Cynthia Nixon praised for 'powerful' viral video about what it's like to be a woman
Cynthia Nixon has been praised for her “powerful” viral video detailing the realities of being a woman.
The short film was produced for Girls. Girls. Girls. Magazine.
The former Sex And The City actor, 53, can be seen reciting a blog post written by Camille Rainville entitled Be A Lady, They Said.
It addresses the onslaught of conflicting messages women receive every day, covering the way women dress, speak and conduct themselves.
Be a Lady They Said from Paul McLean on Vimeo.
It touches on a range of topics, starting with the opinions surrounding how women’s bodies are scrutinised. Including words like: “Go on a diet. Watch what you eat. Eat celery. Chew gum. Drink lots of water. You have to fit into those jeans. God, you look like a skeleton. Why don’t you just eat? You look emaciated.”
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Throughout the film, Nixon is seen sitting, looking at the camera.
The shot is interspersed by various clips from fashion shoots, films, TV and political debates, many of which include famous faces.
Elsewhere in the video, it addresses the struggle many women feel in relation to their voices being heard: “Be a lady they said. Don’t talk too loud. Don’t talk too much. Don’t take up space. Don’t sit like that. Don’t stand like that. Don’t be intimidating. Why are you so miserable? Don’t be a bitch.”
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The video has been watched 2 million times on Vimeo with thousands of people sharing their thoughts on it on social media.
“Incredible work. And incredible how any of us can navigate our way through these messages. Highlights the importance of those people in our lives who see us for who we are, not who we ‘should’ be.” One person said in a message direct at Nixon.
“Incredibly powerful. And as a mother of two young girls, completely terrifying.” Another added.
#BeaLadyTheySaid - incredibly powerful. And as a mother of two young girls, completely terrifying.
pic.twitter.com/jwg3iEDGx7
Bravo @CynthiaNixon 👏🏻— Lucy Stevens (@LucyMStevens) February 26, 2020
Incredible work. And incredible how any of us can navigate our way through these messages. Highlights the importance of those people in our lives who see us for who we are, not who we ‘should’ be.
— SheBrif (@TheSpecialEgg) February 26, 2020
Yes you are very right, we are all guilty of it. I am trying to be less judgmental but I think it stems back to years of women being pitted against each other.
— Katy Louise Eltman (@katylou22) February 26, 2020
It encouraged other women to speak out about how women - as well as men - are guilty of perpetuating these conflicting thoughts.
“Yes you are very right, we are all guilty of it. I am trying to be less judgmental but I think it stems back to years of women being pitted against each other.”
Regardless of the different chords the video struck, it has certainly opened up an online conversation about the conflicting messages women are subject to everyday.
Can we have a video like this everyday, please?
