Olivia Pope, the main character on the Golden Globe-winning show Scandal, fits the cliche “boys want her and girls want to be her." Whether she's kicking ass at the White House or unraveling the latest scandal at Pope & Associates, here's why I love (and totally want to be) Olivia Pope:
She's successful and powerful.
Olivia owns her own law firm and refers to herself as being the best in her field at what she does. Her job as a high-profile “fixer" gets her into stressful situations constantly, but none of the craziness phases Olivia one bit. Not to mention that she was the previous Communications Director for the White House…seriously, can you say career goals?
Olivia is confident.
Through the role models I was offered as a child (i.e. Disney princesses), I learned how to be compassionate and kind to others. But when I look at Olivia, I see the confidence that every girl wants and needs. She isn't afraid to stick up for herself, whether talking to her father or the leader of the free world. Olivia's amazing, brazen sense of self-confidence separates her from so many other female characters on television.
She's intelligent and driven.
Olivia is smart. Like really, really smart. Not many people could do the work that she does or be resourceful enough to handle problematic situations as well as her. And she definitely gets into the most problematic situations we've ever seen…
Her passion for justice is unparalleled.
Olivia lets her sense of right and wrong guide her life, and getting justice for the people who deserve it defines her moral code. Standing up for what you believe in no matter what is truly admirable, and Olivia does it with style.
Her love life is her love life.
One of my favorite Olivia moments is when she has to choose between two gorgeous and successful men that are completely wrapped around her finger…and she chooses herself. By showing that she's not afraid to be blunt and by not rejecting love, but normal relationship dynamics, Olivia bravely chooses to let fate intervene.
Her diet.
Let's not forget her dining habits…if expensive red wine, popcorn, and Gettysburger takeout are the food staples of a successful, confident, and beautiful woman then I'll join in happily.
Olivia Pope defies gender stereotypes seen far too often in the entertainment industry and displays not only beauty, but confidence, ambition, power, and so much more that makes her the ultimate modern-day role model.
Shonda Rhimes, you rock for creating a character that women around the world can feel empowered by and proud to look up to.
