As I was putting together this list, and thinking of some of my favorite characters, I began to notice that I was missing some pretty incredible female characters. I don’t think it was on purpose, and I don’t think of myself as an overly sexist person. Obviously, though, it was a problem. My first thought was that there just aren’t that many great female characters, but that’s only half-true. Really, I was just being dumb. So, it’s a week into it, and finally, here is my first heroine on the list.
Wonder Woman
Ok, so Wonder Woman’s creator was interesting, to say the least. As a result, in her early years Wonder Woman found herself in some compromising and strange situations. As a character, she has grown and developed quite a bit since then. One thing she has always been about is challenging female stereotypes. In comics and in pop culture as a whole there are a few standard female models, and all of them typically lack depth. Women are either helpless and weak or they are overbearing and mean and cold. It seems to be these are the two main archetypes out there.
Wonder Woman came along and immediately started challenging all of that. Sure, there are definite sexist moments in her early years and throughout her entire existence, but you can also see her character clearly breaking a lot of those molds. Now Wonder Woman is part of DC’s Trinity of heroes. And with her movie this year, she is a pop icon like never before.
Why Wonder Woman?
She is strong, but loving and kind. She is independent. She is a hero. These are all great reasons. It wasn’t until I had daughters that I realized how hard it is to find good female role models in pop culture. For my sons, I pushed heroes like Superman and Spider-Man, but for my first daughter, I was unsure. There weren’t many to choose from. Then she saw Wonder Woman. My daughter saw a woman who was as strong as Superman. She saw a woman who didn’t need to be rescued but did the rescuing. And she was hooked.
With the new Wonder Woman film, my daughter and I had the opportunity to share a great moment together. I had taken my sons to see their favorite superheroes on the big screen, but she hadn’t had that opportunity yet. So, the two of us went together on a date, and it was everything I had hoped it would be. In the movie, after a battle, Wonder Woman has an encounter with a baby, and it shows her nurturing side. It was at that moment that I was most glad to be there with my daughter. It was a moment where she saw on the big screen, that a woman could be strong and nurturing at the same time. That’s why I love Wonder Woman.
Since the movie came out there’s been an explosion of Wonder Woman in everyday life. We’re seeing things like Wonder Woman lunchboxes for the kids and even bracelets and other accessories with the iconic WW logo. Some of these could make for good gift ideas but more importantly, shows that superman and spiderman merch are perhaps not going to be center stage for much longer. Strong female characters can get merchandise too – it will make a difference, one way or another.
30 Days 30 Characters
Have you missed a day in our 30 day series? Not to worry, I’ve got your back. Check each of our previous days with the links below.
Day 3- Captain Jean Luc Picard
