Celebrate Women's Self-Empowerment Week! Unless you happen to find it totally ridiculous!

Allo Sabina Sabina Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 11:55 AM EST

I wish to ask if the word empowerment is provocative. if yes, to who and how?

Alex Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 10:30 AM EST

Yeah, it was Listen 2 This. I liked those, but then they started not being exclusively about music, (they started to include video games & comic books too) http://cleaning.emenace.com/upholste2b/76.html natural cleaning product undefined

Alex Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 09:50 AM EST

Yeah, it was Listen 2 This. I liked those, but then they started not being exclusively about music, (they started to include video games & comic books too) http://cleaning.emenace.com/upholste2b/19.html window cleaning supply undefined

Coline Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 07:16 PM EST

Elizabeth Cady Stanton is my great great grandmother. She was an ardent supporter of women's right to vote, to hold elective office, to obtain higher education, to have access to all professions, to have legal custody of her children in the event of divorce. We stand on her shoulders. We stand taller because of the work of all of the women and men who have raised the glass ceiling. What will YOU do in your life time to advance the Cause of Women?

smartygirl Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 04:14 PM EST

whitney, i love this line: "Actually, screw that: Lily Allen is just plain powerful. I hate the idea that as women we need to tiptoe up to our strength like a heavy barbell and be condescendingly applauded when we lift it."

i hate the word "empowering" because the only people who need "empowering" are people who are weak. i'm a woman, but i'm not weak, and i don't need some phony "international week of whatever" condescending to me by 1) telling me i'm weak, and 2) telling me i'm allowed to overcome that for a whopping seven days.

here's to being powerful instead of "empowered."

Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:13 PM EST

Jay, the real tragedy happened when your mother failed to have a miscarriage.

Jay Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 02:56 PM EST

Whoops, sorry, Erik, I meant Kev.

Jay Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 02:56 PM EST

Was Whitney Pastorek suggesting that Lily Allen become a saint because she suffered a miscarriage? Of course not. What she was saying, and what you're clearly not getting because of your blatant hostility towards both Lily and Whitney, is that there are plenty of famous women that would have gone on an endless, narcissistic, "pity-me" rant that would have made a private issue public. She avoided that by essentially suffering like a normal person suffers, and WE commend her for that. She's not asking to be commended. And what you said has nothing to do with the fact that Miya laughed in the face of someone who endured something incredibly difficult, which was both ignorant and insulting. Way to miss the point, Erik.

Erik Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:00 PM EST

This week of segregated empowerment disgusts me; AT ALL TIMES both genders should be equal in their fight against moral compromise. Obviously, a woman must have thought of an idea so frivalous.

Kev Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 02:03 AM EST

Unfortunately for your flawless powers of deductive reasoning, I am a real separate entity from the poster below with whom I just happen to agree. This site allows you to post anonymously.'Miya'has posted several times already, why the hell would she even feel the slightest need to repost under a pseudonym? That's just plain silly. Use your head. And, Jay, I find it surprising that you would feel justified in 'slapping the face' of someone who disagrees with another's assessment of the 'deep personal tragedy'in question... speaking as someone who has witnessed firsthand such tragedies in people whom I cared very deeply for, people who did not have the limelight, wealthy families, or legions of fans to pat them on the head in sympathy, I find it rather crass for someone like you (Have YOU?) to imply that such an incident lifts Ms. Allen to some kind of Sainthood. This just happens to normal people everyday. It's one of the risks. Sure it sucks, but we accept the risk when we try it.

Jay Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:44 AM EST

I just wanna say that Whitney is fearless for braving the comments section of this post, and Miya/Kev (cmon, we know they're the same person), has got it completely wrong. To me, Lily Allen is a fantastically smart songwriter, and that is what ultimately makes her a true mascot for female empowerment. Whitney was being pretty clear that the sneakers, the cursing, and the general "dont-give-a-crap" personality is what appeals to her but doesn't have to appeal to everyone.

Also, Miya, I'd like to slap you in the face for implying that suffering a miscarriage is somehow a laughable experience. What happened to Lily Allen, and what happens to women all too regularly is a tragedy, end of story. We get your point, but don't be insulting. Whitney may have taken the high road on that one, but I can't help it. Maybe it's the Lily in me.

