In a recent episode of ‘commodifying feminism 101’ aka Celebrity Big Brother, our beloved Princess in waiting, Meghan Markle, was brought up. And it turns out that Ann Widdecombe is not a fan. Highlighting her ‘background’ as the primary reason for concern (eye roll), the conversation turned to her previous marriage and age. Because these are the super feminist conversations we should be having right now.
Being the pillar of perfection that she is, Ann deemed her being divorced as one of the reasons Meghan is ‘trouble’. Watch out ladies, if you manage not to have the most successful marriage in the world, as 42% of us do in the UK, you’re not fit for marrying a Prince. It was a timely revelation, given that Monday was national Divorce Day- the day couples usually tend to feel more disillusioned in their relationship. If you’re one of those unlucky people, feeling tired of your relationship post-Christmas stress, we hope you weren’t watching last night.
Another reason you’re not fit to marry/be a Princess/live a normal life according to 70-year-old Ann? If you’re three years older than your partner. In a typically conservative opinion, an older woman marrying a younger man makes Ann feel ‘uneasy’ thanks to societal norms that women should always be younger than their partners. What is the logic behind this, you ask? There is none. It’s a ludicrous gender double-standard that assumes men must be the older, and therefore wiser, more powerful person in a relationship. We can’t possible deem Meghan more mature, secure and successful therefore an absolute catch for Harry. No, she MUST be a COUGAR out to STEAL Harry’s power and take advantage of our beloved Prince.
There’s also her ‘attitude’ to consider, which apparently contributes to Meghan’s reputation as ‘trouble’. We can only assume Ann is referring to Meghan’s seemingly self-assured confidence and her outspoken views as a feminist. We can see why this makes Ann uneasy to be honest, it’s bound to upset any right-wing Tory to see a strong, liberal woman entering the Royal family. We, for one, can’t wait.
While we can only comment on what was explicitly said, viewers weren’t convinced that Ann branding Meghan trouble because of her ‘background’ were exactly what she meant. Many were convinced that it was Meghan’s race that Ann has an issue with.
What can we gather from all of this? Basically, if you’ve lived any sort of life other than hers, Ann Widdecombe does not approve.
More women that probably make Ann 'uneasy'? These amazing directors and the films to look forward to in 2018...
Debrief Films By Female Directors To Be Excited About In 2018
1 of 81. A Wrinkle In Time
Based on the book of the same name by Madeleine L'Engle, a movie adaptation directed by Ava DuVernay is on the way and if you haven't watched the trailer/seen that incredible Time magazine cover, you need to get on board because it's really exciting. It's a fantasy adventure film starring Oprah, Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon and with this film Ava DuVernay has become the fourth woman and first African American woman to direct a film with a budget of more than $100 million. 23 March 2018
2 of 82. The Spy Who Dumped Me
Directed by Susanna Fogel, The Spy Who Dumped me is a comedy with Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon starring as BFFs who find out that the guy who dumped one of them is - wait for it- a spy. At the moment we know very little else about the film beyond the fact that Mila wears a blond wig at some point but we'll keep you posted.
3 of 83. Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig's directorial debut comes in the form of Lady Bird, the already hotly anticipated coming of age story that we all wish existed back when we were still in school. In short, it's a beautiful film about a young woman who likes to go by the name Lady Bird who is trying to navigate all of the usual suspects: her mother, her best friend, going to college, sex and, well, herself. 16 February 2018
4 of 84. Blockers
Kay Cannon who wrote the screenplays for the Pitch Perfect films is the director behind this comedy about three parents who find out about their daughters' plan to have sex on Prom night (otherwise referred to as a Sex Pact, apparently) and try to stop it happening. ILeslie Mann is in it and she's great. 6 April 2018
5 of 85. The Darkest Minds
This is another book adaptation that you're going to want to get familiar with real quick. Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson and starring the incredible Mandy Moore, Amandla Stenberg and Gwendoline Crisitie, The Darkest Minds is all about the 2% of kids in America who survive a crazy disease and end up developing superpowers. It's got a bit of a Hunger Games meets Divergent vibe if you ask me. 14 December 2018
6 of 86. Can You Ever Forgive Me
Get ready for another dose of comedy fave Melissa McCarthy in this Marielle Heller directed project. She stars as the best-selling celebrity biographer Lee Israel (the film's based on her memoir, you see) who was well known for profiling big shots like Katherine Hepburn and Estee Lauder back in the 70s and 80s. That ism until she lost her groove and ended up selling forged letters and stuff. October 2018
7 of 87. High Life
Celebrated French director Claire Denis has only gone and directed her first English language movie. It's a sci-fi drama starring none other than Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche and Mia Goth and pretty much focuses on a group of convicts who are sent to explore a black hole (knowing that they probably won't be returning from space alive) in return for having their jail sentences reduced. It's about a father-daughter relationship, it's about family, it's about home, it's about the unknown.
8 of 88. You Were Never Really Here
And finally we have a thriller directed by Lynne Ramsay that promises to be the sort of thing that lingers in your mind for a while after watching. You Were Never Really Here is about a private 'contractor' who is tasked with recovering a teenage girl who's gone missing. It's pretty dark and violent and intense but packed a resounding punch at Cannes last year. 9 March 2018
Check out the feminist conversations we should be having as we investigate the contraceptive pill's impact on our mental health...
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.