There is a really cool article on the New York Times about Natalie Portman's scientific success: finalist for the Intel Science Talent Search, straight-A student, Harvard degree in neuroscience (she studied the evolution of the brain). Now Ms. Portman boasts an Oscar for Best Actress as well--and I'll admit to being genuinely impressed. There's some mention of some other outrageously sucessful, gorgeous, and intelligent Hollywood women, too, who provide nice role models for young women who aspire to be actresses or scientists.
The articles ends with: "You can be a scientist, but if you want your name in lights, you’d better play one on TV." I hope that one day this changes, and little girls can look forward to the prestige of being a scientist in the same function that Hollywood actresses play today.
It makes me a little sad to read this. I suddenly want to do a photo shoot called "The Beautiful Women of Science" (incorporating Science Studies, of course). Wouldn't that be fantastic?
ReplyDeleteHoly christ, Hedy Lamarr invented frequency hopping? Seriously?
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the "Beautiful Women of Science (and science studies)"! I'm conflicted though, because things like that have gotten a lot of... mixed reviews... like "science cheerleaders": http://www.sciencecheerleader.com/
ReplyDeleteOn one hand, it's silly to think that women can't be smart and beautiful, but on the other hand, is Natalie creating unrealistic expectations for everyone? (I've read an article or two in the NYT about how young women feel constant pressure to be sexy and smart.)
P.S. Thanks for reading, gals! Jessie, look, people are actually reading our blog! :)
ReplyDeleteI actually do not think that Natalie Portman is a gifted actress, nor do I particularly admire her work. There's actually been a few articles this past year on how she has been re-creating her image to appear more sexy/good girl gone bad.
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.moviefone.com/2011/02/21/crazy-female-movie-characters/
^above is a good article on what types of roles seem to lead women to path of the oscars
I wish there were less shallow women in hollywood and whose work showed a desire to express all kinds of issues, experiences, emotions in american life, but alas that doesn't sell.
But to me, the women I admire and define as beautiful aren't the most glamorous, youthful, or strictly speaking pretty. They're the ones with passion, empathy, and whose work seeks to help others. I just wish we knew and cared more about their work then the women in the tabloids.