The female rebellion in contemporary media 
Through literature, film, and social media, women use modern media to raise their voices and redefine societal expectations.

Think about your favourite television show, book, movie, or even influencer—has it impacted your perspective in any way? If you think about it, the media we consume shapes our perspective and subtly influences the way we think and engage with the world around us.

Today, we rely on media and more often than not, it influences our culture. Through contemporary media, women are reclaiming their power using storytelling in literature, filmmaking, and social media to create space for taboo subjects. Through these channels, women have been able to discuss unfairness around sexual health, beauty standards, and entrepreneurship. Many young women are taking part in digital activism through the power of social media.

Women’s empowerment in literature

We read many novels with strong female roles, especially in books for younger audiences. One example is Fourth Wing, a fantasy romance novel written by Rebecca Yarros. In the book, we learn about its bold protagonist, Violet Sorrengail, who has an interesting storyline. She begins as a frail character set up to fail but eventually grows into a powerful dragon rider.

Violet’s unique determination is integral to the story. Where physical strength is generally attributed to men, Violet proves this narrative wrong. Her tireless spirit accompanies her headstrong attitude to inspire young women everywhere. Supporting characters, such as her sister, Mira, and best friend, Rhiannon, also inspire young female readers. 

Women’s empowerment in television

Such courage is no stranger to the big screen through television series like Fleabag. In this series, Fleabag—the protagonist of her self-titled show—is a snarky and adventurous woman. Fleabag is a visual depiction of a woman’s deepest desires, insecurities, and trauma. Fueled by meaningless sexual prowess, Fleabag is carefree, frequently making inappropriate jokes and disregarding social expectations.

Fleabag is rooted in reality, as she struggles with judgment from the closest females in her life. While she has no profound connections, she is a ball of insecurity that longs for companionship. Throughout the show, Fleabag struggles with vulnerability but represents a fearless character who rebels against normative activity with a journey of adaption.

Her journey is hardly limited to a series. Many movies, especially in the modern day, are introducing new angles to previously taboo behaviour. For instance, a prevailing fictional narrative about an exotic dancer, Anora, is steadily gaining traction with young audiences. 

Ani, the film’s main character, is constantly surrounded by male characters, but her persona far outshines them. Instead of relying on others, Ani’s resilience to forge her destiny is the focal point of the story. She is committed to a future for herself, without a man, and she has no problem rebelling against authority.

Ani’s autonomy, assertiveness, and emotional complexity, coupled with her unusual profession and choices, make her an example of a fierce woman. Despite the stigma surrounding her career, Ani is a testament to the choices women can make for themselves. 

This tendency has even bled into Disney as of late. In a move unheard of for the company, Disney recently released the modernist film Turning Red. Focused on the stigmatized topic of menstruation, the film details the emotionally challenging journey of puberty. 

It compares the waves of emotions women experienced in that period to a giant, often destructive red panda. While Mei Lei, the protagonist, is an upstanding young girl, her transition showcases her rebelliousness. She emphasizes emotional expression, defying cultural and even parental norms. 

For young children, Mei Lei is a mirror of their battles as they grow and change. Her support for her friends, emotional vulnerability, and outspoken conduct encourages girls to express themselves. More so, it changes the conversation around reproductive health, encouraging open-mindedness and social support.

Women’s empowerment in social media

This social shift is echoed in part by the lived experiences of social media users. In a rising digital age, women are unafraid to use their online platforms and spread awareness. One such way is through the prevalence of female-voiced podcasts, such as We Can Do Hard Things. 

Led by Glennon Doyle, her wife Abby Wambach, and her sister Amanda Doyle, the podcast is entirely dedicated to talking about the “real” things, such as sex, gender, and justice. The name itself is an ode to an equal-gender space, where women can do all the difficult things men are expected to do. 

Social media platforms have also done that through digital marketplaces. These are integral to the livelihoods of women and have encouraged female entrepreneurship. Although economic independence was a challenging endeavour for women, social media gives their companies exposure. 

Through channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and even WhatsApp, women can market their products and create direct relationships with consumers. These platforms have enabled women to form relationships with other entrepreneurs, enhancing professional collaboration. Further, social media platforms are easily accessible by both companies and consumers.

Businesses such as Kenna’s Crystals have profited by creating a brand around their product. The owner, Kenna, elevated crystal shopping with routine packing, restocking videos, and transparency. She now has a global audience that sells out her plentiful stock in mere seconds. Her Canadian-based brand is incredibly fast-growing, with its largest marketing platform being TikTok. 

Social media creators can also benefit from sponsorship by collaborating with some of the largest brands to exist. Steadily, more “mommy vloggers” are sharing their lives online by creating videos like “what my family eats in a day” or “shopping spree with my kids.” Through these videos, these creators are able to gain a steady income while at the same time connecting with a community that shares similar experiences.

Meanwhile, other creators like Samyra are bringing attention to topics like plus-size shopping through their social media platforms.

With her song called “Plus-Size Freestyle,” Samyra’s platform is based entirely around her trying out plus-size items from different brands and confidently addressing the brands’ lack of visibility. From Target to the fan-favourite Aritizia, Samyra rates every brand’s clothing options for larger sizes, with a specific emphasis on the lack of athletic wear for plus-size women. 

As Ozempic continues to take over the cultural conversation, Samyra uses this as motivation to speak up through her activism in her platform and music. According to a Refinery29 article, Samyra stated, “We are back in a time where thinness is more celebrated, as is the proximity to thinness, so brands have had and will have selective listening. And so it’s going to take more than just fat people to see that change.”

All around, we engage in these small acts of empowerment. Through digital enterprise, activism, or narrative, women are using media to reinterpret their roles, establish communities, and yield significant cultural change.