15 Reasons Why Elle Woods Is The Feminist Hero We Need Right Now | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

15 Reasons Why Elle Woods Is The Feminist Hero We Need Right Now

What? Like it's hard?

452
15 Reasons Why Elle Woods Is The Feminist Hero We Need Right Now
Cosmopolitan

In the wake of increasingly problematic behavior from Lena Dunham and Amy Schumer, the world is in need of more feminist icons. Fortunately, there is a pink-clad, blonde role model we can all look to in this great hour of need.

Fifteen years after, two mediocre sequels (well, one mediocre, one abysmal) and a broadway musical after the film's theatrical debut, Elle Woods continues to embody the spirit of feminism, smashing the patriarchy with her perfectly manicured fists

Below, you'll find are the fifteen reasons why Elle Woods is the ultimate feminist:

1. She embraces her femininity.

At the beginning of the film, Elle studies fashion because it makes her happy. She then goes on to Harvard, eventually falling in love with law. Unlike many of the characters throughout the film, Elle does not view femininity as a weakness but rather a source of empowerment.

2. She doesn't need a man to be happy.

3. But, she still doesn't judge others' for their life choices, whether they include men or not.

4. She has an incredibly supportive group of friends.

No one can take on the patriarchy alone. Elle's sorority sisters have her back at all times. Whether her dreams include marrying a wealthy man, or becoming a successful lawyer in her own right, the Delta Nu's are always there to celebrate Elle's successes and to help her through the bad times.

5. She embraces her sexuality and stands against slut shaming.

Bonus points for referencing Gloria Steinem in her costume.

6. Still, she doesn't allow anyone to objectify her.

7. She is a friend to all women, forming longterm friendships with those who were once her competition.

8. She believes in herself and stands up for her beliefs, encouraging those around her to do the same.


9. She takes a stand against girl on girl hate.

With the exception of a few, well deserved biting comebacks, Elle has nothing but kind things to say about the women around her. She respects Brooke's secret, regardless of the benefits sharing it would bring and never judges her friends for their less-than-enlightened comments. She even compliments Vivian, after being publicly humiliated in class and learning that she was engaged to Elle's former boyfriend, saying, "She could use some mascara, and some serious highlights, but she's not completely unfortunate looking."

Later in the film, after some outright cruel antics from Vivian, Elle still goes out of her way to spread positivity by complimenting her outfit.

10. She is unfazed by any challenge.

11. She takes strides against homophobia.

In this quiet, yet significant, scene Elle takes a stand against homophobic slurs- while simultaneously throwing some great shade. Remember 'Legally Blonde' came out in 2001, the same year 'Friends' decided that two straight bros couldn't take a nap together and that transphobia is HILARIOUS. We've come a long way in the 15 years since the film's release, but it's important to consider the views that were commonly held at the time of Legally Blonde's debut.

(Although we could all do without the stereotyping that occurs in Brooke's court case)

12. She's unapologetically ambitious.

13. She encourages everyone around her to embrace their confidence.

14. She refuses to conform to others' expectations.

Elle not only gets into Harvard Law School, but does so despite the expectations of her ex-boyfriend, classmates, adviser and even her parents. She politely, but undeniably rejects her father's advice to marry rich and instead goes on to enroll, and eventually thrive, at Harvard.

15. She stands up for herself and for the people around her, regardless of their gender.

In the end, isn't that what feminism is all about?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

125839
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

28050
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

26141
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments