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In the world of festive films, the holiday season often brings a flood of heartwarming stories, but let’s take a moment to reflect on the portrayal of professional women in these narratives.
As someone who has spent countless hours lost in the world of Christmas movies, I can’t help but notice the recurring theme of busy professional women being depicted in a stereotypical manner. These films, with their cheesy titles like “Mistletoe Magic in Manhattan”, “A Christmas Wish for Love, or “Yule Be Home for Christmas”, often present a narrow view of women with jobs, attributing a singular attitude to them rather than showcasing their multi-faceted nature.
Refinery29 highlights that Hallmark films in particular, often follow twelve typical plots, including opposites attracting, childhood sweethearts, falling for a handsome local, small business being threatened by an evil corporation, and journalism over the Christmas period. One common storyline features a busy female journalist, writer, CEO or TV Producer who is portrayed as being so stressed that she’s unravelling at the seams. This character typically encounters a man who works in the emergency services or as a tradesman. Initially they don’t get along, but over the course of the film they fall in love, with the lead female ultimately discovering the joy of embracing the true spirit of Christmas (and taking time off) all neatly wrapped up with a sentimental red and green bow by Christmas day. Bonus points if he’s a widowed father!
While these films may provide a form of escapism, it’s important to question the underlying messages they convey about professional women. Why is a job with some pressure automatically equated with overwhelming stress? Why does the “busy” woman always seem to need saving from herself, often depicted in a scene drowning her sorrows in a large glass of wine? Furthermore, why is she consistently portrayed as being mean to her put upon assistant, and where are the busy men in similar roles? These are valid questions that prompt us to reconsider the portrayal of busy professionals in these narratives.
In defence of the incredible women who are busy being busy, it’s essential to recognise that being occupied with work does not necessarily equate to being stressed. Many individuals thrive in high pressure environments and are adept at delegation to protect their wellbeing. Seeking help when needed and displaying kindness and patience are also common traits among busy professionals. It’s time to celebrate the multi – dimensional nature of professional women and acknowledge that they don’t need to be “fixed” by someone else, should they be single.
So, to all the amazing professional women out there, remember that your busy schedule does not define you. You are more than capable of managing your responsibilities and seeking support when necessary. Your kindness and dedication are truly admirable, and you don’t need to conform to the narrow stereotypes depicted in these films.
If you find yourself watching these movies, I hope you can laugh at the absurdity of it all and continue to embrace the joy of being busy, or not, knowing that you are more than capable of navigating the complexities of your professional and personal lives.
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