On March 2, 2014 Cate Blanchett received an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Blanchett, known for her beauty and talent, used her acceptance speech to do what many women everywhere are guilty of: to put herself down. Blanchett, in front of millions of females watching all over the world, said in her acceptance speech, “To the hair and makeup people who sweated me up and tried to make me look attractive. Thank you for the attempt.”
           Previously to this statement Blanchett attempted to be a model of girl power when she said, “Those in the industry who are foolishly clinging to the idea that female films, with women in the center are niche experiences. They are not.”
However, what kind of role model is Blanchett when she is sending a terrible message to women all over the planet? When she herself is buying in to the idea that we, as women, can never be pretty enough, skinny enough or good enough? When she is championing the idea that announcing insecurity is humility? It is not humility. Everyone is allowed to have insecurities but a beautiful and talented woman who just won a prestigious award announcing her insecurity in an acceptance speech is not acceptable. It is obnoxious and it sends a message about the way in which females are expected to act. It is also another force telling women that the way they look is the most important thing.
Worst of all is the truth that Cate is not alone. Famous actresses such as Megan Fox and Gwyneth Paltrow have consistently insulted themselves and proclaimed their insecurities. It is something we are all guilty of doing. How often have you been given a compliment, and instead of saying thank you, refuted it? How often have you felt the need to justify your accomplishments?
Mathew McConaughey, in his acceptance speech for Best Actor in a Leading Role called himself his hero. Equally obnoxious? Perhaps. However, his confidence is inspiring and it should not be restricted to males. Females, especially role models, should learn to trade in so called humility and obsession with looks for confidence.Â