Kev Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:54 PM EST

Way to miss the point, Whitney! It's high time we all got over this whole idolatry of over-privileged little snobs. I believe that the point 'Miya' was making below is that being born of power and privilege is no substitute for true character. Gee, spoiled kid born of rich famous parents becomes even more rich and famous? Wow! Way to pull yourself up by your bootstraps, kiddo.
Seriously, when are we going to be sick and tired of these spoiled rich kids and their idiotic behaviour bred of their ridiculous egos and tremendous sense of entitlement? And why the hell do they all look the same, anyway? Lily Allen? Katie Perry? Peaches Geldof? The whole idiom is just tired as hell. Next, please...
Can we be empowered by something other than being a complete jackass, please?

Ariel Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:45 PM EST

Just wondering- How again does it make you a 'cool chick' to be a drunken loudmouthed crybaby slapper?

Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:43 PM EST

Way to miss the point there, Whitney! Congratulations on your astounding obtuseness- it's clearly got you far in life. You go, girl! carry on with your admiration of petty bitchery and spoiled brat tantrums masquerading as power. It's your right as a WOMAN! Woot! I'll take Madeleine Albright anyday.

Meg Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:13 PM EST

If I had to pick someone, there are so many options. For pop culture, no one beats Katharine Hepburn. I love her, because she's smart, opinionated, strong, and really doesn't give a crap what you say--she just says how she feels. Plus: she was a strong supporter of the women's movement, and pioneered the practice of girls wearing pants and not conforming to stereotypes. In terms of a character, I find Dana Scully (X-Files) empowering--smart and sexy, determined and able. (And not sleeping with every guy she meets like some show depict!) And don't forget Fiona Apple--she has conquered her rough upbringing and her attack--and come out with a great music career; she also doesn't compromise her vision.
Historically, I would have to go with Abigail Adams--she was one hell of a strong lady! And to thank Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and all the women of the suffrage movement--thankst to you we all have a voice! Thanks!

Whitney Pastorek Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:40 PM EST

Oh, Miya. And we'd been having such a NICE discussion. I'm sorry I make you want to vomit. But Lily Allen doesn't have to be your mascot! She just has to be mine. I'm wondering who you'd pick-- you do seem quite opinionated. (As for whether or not Ms. Allen is a "decent person," well, I don't know her. But she seems like she'd be a pretty cool hang. And so am I! Yay for cool chicks!)

severine Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:23 PM EST

i agree w/ Miya. Lily Allen just seems like a stereotype, the kind of woman who'll sleep around just because it empowers her. yea, right.

Miya, continued Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:09 PM EST

She is fully herself at all times, even as she's still figuring out who that self is (which involves a lot of posturing as someone she isn't), and really couldn't give a rip whether that's okay with anyone or not.(except for all that time she spends blubbing on myspace about how mean everyone is to her because of it) And that, my estrogen buddies, is the definition of empowered. (No, that's the definition of a spoiled little girl) Actually, screw that: Lily Allen is just plain powerful. I hate the idea that as women we need to tiptoe up to our strength like a heavy barbell and be condescendingly applauded when we lift it. Argh. Oh, there I go getting shrill again. Whitney, you have no idea what true strength is, regardless of gender. Women like you make me want to vomit and turn my membership card in. How about being a decent PERSON, whatever you have between your legs? That's my idea of empowerment, suburban bimbo.

Miya Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:08 PM EST

hy is Lily Allen my WS-EW Queen? It's quite simple: Because she became famous for wearing trainers with prom dresses. (No, she became famous for being Keith Allen's spoiled loudmothed rude little twat of a daughter) Because she curses like a really smart sailor (no, just a sailor). Because she suffered true tragedy quietly (a miscarriage? Puh-leeze), but suffers small indignities as loud as she can. Because she does what she wants, when she wants, and doesn't apologize for it, (this is nothing to be proud of, nor to admire unless you yourself are a selfish little princess with entitlement issues) unless she does apologize for it, and then it's the least apologetic apology you'll ever hear (so being a little rude be-yotch is also something to strive for?)

