Stop Debating

 

With the recent opening of the long-awaited film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” actress, Carrie Fisher, who portrays the famous character, Princess Leia, opened up about her experiences with confining image in the filmmaking process. This is even as the seasoned actress of over forty years.

She openly discusses how, as she made this recent installment of the franchise, Hollywood’s pressure was still there, encouraging her to achieve a thin, ergo, beautiful, body.

And, as a woman in Hollywood, as a woman “of a particular age,” she made this bold statement which speaks to the blood sport we can make of judging a female’s beauty, especially as it relates to age and weight...

“Please stop debating about whether or not I aged well. Youth and beauty are not accomplishments, they’re the temporary happy by-products of time and/or DNA. Don’t hold your breath for either.”

 

 

There’s a sentiment out there which goes something like...

“Men are judged by what they do; women are judged for how they look.”

This is especially amplified within our western culture. It goes back to what we value: image, youth and results.

Therefore, when it comes to image, food and body issues, we often regard a certain aesthetic as an accomplishment. Check out the diet and fitness industries, the fashion magazines and the weight-loss reality television shows. As much as we may declare “diversity of beauty,” still, when it comes to a “bankable” aesthetic, we seem to default to young and thin.

So, the discussion continues, if not a full debate.

And it is here, again, where the Proverbs 31 Woman emerges as a pro-female weapon in the value debate.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

As noted in verses 10-31, I’ve frequently turned to this portrait to see God’s viewpoint of a woman. She is a multi-faceted human being. She flourishes personally and in business. She is loved and respected for the unique individual she is. She possesses such attributes as kindness, wisdom and strength.

And, when I read Carrie Fisher’s comment, what first sprang to mind was the following...

“...Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain...”

Yes, Fisher has often been viewed as the sex object of the film franchise. Her “Slave Leia” incarnation, from “Return of the Jedi,” showcases her provocative bikini top and scarf-like skirt costume.

 

 

This image has also produced merchandise, including toy figures and life-size cardboard cut outs of the Star Wars character. Indeed, “Slave Leia” has stimulated many a male fantasy.

Empirically, Fisher is beautiful. But her image, expressed through her portrayal of the character, has been the most discussed thing. There’s not as much discussion about Leia’s intellect, wisdom or integrity throughout the unfolding of the films. Instead it’s the all-important question of “how hot-or-not-hot-is- Princess- Leia- a/k/a/ Carrie Fisher?”

For let us never forget there is a real woman portraying this fictitious character. Carrie Fisher is more than Princess Leia. She is not only accomplished in film (including “Shampoo,” and “When Harry Met Sally”), she is also an accomplished writer as well (including “Postcards From the Edge” and “Delusions of Grandma”).

And, adding to those impressive accomplishments, she has most recently emerged as an advocate/activist for mental illness, openly discussing her own battle with the issue. That facet of her being is a positive statement for millions and of course, an empowering role model for her own daughter.

Still, with this astounding resume, we still keep focusing on Fisher’s appearance.

And now, in the context of the latest film, there emerges the question, “How has she aged?” There are different things you can read into that.

Is she ugly? Is she fat? Is she appealing enough to be in a movie?

Again, the sentiment...

“Men are judged by what they do; women are judged for how they look.”

In and of itself, there is nothing wrong with beauty. God creates it, including humanity’s beauty (see Song of Solomon 1:15; 2:14; 4:7; Psalm 139:14). But there is far more going on.

Unfortunately, human beings often cannot get past appearance...

“‘…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’”

1 Samuel 16:7

So, I suppose, the onus is on us to know our value and to not be talked out of it. We need to arm ourselves with the truth of our incredible selves.

Our worth is NOT up for debate!

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”

Psalm 139:14

Copyright © 2016 by Sheryle Cruse