Setting Fire to the Bond Girl Stereotype

The wailing sirens echoed through my mind. I must have heard him incorrectly. No man, much less a high school teacher, would claim that every woman dreams of portraying a Bond girl. No man, much less a high school teacher, would proudly announce that he encouraged his female employees to use their bodies to fill his bank account.

“Why wouldn’t a woman want to play a Bond girl? She makes millions off of saying nothing and showing everything,” agreed my male classmate.

I shot my defiant hand towards the ceiling and set my tongue ablaze. Women do not dream of being sexualized by predatory eyes. Women aspire to voice their opinions and apply their talents to instigate societal evolution. Despite feminism’s efforts to establish women’s rightful place in society, the men of generations past and present still haven’t understood the message.

As I glanced around the classroom, I realized that no other girl was paying attention to the discussion at hand. In a female-dominated classroom, I was the only one instinctively willing to spark change by speaking out against our male peers’ sexism.

By proudly upholding feminist ideals, I am making a difference in something much bigger than myself. My younger sister deserves to live in a world where a woman’s worth is not defined by her waist size. In the future, I want to shine a spotlight on Latina representation in the entertainment industry and be a role model for young girls across the globe.

A leader is outspoken. She passionately champions her beliefs without considering the social backlash she may receive. She is a voice for the voiceless led by a moral compass set in the direction of justice. I lead by standing out from the crowd in being the first to stand up for my beliefs. I am one of my generation’s pioneering forces in conversations that have waited too long to be held. Change begins with one woman’s courage to challenge the status quo; why shouldn’t I be her?

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NOTE: I wrote this essay in response to personal insight question #1 of the University of California application (Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time).