This world would be a whole lot better if we just made an effort to be less horrible to one another. If we took just five minutes to recognize each other's beauty instead of attacking each other for our differences - that's not hard - it's really an easier and better way to live.
I think a lot of the time in films, men get roles where they create their own destiny and women are just tools, supporters for that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the tendency for male characters to be portrayed as active agents in shaping their destinies, while female characters are often relegated to supporting roles.
Ellen Page's quote critiques the representation of gender in films, emphasizing that male characters are frequently given protagonist roles where they actively forge their destinies, while female characters are often depicted as mere tools or supporters in the narratives. This disparity reflects broader societal issues regarding gender roles and highlights the need for more complex and empowered female characters in storytelling.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a panel discussion on gender representation in media, this quote could be used to underscore the need for more complex female characters.
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You think you're in a place where you're all 'I'm thrilled to be gay, I have no issues about being gay anymore, I don't feel shame about being gay,' but you actually do. You're just not fully aware of it. I think I still felt scared about people knowing. I felt awkward around gay people; I felt guilty for not being myself.
If you're a girl and you don't fit the very specific vision of what a girl should be, which is always from a man's perspective, then you're a little bit at a loss.
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