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By Vanessa L. Tan
When given the chance to talk
about strong women, I’m recalling an amusing anecdote from my Boss
(who shall remain nameless lest I’m accused of having some brown
on my nose) and her husband. They played around with a website
program where you enter your name and it shows you your
‘supposed’ occupation. Husband inputs his name and came out with
“Emperor of all Mankind.” Of course, he was pleased. Then the
Boss enters her name. And hers came out as “God.” It was
hilarious but it’s pretty close to how I see her in light of what
she has accomplished in her life.
“If you give me a lever and a
place to stand, I will move the world”
Archimedes
She might as well be walking on
water while she’s at it. She’s a regional VP in a male dominated
company, respected by all, country manager for five subsidiaries,
responsible for bazillions of business, has a wonderful family and
still manages to keep her sanity and wit. Working with her inspires
me. What makes her so remarkable? Brains, work ethic and commitment
is a given. But one thing stands out: she’s strong. Not that
she’s built like a wrestler, but the strength of character is
there. I’ve have lived long enough to have witnessed mountains
being moved by will alone. Given her fiery drive and the chance to
make a difference, she moves each and everyone to greater heights.
Even the media I indulge in feed
my love of strong characters. Grown from a steady diet of “Buffy
the Vampire Slayer”, it’s no wonder I adore paragons of female
strength. Women who can change the air we breathe in. Given 5
minutes to name several women that have caught my attention, the
list is high on fierce action. This came from the top of my head so
I may need therapy.
1. Gorgo, Queen of Sparta, wife
to King Leonidas: If the historical queen was anything like the
movie version, this is one fearsome, vibrant woman. I admit to
watching 300 for the men, but this woman holds her own even
surrounded with overwhelming muscle. Her character had presence.
When King Leonidas said to Persian King “Clearly you don’t know
our women, I might as well have marched them up here by what I’ve
seen.” I can see her in my head, also punting Persians into that
huge hole of a well. (I’m digging one in front of my house just
for you).
2. Beatrix/The bride from
Killbill: Because she just won’t die. If you can come back from
hell and still look good in a yellow tracksuit, I’ll get you your
own band of crazy 88’s to manage as you see fit. (No? you want
Spartans instead? No. Those are for me.)
3. Erin Brockovich: She astounds
me. Truly disadvantaged but the brass balls determination of Erin
made history. When in self-doubt, I just think about her and I shuck
all excuses, for there should be none when you need to do what you
need to do.
4. Marge Simpson: Before Beatrix,
she was the original yellow woman. They say being married to Homer
builds character. Then there’s Bart . . . that’s epic level
character strength there from resisting the urge to throttle him
until he’s NOT yellow. I say, she was already as strong as her
blue hair is tall.
“Your left hand rocks the
cradle. Your right hand rules the world”
De beers right-hand ring
advertising copy
Though the women I admire are
rather extreme, I’m not saying to be strong you need to be bright
yellow, swish that katana, and move your toe after a coma. In real
life, I’m awed by the warm, gentle strength of those who commit to
the task of raising well-adjusted children who do not aspire for
rehab. Really, any living thing can spawn, but I consider raising
children to be model citizens a herculean task. Ask Marge.
As for me, I push myself in the
daily grind of small things where I rule over: The guts to choose
and stand by my choices, the ability to navigate the path where my
life goes and the bravery to fully embrace every aspect of it even
when it hurts. As they say that builds character which I’ll need
while I’m working on ruling the world.
The author is currently digging a
300-style deep well where she can toss in Christmas carolers who
can’t sing hoping the acoustics improve their singing. Post her a
reaction at www.flipnation.ph/vannie.
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