Sex, lies, and scandal are abundant in the hit series "Gossip Girl," which follows rich Manhattan teenagers through their crazy, extravagant lives. This show, which ran from 2007 to 2012, had a cult following for many reasons, but one incredible thing about this CW show was how many important issues it covered. Divorce, safe sex, coming out, eating disorders and substance abuse are just naming a few.
However, since the fanbase was mainly young adult females, I would argue that one of the best things this show did was produce strong, feminist role models. The writers didn't look like they were pushing an "agenda" on the audience--it all seemed natural. The strong female leads were envied by young girls for more than just their clothes (but the clothes are fabulous too).
Blair Waldorf is one of the two female leads and is definitely the stronger feminist icon of the two. She's often conniving, but brilliant, and she never puts anything above her ambition. While she loves a powerful man, Chuck Bass, she puts off a relationship with him to be amazing on her own. She proves that strong women exist with or without a man. On their own, Blair and Chuck are powerful, but together they make each other stronger and are a force to be reckoned with. Either way, Blair comes to understand that she can be a successful woman because of her ability and diligence, not because she's Chuck Bass' girlfriend.
From the first season, Blair's dream is to go to Yale. However, she lets her perfectionism and scheming go too far and ruins her chances. She does still get accepted to NYU and later to an Ivy, Columbia University. While at Columbia, she makes a point of studying and observing other powerful women. During her time in college, she interns at one of the most prominent fashion magazines, rules the school and begins running a company.
Even Serena van der Woodsen with her long legs and shiny blonde hair had her moments. She fought back and pointed out the double standard surrounding casual sex and sex with multiple partners.
Although she was a blonde, she wasn't dumb. She got into Ivy League schools (granted with help from her family's influence), but also loves to read and actually works hard at her jobs.
While it seems so obvious to me looking back, I didn't realize that there were so many blatant feminist themes. That is what is so amazing, though. Young girls watch it and see Blair evolve and strive for success. It normalizes the image of strong women that we don't always see, and it inspires others to achieve.
