In Francis Lawrence’s Hunger Games; Mocking jay part 2; which opened last year for a brief Oscar qualifying run , a group of people whom are split up into 12 districts, each year, every district is forced to randomly choose two tributes-one girl and one boy- to fight in the annual Hunger Games. A fight to the death on live television. The film is mainly concentrated on Jennifer Lawrence, portraying a girl named Katniss Everdeen, who is in many ways audience point of entry.
Lawrence, whom is an Academy Award winner, noted during in an interview in Los Angeles that throughout her career, she is in support of women’s right and she is honored to represent the United Nations. You recently supported many organizations regarding women rights and their importance in our society, why are you so passionate about this support? Feminism is defined differently around the world. People in US think that its man- hating, but I am against this. Women want to be women, we just want to be treated equally.
I want to state that, gender equality, historically has been predominantly addressed to women. Our society doesn’t look at the problem as their problem, mostly men. I wanted to reach many people around the world, especially women, who were treated unequally, faced violence and underestimation from the men. Many organizations are made for gender equality such as HeforShe campaign and they need my help, they need our help. We want to end gender inequality, and to do this, we need everyone involved. I was appointed as a women rights Ambassador for UN Women four months ago.
And, the more I spoke about feminism, the more I realized that fighting for women’s rights has too often become man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop. You say that feminism is considered as man hating, then what is the true definition for the feminism? I guess many people around the world doesn’t know what feminism really means. Feminism by definition is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. Equal opportunities in every aspect of life, from politics to economy. When did this passionate support for women rights started?
I heard from your mother that you were a bit bossy when you were young. I have thank my mom for telling this to you, Thank you mom! Actually yes, I started questioning gender-based assumptions a long time ago. When I was 6, I was confused for being called bossy because I did things that boys were supposed to do and to be honest, my parents received a large number of complaints for my issues in school. When I was 13, my girlfriends started dropping out of sports teams because they were viewed as men by the society. No matter how much they loved sports, society was affecting them, but I stood.
I stood alone and that’s why I want to change society’s opinion to help all women around the world. What do you say about the American actress Kaley Cuoco whom recently made an interview and said that she doesn’t consider herself a feminist? Feminism has become an unpopular word. Women are choosing not to identify themselves as feminists. Apparently, I’m one of the women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, and anti-men. But I don’t understand, why the world has become such an uncomfortable place? What’s the problem being paid the same as my male counterparts?
What’s the problem being afforded the same respect as men in the society? But sadly, there is no place in the world where all women can expect to see these rights. I respect Kelly’s opinion, but we as women, we have to be one hand in order to achieve this equality. You have become a part of United Nations, which is a very big organization. With your support in campaigns, do you believe that you can change this ideology in the society? Many people are saying that no matter who comes, it wouldn’t change people’s perceptions about this issue.
I guess they are right, people should take actions to change the society. However, I want to encourage them into achieving this. Men, I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is mainly directed to you. How many men are out there needing help from a women but can’t ask because it would make them less man. What kind of ideology is this? We are living in the 21st century and this ideology must change as soon as possible. I guess we’ve came to end to a great interview with you.
To sum up, do you want to say something to all the people out there watching you? It’s been a very good interview, and I thank you for listening and giving an importance for women rights as not many people regard this issue as global. I want to address men first, to stop controlling, to stop underestimating women, and trying to treat equally. Secondly, I want to address women. If we can all be one hand, we can overcome this difficult issue. To all of the women in the world, till when are you going to continue bow your head to a man? If not us, who? If not now, when? Thank you very much.
