Confession 148: Not Another Dumb Girl Movie

The Personal Finance kids in the class I'm subbing for are watching the movie Confessions of a Shopoholic as a fun end of semester treat.  I've never seen it before, and although it's not as bad as I initially thought it would be, I'm suddenly finding myself wanting to go into film making.  I've decided on a title for my as yet to be released (written) film: Not Another Dumb Girl Movie!!  You see, I'm tired of the ditzy portrayal of younger women in our society--girls who have no common sense, make the wrong/dumb choice at every turn, and yet still end up with the "perfect" guy because they're just so darn cute and cuddly!  Seriously?!  Where's Katherine Hepburn when you need her? 

I have to confess, I'm a huge classic movie buff.  My husband thinks it's ridiculous that I would choose to watch movies that were made before our parents were even born, but I love them.  And it's interesting to me that in a time when women did not have the opportunities that we have today so many of the classic film heroines would be such strong, smart, and witty chicks.  Look at the lineup: the aforementioned Kate, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Barbara Stanwyck, Myrna Loy.  These women weren't pushovers, at least not on screen.  And, they weren't insecure.  I can't think of a Katherine Hepburn movie where her character would invent some crazy story about herself to avoid dealing with the honest truth of a difficult situation.  The female leads in these classic films were funny, but not stupid.  They could play the coquette without being vapid. They didn't play dumb, they played tough.

I can't help but think of the Proverbs 31 woman.  Strong, smart and self-reliant, she is praised above all women.  With her life she honors God. The Psalmist shows her taking care of her family, elevating her husband's status in the community, making profitable business decisions, and being brave in the face of life's calamities.  Verses 25 and 26 have this to say:

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 

WISDOM--we are sorely lacking this in our society, and it shows in our portrayals of young women in the media.  I don't know about you, but I want to help raise up Proverbs 31 women.  Women who pay with cash, not credit.  Women who get jobs based on their abilities and merit.  Women who have firm values in place, who are not afraid of the truth, and who will show kindness and generosity to others.  I don't want my boys to bring home silly girls when they get older.  I want them to bring home girls who are witty and bright.  I want them to bring home girls who can put them in their place when necessary and build them up when needed.  

Above all else, I don't want another dumb girl movie!

Blessings and Peace,

Sara