When I was 12 years old, one of my favorite possessions was a small stuffed chihuahua. But not just any chihuahua. This one wore a pink fuzzy shirt and was named Bruiser. Yes, Bruiser Woods. The child Riley had her own Bruiser Woods stuffed toy.
You see, "Legally Blonde" has been my favorite movie since I was eleven years old and I first saw Elle Woods brush her shiny blonde hair in the opening sequence of the movie. I couldn’t believe the main character was blonde and she wasn’t mean! It seemed growing up the blonde girl always was stupid and the brunette was the girl-next-door who got everything in the end whilst retaining her dignity and kindness. That’s not to say I hadn’t seen a movie where blonde’s were represented well; I had just never seen one like this. Since then, I have seen the movie probably well over 100 times. No joke: I watched it four times this week (and the sequel). And I watch the musical sometimes. Because I have no chill. But there’s a reason why I do. And without further ado, here is why "Legally Blonde" is a beautiful and empowering film for women everywhere.
- Elle isn’t afraid to show her emotions.
So often women are called “too emotional” or we get that horrid question that drives every girl up a wall: “are you on your period?” NO. Sometimes I just want to scream or cry when I feel like it and not be looked at like I’m crazy. People have emotions, and if someone dumps me in a restaurant when I think he’s going to propose, I’m going to have some feelings about it!
2. She knows her strengths and she flaunts them.
If I had a dollar for every time someone has complimented me, and instead of saying “thank you” I deflected or tried to fight it? I’d be rich. Girls -- we need to start accepting compliments and owning our strengths and working and acknowledging our weaknesses! We all have strengths, and if someone compliments you on your sense of style, work ethic, ability to recall hundreds of important details at the drop of a hat -- say thank you! Also have confidence in your school or work place! You are qualified, and you should have the confidence to back that up. (I learned that from a sister’s amazing and brilliant mother -- go women empowering women!)
3. She doesn’t embarrass or apologize.
When Vivian tricks her into coming to a party in a bunny costume (snaps for going all out and looking cute), she owns it. She smiles and says hi to all the onlookers, and she does it with confidence. If you mess up, just smile and ask for help. Or fix the problem yourself if you can. But don’t apologize unless your blunder hurts someone. Don’t be embarrassed if someone stoops lower than you to make you look bad. If you trip on the stairs and people see, just smile. It happens to everyone. Elle represents confidence under pressure and potentially embarrassing sitches.
4. She speaks her mind.
You’re allowed to have an opinion!! You don’t have to say “I’m sorry” before speaking!! OWN YOUR VOICE! As long as you’re kind and respectful to others in expressing your opinion, you’re OK to have one and make it known.
5. Women stick up for other women.
The scene in which Vivian and Elle tease Warner for not knowing how to do laundry? Or discuss how patronizing and unfair it is that Callahan makes them get the coffee? What about when Elle’s professor tells her that she’s more than what she may think? Elle stands up for women, and in turn, they do the same for her. Girls need to help each other out in this world, especially with the amount of inequality that is still prevalent in society right now.
6. She doesn’t need a man to have value.
When Elle realizes Warner will never see her as a girl with a brain and a heart to match, she doesn’t give up and go home. She doesn’t accept what he’s saying. She decides she’s going to prove how “valuable Elle Woods is.” Damn straight. She knows her worth and refuses to be told she’s not smart. I mean, she got into Harvard Law School on her own merit. Not a lot of people do that.
7. You’re allowed to want a boyfriend though.
Just because she has feelings for Emmett, it doesn’t make her less intelligent or serious about who she is or what she wants. Girls are allowed to want a family and a happy marriage and a home, as well as a career and ambition in life. You can have both if you want -- being a little boy crazy never hurts, right? ;)
8. Elle knows her sh*t.
This is a lesson I sometimes have to remember -- speak up in class if you know the answer! I don’t know why I always get so quiet in class. My Greek history class is four girls and about ten guys. That’s a sad ratio. For some reason, when there are more guys in my class, the chances of me speaking go down significantly. Now, I’ve learned that if I have a question or if I’m like Elle and I know my sh*t, I need to speak up.
9. Elle gives damn good advice.
Faith can be hard. But if you just take a deep breath and believe in yourself and God’s plan, (or if you aren’t religiously inclined, the plan of the universe or the goodwill of the people around you), you will be just fine. But always believe in yourself.
10. Elle stays true to herself no matter what people think.
And in style too.
