The rise of “Big Female Lead” dramas: feminist triumph or narrative co-opted by patriarchal hegemony

With the emergence of feminism, more people have realized that women are not only admired for their beauty but also recognized as equally intelligent and powerful as men, capable of taking control of their own lives. As women, we enjoy watching films such as Legally Blonde and Gone with the Wind, which depict female growth and empowerment. These films inspire us to break free from the constraints of patriarchy and to pursue our own dreams. This spirit is undoubtedly invaluable.

Many girls, no matter what their educational backgrounds are, are dreaming to become someone like Blonde, dressing in a fashion style while achieving significant goals in their lifetime. Of course, we are happy to see girls develop their own conscious and mind set, because it is the symbol of social development and feminism growth. However, the patriarchal hegemony never stops influence our mind. Besides thinking how we can be more powerful than male, we should think about Big Female Leads critically.

Why we believe Big Female Lead can be seen as the triumph of feminism?

The rise of strong female protagonists is not only a challenge to the traditional patriarchal order, but also a sign of social progress. In the past, women were expected to please their husbands, raise children, or rely on their physical beauty for value. These female leads, however, encourage us to defy stereotypes and show us that women can build careers and achieve success just as men do. For instance, in Legally Blonde, the heroine enters Harvard Law School, confidently dresses in pink suits, and wins many cases despite being ridiculed and dismissed by her ex-boyfriend. Moreover, those big female leaders bring more opportunities for other female after they get power and have right to speak. They can offer financial aid or partial help for female in need encouraging them to get higher education and make contribution for society.

Why are Big Female Lead still co-opted by patriarchal hegemony?

This kind of “strong female lead” has also become another stereotype in modern society, subtly added into men’s standards for choosing a partner. To some men, such women are not role models, but merely another version of the “ideal wife.” More worryingly, many women themselves fall into this stereotype, believing that adopting “masculine” traits makes them superior, while undervaluing traditionally feminine qualities. For example, some debate on the social media about whether women should sacrifice their working time to raise children or become a full-time mom. We cannot simply label this as right or wrong, but it has led some women who aspire to be strong protagonists to look down on mothers or others who embody feminine roles. On Little Redbook, which is a popular social media targeting girls and females, there would be some critics towards pregnant women who are getting their master or doctor degree, saying that though they get high education, they eventually become wives and waste the chances to have other achievements. Feminism, however, is about uniting women, not creating more divisions or competition. Our achievements are not determined by gender, and we do not need to conform to patriarchal standards by downplaying our femininity. Nor should we judge or belittle women who choose different paths in life.

What can we do?

It is great we want to get more power and right to speak by achieving something in society. Big Female Leads are our force of example to promote for female rights. While we encourage the female power, we should also respect those who keep our femininity, as we cannot define “power” simply as male’ power. Our femininity is also a kind of power, and it also powerful enough to gain rights in society. Furthermore, as Female Leads, it is our obligation to help those female who struggling with the patriarchal mindset，such as a full-time housewife who gave up her dream .Only if we can unity female power, the rise of Female Lead will be meaningful, not only for women, but for all human.

Conclusion

Big Female Leads give more girls hopes and give the society more chances out of patriarchal hegemony. Empowering female themselves with men’ power of course cannot be seen as the triumph of feminism, but how we use the power of femininity to help more female is more essential. I hope more women power can unity us, not competition.

 Written by: Stella Hu