In life, single women are the most vulnerable adults. In movies

"In life, single women are the most vulnerable adults. In movies, they are given imaginary power." These profound words by Elizabeth Wurtzel offer a searing insight into the dichotomy between reality and fantasy, particularly in relation to the single woman in society. Wurtzel’s observation highlights a deep truth that has existed across time: society often views single women as vulnerable, fragile, and in need of protection, yet popular culture, particularly through movies, transforms them into heroes, wielding strength, independence, and power. This contrast is not merely an observation of the media but a reflection of the societal forces that shape the way women are perceived and the limitations imposed upon them.

In life, a single woman is often seen as incomplete or lacking, her worth measured by the relationships she forms or fails to form with others. The social pressure to pair with a partner, to be part of a family unit, leaves single women in a precarious position. They are often regarded as vulnerable, exposed to the risks and uncertainties of the world. Whether it be through financial struggles, societal expectations, or emotional isolation, the single woman can feel as though she is navigating life without the support systems that are commonly afforded to couples or families. This vulnerability is not just physical but also emotional and societal, as the world tends to see her as unfinished or incomplete, waiting for the missing piece to arrive.

Yet, in the realm of cinema, a completely different narrative unfolds. The single woman is often cast as a force to be reckoned with. She may be portrayed as a hero, battling the odds, achieving great feats, and exercising power that defies the limitations placed on her by society. From the empowered single women of action films to the romantic leads who ultimately find their own independence and joy, the movies offer a fantasy where single women are more than just survivors—they are victors. These portrayals present an idealized vision of life, where women’s strength and independence are glorified and celebrated, a stark contrast to the vulnerability that society often imposes upon them in real life.

Historical examples abound where the realities of single women’s lives diverge sharply from their cinematic counterparts. Consider the life of Jane Austen, who never married and lived much of her life in relative seclusion, yet whose novels brim with the wit, wisdom, and resilience of her characters, many of whom were single women navigating the complexities of society. Though Austen herself faced societal limitations as an unmarried woman, her characters—such as Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice—are strong-willed, intelligent, and capable of profound emotional and social victories. However, Austen’s own reality was much less glamorous, constrained by the social structures of her time. Her success as an author is a testament to how fictional strength can offer an idealized world where single women do not need to be defined by their relationship status.

Similarly, Frida Kahlo, one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century, embodies both the vulnerability and empowerment that Wurtzel speaks of. Kahlo, who lived much of her life in pain due to physical ailments and emotional turmoil, faced societal and personal struggles as a single woman after her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera ended. Yet, in her art and in her legacy, Kahlo’s power lies in her ability to define herself, to carve out a space where her identity is not confined by conventional standards of womanhood. Her life was a battle, not for romantic love, but for self-acceptance and artistic expression. While she was indeed vulnerable in many ways, her strength is celebrated, not because of a marriage or partnership, but because of her singular vision and courage to live authentically.

The lesson embedded in Wurtzel’s quote is not one of despair, but of awareness. Single women, though often marginalized or viewed as vulnerable in society, carry within them immense potential for strength, growth, and empowerment. They need not conform to societal expectations of marriage or partnership to find purpose or worth. The imaginary power granted to women in movies is a reflection of the inner strength they possess, but it is often unrealized in real life due to societal constraints and prejudices. Thus, the path forward is not one of external validation but of internal realization. To live with power, to embrace vulnerability as a source of growth, and to see oneself not as lacking but as complete in one’s own right, is the true challenge of the single woman in today’s world.

In practical terms, we must all, whether single or in relationships, learn to cultivate self-love and empowerment. Women, especially, must take ownership of their story, recognizing that their worth is not defined by their relationship status or societal expectations. The world may see them as vulnerable, but they must learn to see themselves as resilient, capable of transforming their own lives. Women should seek to build community, to support one another, and to take pride in their individual journeys, knowing that they are already whole. The real power comes not from external validation, but from an inner strength, cultivated through acceptance and self-respect.

Ultimately, we are all called to reflect upon the contrast between reality and fiction. Movies provide an idealized world, but it is in real life, in the quiet battles fought and won in our daily existence, where true power lies. To the single woman, let her recognize her own power, not in a fantasy but in her ability to shape her own destiny, to thrive in a world that often challenges her, and to embrace both her vulnerability and strength with pride.