“We’ve been told our femininity is our weakness, but it is not.”
Bollywood actress, former Miss World and US TV star Priyanka Chopra has spoken out about the culture that allowed disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein to flourish.
Weinstein, who was a co-founder of Miramax and The Weinstein Company, was behind films like Shakespeare in Love, Pulp Fiction, Clerks, and The Crying Game. This month, serious allegations of sexual misconduct were reported in The New York Times, and since then, actresses like Angelina Jolie, Lupita Nyong’o, Ashley Judd and Gwyneth Paltrow have come forward with their own experiences.
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Speaking at a Marie Claire event in San Francisco, Chopra said that Weinstein was hardly alone in his attitudes and actions.
“I don’t think there is only a Harvey Weinstein in Hollywood,” Gulf News quoted the actress. “I think there will be a lot more stories that will come up that happens not just in India, but all over the world.
“It’s the power of men trying to take away the power of women. It’s about feeling powerful and macho.”
Chopra spoke eloquently of the sense of hopelessness many have felt following the stream of allegations against Weinstein.
“We watch the news and look for things that will be positive and that the world will be in a better place. But the reality is, the world is not,” she said, condemning the boys’ club she’s seen running film industries in India and Hollywood.
“It’s not just about sexuality. It’s not about sex. It’s about power.”
While realistic, Chopra wasn’t lacking in positivity. She said women shouldn’t feel the need to shrink ourselves in order to fit in.
“It’s an isolating feeling. The easiest thing to take away from a woman is her work,” Gulf News quoted her. “So what if I’m in heels? So what if I wear a dress?
“We’ve been told our femininity is our weakness, but it is not. We can be compassionate. We can be tough. When you open your mouth, you deliver.”
Chopra’s inspiring words come following a meeting with Queen Rania of Jordan in September. Then, the actress praised Jordan’s humanitarian efforts and the Queen’s own poise.
“It is amazing to see the full extent of support that the Kingdom of Jordan has provided during the ongoing Syrian refugee crises,” Chopra wrote on Instagram.
“Queen Rania is a true inspiration. Her tireless efforts to help those in need comes straight from the heart and has always been consistent.”
Between that, and her September meeting with Malala Yousafzai, Chopra is on a roll. Long may it continue.
Images: Getty
