Emma Watson, most famously known for her role as the brilliant and strong-willed Hermoine in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter film series, was appointed a UN Woman Goodwill Ambassador in July. The Inquisitr reported on the moving speech Emma made in September at the UN Headquarters in New York where Watson promoted the HeForShe Campaign . In her speech Emma appealed to not only women, but men as well, stating that gender equality is an issue for everyone.
“It is time that we all see gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals. We should stop defining each other by what we are not and start defining ourselves by who we are. We can all be freer and this is what HeForShe is about. It’s about freedom.” – Emma Watson
Emma Watson also addressed the issue of “men-hating” in her speech. Watson drew attention to the fact that in many cases, in the fight for gender equality, Feminists become so caught up in fighting for the rights of women that they neglect men in the process. This men-bashing, Emma Watson says, has to stop.
“The more I’ve spoken about feminism, the more I have realized that fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating…If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop.” – Emma Watson
Time reports that this December, Emma Watson will continue pushing her Feminism platform when she graces the pages of Elle Magazine . According to Entertainmentwise, Emma Watson is happy that as a UN Ambassador she can use her fame for something positive and to influence others. In the sneak preview of Emma Watson’s interview that was released by Elle U.K , Watson speaks about the real meaning of Feminism and how Watson’s upbringing has influenced her position on the subject. As Watson believes that because she was never treated as second-best to her brothers, this molded Emma’s mindset and made her into the independent and outspoken woman that she is.
“I’m lucky I was raised to believe that my opinion at the dinner table was valuable. My mum and I spoke as loudly as my brothers.”
Emma Watson’s speech has raised the very important question of what the real role of Feminism is. Watson believes that it is all about freedom. Freedom to do what you please as you see fit and not because society dictates it. For Emma, feminism is about having the choice to aspire to be who you want and not being limited or defined by a predetermined mold.
“Feminism is not here to dictate to you. It’s not prescriptive, it’s not dogmatic. All we are here to do is give you a choice. If you want to run for President, you can. If you don’t, that’s wonderful, too.” – Emma Watson