Jackie in Dallas Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:54 PM EST

As a 58-year old woman who was in the civil rights movement in the 60s, and the women's rights movement in the 70-80s, my role model is still MY mom. She was a small town girl who fit in in Paris and Rome as a military wife, who moved two kids and her entire household on average of every three years for most of her life after marrying my dad, and raised two daughters who went on to become career women. My older sister opted for the family first, but has gone back to make a good career, while I've focused on career all the way. My mom said we could do whatever we wanted, if we wanted it badly enough, and she was right. I did a four year stint in the Air Force, and the last 30 years in the high tech field, where I've constantly been surrounded and outnumbered by men without bowing down.

My favorite quote? "Well behaved women rarely make history."

severine Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:54 PM EST

lily allen seems self-pitying, materialistic and fickle to me. not good pick. she's gonna have major breakdown any day now. i'd choose norah jones, for being a true novelty as it comes to women her age in the music industry: she's multi talented (voice, several instruments, songwriting), she's not obsessed with her appearance/vanity or oversexed, and there's a refreshing honesty, realness and unpretentiousness about her.

to Dennis N. from fancypants Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:49 PM EST

*that's pretty cool

to Dennis N. from fancypants Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:48 PM EST

I chose Jill Biden, b/c if you read up on her bio, she has dedicated her career to teaching undergraduate English at the community college level, specifically because she wants to help the students who don't quite have what it takes or the finances to enter a 4yr program. also, she is going to continue teaching WHILE she's 2nd lady of the US. that's pretty school. also, she hasn't been hyped at all during the election and subsequently, but if you take the time to learn about her, and watch her interviews, she shows such poise, wit, intelligence and presence. she's no trophy wife, bimbo, or socialite.

stella Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:35 PM EST

Tina Fey? The epitome of every young girl's role model - sexy, funny, smart.

Hilary Clinton. Duh.

Kate Winslet, Sofia Coppola (films are so uncompromisingly feminine, no wonder men can't stand them), Amy Poehler (see Tina Fey), Judi Dench, Oprah (I don't like her, but there's no denying it), Meryl Streep, Gloria Steinem, Anne Hathaway (How To Recover From a Breakup or Scandal: Look smashing every day, appear on SNL, and get nominated for tons of awards) Maggie Gyllenhaal: she doesn't mind flipping off the paparazzi and proves that in TDK that talent will overcome even a celebrity husband or excellent haircut (ya hear that, Katie Holmes?)

Lengedary strong actresses of the past: Katherine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Lauren Bacall.

Stef Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:48 PM EST

Yeah, Lily Allen is a great pick! I can't wait for her album either. Whenever I'm in a bummer mood, I play "Everything's Just Wonderful" and feel like she totally gets it.

wg Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 02:35 PM EST

My picks are two fab Brits - Catherine Tate's character Donna Noble from "Doctor Who" and Julie Walters' character Rosie from "Mamma Mia". They're my role models of awesome women.

Dennis N. Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 02:30 PM EST

Mucho kudos to you, Whitney, for the intelligent and oh-so-smart feedback. This should be a weekly feature! "Whit's Whims," we'll call it.

Martha Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 01:17 PM EST

Awesome post as always, Whittlz. I don't have enough room here to list all the women I admire; instead I'll pick a bone with the folks who made up Women's Empowerment Week - why isn't *every* week Women's Empowerment Week? And why focus only on us XX'ers? Everyone could use a little empowerment. I get that we women have a ways to go to reach 'equality' with men (however you define it) but designating a symbolic week doesn't seem to me to be anything but lip-service.

Cara Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 12:55 PM EST

Fantastic post, Whitney. You're too good for this site.

As for my women's empowerment nominee, I have to go with Hilary Clinton. I don't agree with her politics, I'm not even sure I like her as a person, but there's no denying that she did what everyone's been afraid to do for years. She gave that Presidency thing a serious try, and she made it really, really far. Because of her, it's going to be acceptable in the future.

