Who do I look up to?

Women are often seen as sex toys or beach-body-goddesses because media is empowered by men. The way we are perceived through magazines, films, etc. puts pressure on us to look a certain way to conform to men's ideal female body types. But are looks really that important? In reality, there's more to women than having a gorgeous body. Other than my family members, there are a few other females that I look up to. She is one of them:

(Please watch the video)

One of the role models that I look up to is Oprah Winfrey. As seen in the short animation, Winfrey has been through a lot of hardships. She overcame each battle of confidence and began to change her mindset. Her personal life may not have been the best, but as her fame grew, her accomplishments, inspiration, influence on others grew as well.

Accomplishments

As an actress, she debuted in 1985 and was nominated 3 times for the film. In the following years, as she continued her journey, she began to receive more job offers and

became a producer as well. It wasn't until 2013 (when she was nominated for 11 awards and won 2 of them for The Butler playing as Gloria Gaines) when her fame skyrocketed and people began to notice her work and empowerment in the industry.

As a talk-show host, she has brought joy and inspiration to many people. The Wall Street Journal dubbed the term "Oprahfication" as a method of therapy; where people make public confessions. Time Magazine credited Oprah for opening another media communication door: "rapport talking." As Phil Donahue stated:

“Winfrey saw the television’s power to blend public and private; while it links

and conveys information over public airwaves, TV is most often viewed in the privacy of our homes. Like a family member, it sits down to meals with us

and talks to us in the lonely afternoons. Grasping this paradox, … She makes people care because she cares. That is Winfrey’s genius, and will be her

legacy, as the changes she has wrought in the talk show continue to permeate our culture and shape our lives.”

Inspiration

Winfrey has also helped others feel more confident by sharing some of her stories. Her personal life is a very touching and moving story that plays with our emotions. To think that she was molested and raped at such a young age and still come out strong after years of depression shows how determination can help you feel more confident in so many ways. She also helped other plus-sized people, especially women, feel more comfortable in their own skin. The November 1988 Ms observed that "in a society where fat is taboo, she made it in a medium that worships thin and celebrities a bland, white-bread pettiness of body and personality [...] But Winfrey made fat sexy, elegant - damned near gorgeous - with her drop-dead wardrobe, easy body language, and cheerful sensuality." Winfrey didn't workout on a regular basis to attract men. She wanted to show how body and mind are two separate components that affects how you see yourself.

Influence

"The Oprah Effect" has been dubbed from the power of Winfrey's opinion to

influence the public. For example, when she introduces a new book for her Book Club, the novel would instantly become a best-seller; meaning a million more additional book sales for the author. By using the mainstream media, mainly television and internet, she is able to motivate people to pick up a book and read. Another example is her endorsement for Barack Obama when he was running for president. She helped organize fundraisers and went with the Obamas to rallies in a couple of states. Two economists from the University of Maryland, College Park, estimated that Winfrey's endorsement was responsible for 420 000 to 1 600 000 votes.

One woman cannot represent all women. But Oprah Winfrey sees the world in its developing stage; where media is gaining more power. She is one of my role models because she has such a big heart for everyone. Everything she does is for the greater good, out of the kindness in her. By debuting in the broadcasting and film industry, she was able show that an African-American citizen can become a world-wide sensation. By using the popular media sources, she is able to help give hope to those who is afraid of their own voice. By being a positive influence, she one of the few people who is making the world a better place. We need more women to speak up about the inaccuracy of the women stereotypes. Since the media treats power as defined by men, many women are subjected to look and act a certain way just to please and impress; even if they are not comfortable with it. We are not the damsel in distress, waiting for the knight in shining armour to come rescue us. We are just as capable of doing anything men can do, the only way they'll start treating us as equal is when they truly believe that women are humans, not sex objects.