If I’m honest, I really wanted to lengthen the title of this
post to ‘Role Models for Girls Who Actually Deserve to Be Role Models’, because
many of the famous women who are looked up to by girls nowadays don’t set the
best examples.
It genuinely scares me when I hear teenagers and young women
say “I just love her” or “she’s perfect” while watching the Kardashians or
Beyonce’s new music video, when Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus are flouncing
around stages in next to nothing singing heavily suggestive lyrics, or Rihanna
posts a new photo on Instagram from last night’s drink/drug-filled parties. I
hate to think that girls are growing up influenced by women who get botox and
ridiculous plastic surgery, go on crazy diets, or have hardly any talent.
Why aren’t our female youth inspired by intelligent women
who are natural and down-to-earth?
So without further ado, here are my top ten role models for
girls who actually deserve to be role models:
10. Carrie Hope Fletcher
For those who don’t know, Carrie is a West End star
currently appearing in ‘Les Miserables’ as Eponine for the second year running.
She is also a YouTube vlogger, and it is her videos that thousands of young ‘Hopefuls’
are inspired by. She sings (incredibly well), makes us laugh, and gives advice
for girls that actually means something.
9. Meryl Streep
There’s one word that sums her up completely: talent. Meryl
Streep is, in my opinion, the best actress in Hollywood. She can do anything.
And what’s more, she is the spokesperson for the National Women’s History Museum.
8. Emma Thompson
She is hilarious. Seriously, YouTube any interview with her,
and you’ll be laughing your socks off within seconds. The reason for this is
that she genuinely does not care what anyone thinks… I think all of us could benefit
from even a slither of her spunkiness.
7. Mayim Bialik
As well as being known for her role as Amy Farrah Fowler in ‘The
Big Bang Theory’, Bialik is incredibly clever. She has a B.S. degree, doctorate
and PhD in Neuroscience, and has written books on parenting. Goes to show how
multi-talented and successful a person can be.
6. JK Rowling
Famous, of course, for creating the world of Harry Potter,
one of the most popular book series of all time. She wrote some brilliant
female characters within it which have influenced fans of the story. Also, she
lost her billionaire status purely due to donating so much of her earnings to
charity.
5. Kate Winslet
One of my favourite actresses. Despite her huge success in
Hollywood, she is still completely down-to-earth and has a very healthy
attitude towards body image. She has hit out at several magazines over the
years for photoshopping images of her and twisting her words on diets and
exercise.
4. Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen is quite possibly one of the most generous celebrities
around. On her show, she regularly donates to needy families in desperate need
of financial help as well as promoting kindness as her sign-off. Also she wants
us all to dance a lot J
3. Malala Yousafzai
Not a celebrity as such, but Yousafzai should without a
doubt be more well known amongst young girls. She is an activist from Pakistan
who spoke about living under Taliban occupation, promotes rights for education
and women, and survived an assassination attempt. This was at the age of 15.
2. Emma Watson
It’s not really fair how she is so intelligent, talented and
beautiful all at the same time. She has also managed to stay grounded despite
being very much in the public eye from the age of 11. And then there’s her
recent HeforShe speech at the UN… Just wow.
1. Jennifer Lawrence
In fairness, J-Law is often mentioned as someone who young
women look up to, and for good reason. She is pretty much everything we want to
be and more: talented, funny, stunning, and real.
Honourable mentions: Oprah Winfrey, Anne Frank, Kate
Middleton, Michelle Obama, Karen Gillan, Audrey Hepburn, Rebel Wilson, Jessica
Ennis, Lisa Kudrow, and Dawn French.