Whitney Pastorek Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 12:16 PM EST

fancypants: So long as her opinion is relegated to her little commentary section every night, I've got no problems with it. I can think of several personality-driven newshours that let the opinions run rampant throughout; at least hers is somewhat corralled. But I don't think anyone's pretending that these cable news shows are bastions of impartial journalism, anyway. More and more they strike me as drive-time talk radio with shiny pictures.

Jughed Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:54 AM EST

Jodie Marsh! She has a certain quality that I can't resist...

My Thoughts Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:31 AM EST

Good choice! I love Lily Allen. Her album was smart, funny and not afraid to be harshly honest. I look forward to her new album. I also vote for Pink, who is who she is, whether people approve or not.

On another note, the word "cougar" is one of the most degrading words ever used to describe women of any age.

Lindsay Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:25 AM EST

Rachel Maddow! She's a talented, brillant. strong woman who makes the guys on MSNBC look ridiculous. And I second the Kate Winslet comment- it's about time someone's making news for saying you embrace your curves!

Dennis N. Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:37 AM EST

fancypants: just out of curiosity, why Jill Biden? Because she's married to the Vice President to Barack Obama? If that's the reason, that's so NOT self-empowerment.

Dennis N. Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:32 AM EST

Robyn 100%! Her quiet departure from her record label and delightfully unique brand of strong femininity makes me wish I had hairless armpits just so I could start growing them out.

Nancy Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:14 AM EST

hooray! - well said! I'm wondering if we'll all be paid 30 cents more an hour this week, to make up for the fact that women make 70 cents to every dollar men make. We've come a long way, baby, but we're not there yet.

fancypants Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:57 AM EST

Ok, Whitney. If you read this or respond, tell me, why has Campbell suddenly decided to inject her opinion into the news? Wasn't she all about just reporting the facts, and letting the viewer decide? At least whenever she filled in on Today, when she was NBC? While I don't entirely dislike her, I do feel that she presents her opinion as though they have more weight than anyone elses. As much as you love Campbell, you have got to admit that she does not have the presence or gravitas to deliver opinions like, say, the late great Tim Russert or Christiane Amanpour, although they rarely gave/give opinions. Plus I think it is of note that Campbell is married to a Republican strategist - Dan Senor. That might not mean much, I mean look at Carville and Matalin, but then again, their relationship is not the norm. Plus, Soledad O'Brien and Suzanne Malveaux are waaay better (and Harvard grads). :)

katie jane Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 02:11 AM EST

my girl power hero has always been NINA SIMONE! when she sings happy, i can't help but feel joyous, and when she sings sad, i bawl.

whitney pastorek Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 01:02 AM EST

hooray!: That was very nicely put. I am rarely full of grace myself, but I do so admire those who are. Thanks for reminding all of us that there's different definitions of power.

hooray! Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 12:46 AM EST

I commend Lily Allen for living her life how she wants to live it. I resent the prominent idea here, however, that in order for a woman to seem "self-empowered" she has to be a drinking, smoking, swearing, provocative She-Ra. Nothing wrong with that either, of course, I'm just saying that plenty of women live quiet, subtle, yet just as empowered lives, full of grace. How about a big round of kudos for any woman who makes her enjoyment of her life experiences more important than the number on the scale; who is unapologetically herself--girly-girl as she wants to be or as She-Ra as possible; who knows when to take care of others and when to let others take care of her; who lives life in the public eye with grace and wit; and who cares about the legacy she leaves, because there's nothing more self-empowering than helping others empower themselves!

LadyHawke Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 12:36 AM EST

Great post Whitney, really great.
My WS-EW mascot has to be Tina Fey. I still cannot understand how she was not chosen EW's 2008 Entertainer of the Year. I mean, seriously, what else did she have to do this year to get it?

whitney pastorek Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 12:19 AM EST

Okay, I am loving this comment thread, keep 'em coming! But fancypants, I'll fight you on the Campbell Brown thing-- I adore her. She smirks just right. Tina Fey, of course, of course, and Moxie, Pink was a close runner-up to Lily Allen for the star of this post. Finally, to everyone who's praising the real women in their own lives-- teachers, daughters, mothers-- I say a big HELLS YES.

