Emma Watson — Doing Feminism Right

Have you seen Emma Watson’s Vanity Fair shoot?

You know the one that features that photo.

If not, let me catch you up:

The 26 year old posed for Vanity Fair in a white crocheted jacket, with no top or bra on underneath. (THE HORROR!)

She received huge amounts of backlash for the shoot, with people even suggesting she couldn’t possibly be a feminist.

Emma Watson, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.

The picture was reprinted in tabloid papers, with one crudely titling it “Beauty and the Breasts”, in reference to her upcoming role as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and The Beast.

Because apparently being able to choose what you wear is a luxury feminists cannot afford.

Apparently, all feminists must be conservative if they want to even suggest women can do what they want.

Apparently, feminism has a strict dress code.

It’s ridiculous! In fact, it’s so ridiculous, I can’t find the words to explain my anger and disbelief.

This is how Emma responded: "Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women. It's about freedom, it's about liberation, it's about equality."

Emma Watson, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. Emma Watson, HeForShe activist.

“she complains that women are sexualised and then sexualises herself in her own work.” — let’s talk about this. It’s a good point. It’s almost the truth. The only difference is this:

Emma Watson actively protests against women being sexualised by the media, by society, by the world. As do most feminists. She has given talks about her personal views on the movement:

"I think it is right I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decisions that will affect my life. I think it is right that socially, I am afforded the same respect as men.", and shows a strong social understanding of her beliefs.

The difference then, when she “sexualises herself”, lies in the word “herself”.

That is her choice. She is not being leered at in a way that makes her uncomfortable. She is choosing to depict herself in a certain way. She is taking control of the way she is presented, instead of letting others decide for her.

Is that not what feminism is all about?

Is it not about taking control of your own life?

Is it not having the ability to wear, say, do what you want, when you want, without this kind of backlash?

"the more I have spoken about feminism, the more I have realized that fighting for women's rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop."

Let me put this simply: Feminism is a movement for equality. And while it supports both women and men, in this case, it's important to remember feminists are fighting for the opportunity to dress however they want, without being called derogatory terms or verbally/physically abused.

So, you tell me, according to this definition, is Emma Watson a hypocrite?

Fortunately, the whole world is not as ignorant as those who chose to hurl abuse at her.

There definitely is anti-feminist sentiment associated with Emma's pictures. It lingers like a bad smell. But it’s not coming from her. It comes from the vile and ignorant screen-protected criticism from people such as Julia Hartley-Brewer, who don’t quite understand that tearing other women down for not being “feminists” is exactly what feminists are fighting against.

Well, that and fighting for the ability to look amazing in a white crocheted jacket, with no top or bra on underneath, of course.

Emma Watson, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. Emma Watson, HeForShe activist. Emma Watson, FEMINIST ICON.

"I really don't know what my tits have to do with it ", she comments, in regards to the 'anti feminist' criticism.

Emma Watson, Hypocrite ? I think not.