What a perfect day to write my first post of 2019 because today is 3/8 International Women’s Day! Let’s not get into the discussion on whether or not this is necessary/ gender equality etc. because that would take another million words. Let’s go back to this jaw dropping, humor packed heroine movie that is all about staying true to your values, believing in yourself, FORGIVING yourself and embracing friendship. To be honest, this applies to everyone, regardless of gender.

*mild spoiler alert*

My favorite quote by Captain Marvel was when she was being challenged, yet again by her male “mentor” to fight him without using her power to which she finally said, “I’ve got nothing to prove to you.” I’m sure I’m not the only one who constantly feels the need to excel and exceed expectation; to prove my worth that I deserve to be in such a place or given this opportunity since high school, college even throughout my career. This movie and a lot of personal experiences made me realized that I, myself, am the only person who THINKS that way. I am the one who constantly doubts myself and deems myself unfit for challenges.

It is scientifically proven that females are more prone to imposter syndrome, perhaps it is because the way society was structured since the beginning of homo sapiens but I just want to say that EVERYONE feels that way at some point. By talking to more and more successful people that I look up to, I realized that we all feel a bit insecure, a bit out of place, a bit like “how does everyone’s insanely awesome work look so effortlessly done” from time to time.

Even the most experienced female leaders in multinational companies FEEL THAT WAY. It is ok to be uncertain and doubtful at times and that is not a sign of weakness. It just meant that you care about your growth and is conscious about your abilities. Often times I found that by doing your best, being genuine and open to feedback is the best anecdote 🙂 Of course our ability is limited to certain extent, but if you have never taken a leap of faith and given your very best, how could you know what your best self looks like?

That’s why in the end Captain Marvel can fly and single handedly DESTROY spaceships; she finally believed in herself and broke out of the shackles formed by others’ opinions. She is flawed, but by acknowledging it, it makes her invincible. She stood up against non-believers and challengers again and again because every time you get up, you are stronger.

What I also ABSOLUTELY LOVE about this movie is that there is a strong emphasis on friendship. Even in the days when you have lost faith in yourself (because it happens!), that you felt like you’re not up for the next challenge, that you’re simply not good enough, it works wonders to have a friend or two (I am very lucky and grateful to have more than that, in various timezones 😉 who could shake you up and remind you how much you’ve accomplished so far and how marvelous you are as a human being. We all forget about that sometimes. I love how the story puts these two female roles in the Air Force where they could only fly experimental planes because the law back then didn’t allow women to fly on mission. I love that not only are they fighting gender equality back then but also racism; Captain Marvel’s best friend is black, and a wonderful mother and role model to her daughter.

*mild spoiler alert* ends

So I’m sorry Cap and Thor, who used to be my favorite for their amazing leadership and OP skills (that act he pulled on Nidavellir?!), Captain Marvel has easily replaced them. This then got me thinking, how can any girl look up to a role model, if she has never seen one before? How do they know, oh I can become so and so if they’ve never known a real life example? Indeed, Gal Gadot was amazing. In Wonder Woman she had inspired many young girls around the world that not only men can be powerful and badass! But beyond “superhero” industry (since it is a very limited and imaginary one), how often do you see a female exemplar in say Engineering, Politics, Medicine, Aviation (Amelia 😛 but that’s it!) let’s not forget that this movie, is also the first female directed Marvel movie, out of 21.

I’m sure you can name a few, but the real question is, if you were to think of the male counterparts of these industries, I’m sure there are TOO many for you to even begin. It is undeniable that a lot of work still needs to be done in all too many industries.

According to dictionary, a heroine is a woman admired for her courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. So to all accomplished women out there, I want to echo Lean In (by Sheryl Sandberg) that you are the role model that younger girls look up to, and you’ve already got what it takes to be their heroine. I also sincerely hope that one day, I can become the heroine that my 16 year old self would look up to.

p.s. I was a bit skeptical at first because I’ve been overwhelmed by the many Marvel movies and Brie Larson isn’t really my type but I must admit that it is complete prejudice, and I absolutely adore this character and how she portrayed her flaws, humors, her tremendous courage and faith. Captain America may be the first Avenger, but Captain Marvel is the PERSON who inspired the team name Avengers 😉 who also happens to be a woman : ) 

Image from polygon.com