Don’t know if you’ve heard but Wonder Woman has been stripped of her United Nations honorary ambassadorship for the Empowerment of Women and Girls.
The Amazonian princess, was tasked by the UN with raising awareness about one of its Sustainable Development Goals, to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030.
The choice was met with public opposition because of her skimpy attire, the colour of her skin and breast size among other criticisms.
On one hand we were all, ya, what do you expect? On the other hand, we were like, when will women be given a break on being judged by what they wear, already?
An online petition signed by almost 45,000 supporters, to consider the appointment of a real-life female role model that women and girls the world would be able to look up to, irrespective of their cultural background.
The appointment and subsequent opposition of a fictional character is a bit puzzling but it appears the point is to reach a new audience, people who may not normally pay attention to messaging around the global goals of the United Nations. (Readers may remember we questioned the choice of using a Spice Girls song in a spin off campaign because of the lyrics and the general annoyingness of the associated video.)
But (although contradictory in nature) it is tempting to defend Wonder Woman. Aside from her unfortunate getup, she has been a hero to many. Wonder Woman first appeared in comic books in 1941. She was created by American psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston, and his wife and co-creator Elizabeth Holloway Marston. She was inspired by feminists and often managed to get herself out of the bonds of her enemies. She lived in a society, free of male dominance, where women thrived.
Wonder Woman aired as a television show in the 1970s and became a hero to a whole new generation, and yet another who watched reruns through the years. Now, as Wonder Woman celebrates her 75th anniversary she will have her own movie. There are many women who, since the rise of comic book character movies, have been asking for Wonder Woman on the big screen.
The campaign was meant to speak out against discrimination and limitations on women and girls; join forces with others against gender-based violence and abuse; Support full and effective participation and equal opportunity for women and girls in leadership in all spheres of life – including the workplace; Ensure all women and girls have access to quality learning, and: Share examples of real life women and girls who are making a difference every day.
Perhaps it’s geeky and lowbrow to want to defend Wonder Woman, a fictional character in a metallic bathing suit, but so be it. She will always be a hero to some of us.