'Let each be who they are': Evangeline Lilly says society is 'applauding masculinity' in women and 'villainizing' it in men
SIWA, EGYPT: Evangeline Lilly best known for her roles in 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' has questioned gender roles by stating that modern society is applauding masculinity in women and villainizing it in men. She also said it was applauding feminity in men and debasing it in women.
In a lengthy Instagram post released on Thursday, the 43-year-old mother and actress discussed how society has chosen to try to make men less macho and women less feminine. Lilly complained that while women would be praised as the "epitome of cool" if the genders were reversed, males who drive trucks, wear boots, and aren't afraid to fight are demonized.
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'Why are we only applauding masculinity in women?'
"Why are we only applauding masculinity in women and villainizing it in men? And why are we only applauding femininity in men and debasing it in women? Why can't we just allow for all of it?" Lilly asked in the Instagram post. She continued to question the stereotypes, "Why do we feel the need to vilify a man wearing shit-kicker boots, driving a pick-up truck who's not afraid to punch someone in the face, but if they were a woman, they would be the epitome of cool? Why is a man who loves make-up, cries easily, and stays at home to tend to the domestic responsibilities valiant, but a woman who does the same is pathetic?"
'Let each be who they are'
The actress who has been vocal in expressing her Covid mandate then offered a solution to the judgment that has accompanied these stereotypes, "I think the truly revolutionary act is as old as time: "Do not judge." - Jesus, Buddha, Lao Tzu, etc. Let each be who they are and let us teach grace and charity above all things."
She continued, "These overarching ideas are far simpler and more effective than trying to juggle the minutia of judgment. They are ideas that protect us all from the excesses of each person's vices while still allowing the expression of their self."
She added, "Grace and charity are cornerstones of a thriving society and should not be abandoned. We need them like we need democracy, justice, and peace. And, without them, we can't have democracy, justice, or peace.
The actress concluded her post with a quote from Christian saint, Augustine of Hippo "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity."
