In one of the smartest decisions of 2015, People magazine named Sandra Bullock the World's Most Beautiful Woman. First of all, obviously. But, second of all, the reason why they gave her the title is pretty inspiring. Rather than go off looks alone, the magazine focused on how Bullock's motherhood has made her beautiful. Adopting her son Louis has enriched her life and given her a new sense of purpose. "What is beautiful is the honor of being Louis' mother," the cover blurb says.
Being a single mom is no easy task, and Bullock deserves major props for her dedication to motherhood. She truly loves being a mom, and as Bustle's Kadeen Griffiths pointed out, that's really nice to see, especially from a feminist stand point. Bullock herself is a feminist, and yes, feminists can be moms and love it despite the pervasive negative stereotype that motherhood is something that feminism looks down on. It doesn't make them any less of an advocate for equal rights.
In fact, Bullock has always been a big supporter of women, as evidenced by these feminist quotes. I know you probably didn't need more reasons to agree she's the perfect choice for World's Most Beautiful Woman, but I'm here to provide them anyway.
"I’d like to think at some point instead of it being a woman’s film or a man’s film, it is just a great story, and both sexes can go and get the same enjoyment out of it."
Entertainment should have no gender.
"I’ve always known women in this business to support each other deeply. When someone does well, when they have success, that means there’s going be a broader landscape for the rest of us. We made The Heat because of what the girls in Bridesmaids did, and they were able to do it because the women on Saturday Night Live were doing it. There’s always someone that’s broken the ground, so we’re not fighting each other."
Bullock wants you to support your fellow women.
"I'm simply the mom who makes the lunch, drives to school, finds where the toys are, washes the clothes, and I'm here to play. And that's all I should be."
If Bullock is happy being a mom, no one should tear her down for that.
"I was always longing to do, emotionally and physically, what my male counterparts always got to do. I just felt envious, every time I saw a movie that I was in awe of, and it was usually a male lead. And those kinds of roles weren’t available. They just weren’t being written."
Hopefully the more vocal Hollywood is about this issue, the more people will take it into account.
"I identify with the person who is very comfortable with themselves and isn't fueled by competing with every other woman. It wastes a lot of time."
There are enough people against women as it is, why add to that?
"Racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, sexism... and a boatload of other things have no place in my life."
“I’ve always wanted to do a female buddy film, the kind the guys get to do."
So, she went out and did The Heat. And it was awesome.
"I don't understand why there needs to be a love interest to make women go see a film. I think society sort of makes us feel that way — that if you don't have a guy, you're worthless."
“What do I want to say to little girls that I know? Don’t change. Be who you are.”
Bullock is such an inspiration to young women everywhere. I'm really glad People gave her this honor, because she deserves to be recognized for her beauty inside and out.
Images: delena1endgam, mikkaylamossop, bloodydifficult, upworthy, celebritiesandmovies/Tumblr; backyardchickens; Giphy (3)
