Ishita Chatterjee
Emma Watson is famous for her role of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise and for her activism for women’s rights. The actress has enjoyed a long career full of acclaimed and hit films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Beauty and the Beast.
The star is highly regarded among Hollywood professionals as well as among fans. But Watson once almost lost it all because of a tweet regarding women’s shoes that was perceived to be tone-deaf by the general online public.
Emma Watson Landed In Hot Water Due To Her Controversial Women’s Rights Quote
The Women’s Organisation tweeted out a quote by Emma Watson that said, “If you want to run for Prime Minister, you can. If you don’t, that’s wonderful, too. Shave your armpits, don’t shave them, wear flats one day, heels the next; We want to empower women to do exactly what they want.” Here’s the tweet:
“If you want to run for Prime Minister, you can. If you don’t, that’s wonderful, too. Shave your armpits, don’t shave them, wear flats one day, heels the next. We want to empower women to do exactly what they want, to be true to themselves." – Emma Watson pic.twitter.com/wlDQiTycdN
— The Women's Organisation (@TheWomensOrg) November 25, 2018
This isn’t the first time the actress has spoken about women’s rights issues. In 2014, when she was appointed as U.N. Women’s Goodwill Ambassador, the actress delivered a speech stating the need for gender equality. She said,
“Feminism by definition is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.”
Along with this, Watson called on men to fight for the cause as it would benefit them as well. She explained,
“Gender equality is your (men’s) issue, too. If men don’t have to be aggressive in order to be accepted, women won’t feel compelled to be submissive. If men don’t have to control, women won’t have to be controlled.”
But not everyone appreciated the tweet by Watson.
People Object To Emma Watson’s Views On Women
One would think that Emma Watson’s tweet about women being able to do and wear anything they want would be met with widespread support. But that wasn’t the case. Many seemed to take particular offense at the phrase “wear flats one day, heels the next.” People pointed out that a lot of the things in her speech had already been achieved. Others pointed out her lack of knowledge regarding feminist history.
Here’s what people said to Emma Watson about her quote:
I get that 2020 is shit but do we really need to drag our feminism back to 1994? https://t.co/X6ReeFY6cj
— Alexandra Carlton (@Alex_Carlton) August 11, 2020
It's like she doesn't even know the 60's ever happened. Kids like that always think their ideas are new. Now wonder they're so annoying.
— B the Dude (@TheDudeAbidesM) August 10, 2020
2 out of the 3 things she told us we could do as women were fashion/beauty based, and the whole quote is just pathetic. She also supports men's rights to "identify" as women and invade women's safe spaces, sports, etc. That's why. She's a #FakeFeminist
— Wonky Veg Grower 💜🤍💚 (@NikiYAndDylan) August 10, 2020
What *do* women want? Equal pay? An end to forged marriage and honour killings? Reproductive rights? Zero tolerance of sexual harassment? No more FGM?
Nah, heels. https://t.co/jp1tHadcf9
— Hannah Al-Othman (@HannahAlOthman) August 10, 2020
Oh, yes! I haven’t dared to wear flats yet, but now that Emma has given the green light, I feel emboldened. Next, I may even dare to part my hair on the side 🙄
— Siobhan Alexander💚🤍💜 (@palladianblue) August 10, 2020
But not everyone agreed with these views. Many called on others to focus on the spirit of the Harry Potter star’s message, which was about empowering women. Fans of the actress also urged others to notice the fact that the statement was given years ago. So the star might not have grasped the supposed insensitiveness of her message. Since then, tweets made in retaliation to Watson’s words have lessened considerably to the point that such seemingly strawman arguments aren’t made anymore.
Source: Twitter
