If you know me (or even if you don't), you know how "Game of Thrones" is like a child to me. Now, some people may see my love for this show as an "obsession" or "crazy fantasy," but I see "Game of Thrones" as a group of powerful women and men fighting for what they believe in. Arya Stark has watched dreadful things happen to her family and herself and still wishes to fight back. Sansa Stark has been beaten, blamed and almost killed, but still stands strong. Catelyn Stark stood by her family when there was absolutely no hope left. Cersei Lannister–wow, God knows how much she's been through, refuses to give up her hope for the crown and her family.
Brienne of Tarth, Margaery Tyrell, Shae, Melisandre and Missandei. All women. All stronger than any of us will ever be. Why do I watch "Game of Thrones," you ask? Not just for the passionate love scenes, the insane fights or the constant appearance of dragons (sorry, spoiler alert, yes there are dragons), but for the opportunity to watch how powerful women can truly be, even in a world dominated by kings and annoying princes.
We look at women who stand for something or showcase their troubles through the art and media, such as Beyonce or Kim Kardashian, as either feminists or spoiled women who don't lift a finger. What some people don't know, the people who think "Lemonade" was a media scheme and "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" is just a negligent reality show, is that these shows–these works of art–have made the most incredible impact through social media, the news and even on TV. "Lemonade" showcases a powerful woman's fight for her power, her desperation and hurt after being cheated on, and how she came back from it.
The Kardashians have created a huge fanbase, not just for their crazy family vacations or fancy clothing. They supported a transgender woman, Caitlyn Jenner, through her entire transition and still do now, and showcased that through their show. Yes, there was of course drama throughout this transition, but the outcome was remarkable. The KUWTK fanbase, clients, businesses, friends and family stretches worldwide–and do you know what that show portrayed about transgender people? That they deserve all the respect, kindness, and love as any other person and should be celebrated for all they do.
Daenerys Targaryen, my favorite character and role model in "Game of Thrones," has been bested and even beaten time after time and still stands as one of the strongest characters in the series. She portrayed not only a woman abused by her brother, but a lover as well and even though she did fall in love with him, the outcome of that relationship showed how difficult it truly was and how women grow attached to their abusers no matter who or where they are. She now takes a stand against anyone–and I mean anyone–who thinks slavery and putting down other people is OK. She will not stop until she saves these citizens from their horrid masters and brings them to be her new people. Some may call this a power trip. Well, I call it being a strong, independent woman who would never be questioned if she was a man.
Grow up. Look around. There are strong women and men everywhere. Do you think Kanye and Kim put each other down to make themselves feel better? Do you think Barack Obama fears how much influence Michelle has just because she's a woman? This isn't about gender or feminism, folks, this is about realizing anyone, anywhere, deserves the opportunity to make a difference and should never be put down for what they stand for.
Flawless.
