado. Don’t let anyone in the way of letting you become your best self.
As much as the main character Wren is super flawed, there are some personality traits that shine. Be a go-getter, never give up, and wear whatever you want while doing so. You’re taught to kinda dislike Wren, but you gotta give her some credit for her will to not give up. We all need to have that positive attitude that she possesses.
What I Learned: To succeed, be the opposite of Wren, with a fun fashion sense and similar go-getter spirit.
These movies are reminders that we all need to be badass women who won’t take crap from anyone. As art mimics reality, we need to know that we all have badass versions of ourselves and this is the year that we should really let them come out and shine. Who’s with me?
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