Amysprite Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 12:19 AM EST

I love Helen Mirren. She is so sexy and talented and down to earth and, what, 60-ish? She is fabulous!!

jackie Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 11:44 PM EST

Great post. Not sure why everyone has to look to celebrities in this case, though. My mascot? My mother. I admire her because she is a 54-year-old woman who has always done what she wanted to do and has never let the haters get her down. Not once. I try to emulate her every day.

Moxie Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 11:40 PM EST

I'll go with Tina Fey. Smart. Funny. "I'll make my OWN way in this biz if I have to" attitude.

I'd also like to throw P!nk into the mix. No BS and her "I am who I am with no apologies" way is, I think, pretty amazing!

LK Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 11:23 PM EST

ohh i almost forgot
Eve Ensler - for inspiring women and starting a tradition thats still continuing 11 years later
and Heather Raffo - "9 Parts of Desire" is just magnificent

my American Theatre History teacher for telling her students to question everything and instilling in us the drive to "Eat the world or the world will eat you."

fancypants Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 10:53 PM EST

campbell brown has absolutely no personality or gravitas. i find it laughable that she hosts a show called "no bull no bias". please.
anyway, my shout-outs to great women go to: MICHELLE OBAMA, JILL BIDEN, CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CATE BLANCHETT, GWEN IFILL, VIOLA DAVIS and MERYL STREEP. awesome, inspiring women right there.

Angela Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 10:37 PM EST

Toni Morrison, Tina Fey, Oprah and Curtis Sittenfeld

Ellie Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 09:32 PM EST

Kate Winslet.

Jennifer Garner--for being so darn nice.
And ass-kicking as Sydney Bristow.

meg Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 09:25 PM EST

Kate Winslet = crazy awesome.

LK Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 09:08 PM EST

Meryl Streep
Natalie Portman
Imogen Heap
Dido
Alicia Keys

KEVIN Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 08:08 PM EST

She drinks (only sometimes) she smokes, she uses foul language, (only sometimes) and she takes the piss out of people that are asking for it! Do I Like her for that? HELL YEAH I LOVE HER FOR THAT!

Cranky Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 08:00 PM EST

Gotta jump on the Tina Fey bandwagon. She didn't just have a great year, she's been smartening up TV for almost a decade. GO TINA!

NYCGirl Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 06:45 PM EST

And Tina Fey made it "acceptable" for women to wear glasses.

I also have to give America Ferrera credit for being a young celebrity who seems to realize that--gasp!--there's more going on in the world than clubbing and the like.

Ali Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 06:44 PM EST

Storm Large (one of the contestants from Rock Star Supernova) She's not afraid to be herself. Her song "Ladylike" is my anthem!

Jay Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 06:20 PM EST

Also, remember a year or two ago when everyone was comparing Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen and trying to decide who was better? Well, can I go ahead call it in Lily's favor? Look at the two of them now and I think we can see which one is in it for the long haul.

Jay Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 06:16 PM EST

Bjork. Also, Lily Allen is great.

Kaiulani Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 06:11 PM EST

Thank you Whitney for saying like it is. I am so tired of having to justify who I am just because I am female. I am a 41-yr geologist, who works in a male dominated world and I love it. I also can curse like a solider (former Army brat), drink anyone under the table, but I also love my Prada purses, high heels and Project Runway. I am also the mother of two beautiful teenage girls and making sure that they grow up with the same self-confidence that my parents instilled in me is my highest priority.

Mae Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 06:06 PM EST

I totally agree with Lily Allen. Thanks for the videos! :)

Lauren Azar Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 05:33 PM EST

Tina Fey. Smart, funny and (gasp!) attractive? Her own TV show, already legendary political impression and movie star who writes her own words? Couldn't be. Name one female SNL alum as successful. Actually don't because you can't. Thank you, Tina, for proving us girls can be smart and funny (on PURPOSE) too!

Olivia Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 05:25 PM EST

My WS-EW mascot is M.I.A. because she's risen above her past to become successful and she speaks her mind, unlike most female celebrities *cough*anyone employed by Disney*cough*

Susan Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 04:47 PM EST

very nice!!

Ashleigh Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 03:51 PM EST

I love Lily Allen's cover of "Womanizer!" It's better that Yael Naim's rendition of "Toxic," IMO.