I'm just not into that entire 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' stuff.

Ah, the words of Shanna Moakler, whose reflection on the world of Hollywood and its portrayal of women touches on a deeper question of identity, purpose, and the complex nature of the roles that women are asked to play in the entertainment industry. She says, "I'm just not into that entire 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' stuff. They're going in and doing movies, and it's like, 'When did these women become sex symbols?' It's a part of Hollywood I don't understand." In this moment, Moakler calls attention to the shifting and, perhaps, misguided portrayal of women in media—how they are sometimes placed into roles that define them by their sexuality and appearance, rather than by the depth of their character or the strength of their spirit. She reflects on the uneasy intersection between empowerment and objectification, a theme as old as time itself.

In the ancient world, the roles women played in myths and legends were often defined by their beauty and their ability to inspire desire. Yet, many of the greatest female figures, such as Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, and Artemis, the huntress goddess, were revered not for their beauty alone, but for their strength, intelligence, and agency. Athena was a symbol of wisdom and justice, qualities that elevated her above mere physical allure. Artemis, with her fierce independence, rejected the typical roles of women and lived a life of autonomy and action. Moakler’s concern about the portrayal of women in modern media echoes this ancient wisdom: that true empowerment lies not in being reduced to a sexualized image, but in being celebrated for one’s fullness—for all the aspects of who one truly is, including strength, wisdom, and agency.

Consider the Greek tragedies—the works of Sophocles and Euripides—where female characters like Antigone and Medea are not defined by their beauty, but by their actions, their choices, and their moral convictions. Antigone defies the king to bury her brother, and in doing so, becomes a symbol of sacrifice and integrity, standing firm in her beliefs even in the face of death. Medea, though deeply troubled and tragic, embodies the fury of a woman scorned and the depth of her emotional and intellectual capacities. These women were not merely sexualized objects; they were figures of moral complexity and power, representing the strength of the human spirit and the consequences of defying societal norms. Moakler’s words suggest that, just as in ancient myth, women in modern media deserve the opportunity to be seen in the same light—not as mere symbols of desire, but as complex, multifaceted beings with agency and purpose.

Moakler's discomfort with the portrayal of women as sex symbols in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer speaks to a broader cultural phenomenon. Hollywood, in its often simplistic view of femininity, has historically reduced its female characters to mere stereotypes, focusing more on their appearance and sexual appeal rather than their character and intellect. This is a pattern that stretches back to the ancient traditions of theater and storytelling, where women were often portrayed as objects of desire or as vessels of moral lessons, rather than as full, dynamic characters in their own right. The ancient Greeks, for all their advancement in philosophy and art, often reduced their female characters to roles that reflected society’s limitations on women, creating archetypes that were either virginal or vengeful—neither of which allowed for the full expression of their humanity.

The lesson embedded in Moakler’s words is one of empowerment and respect. To be fully empowered, a woman must be portrayed for who she is, not for how others wish to see her, nor for how society wishes to mold her. The true power of women in ancient myths lies in their agency, in their choices, in their ability to act—not simply to inspire longing, but to shape their own destinies. This is a lesson for all creators of stories, in any form: to show women not just as objects of desire, but as complex and powerful figures who can shape the world around them, much as the great women of myth and history did. Whether in film, literature, or theater, we must ensure that the characters we create are fully realized, with all the complexities and contradictions of the human experience.

Thus, the call to action is clear: celebrate the full humanity of women in the stories you tell. Whether you are a writer, a filmmaker, or a creator of any kind, understand that true empowerment comes from portraying women as whole beings, not just as symbols of desire. Just as Antigone and Medea were defined by their decisions and actions, let us allow women in modern stories to be defined by their strength, wisdom, and choices—not simply by their sexuality or appearance. Moakler’s reflection calls us all to re-examine the way we tell stories and to ensure that we give women the same depth and complexity that has been afforded to male characters throughout history. By doing so, we will not only create richer, more authentic stories, but we will also contribute to a world where all women are celebrated for their full selves, not just for the roles others have imposed upon them.