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Woman Stands Up For Beliefs, Is Punished… Again

Emma Watson, or as you may know her, Hermione Granger, is a wonderful actress who has managed to grow in terms of ability and versatility in the aftermath of the Harry Potter franchise. She’s also been a personal style icon of mine for years, as well as an incredible role model in her work with Fair Trade and various other charities, supporting independence for women even back in 2011.

And now, as I’m sure you’ve heard, she’s presented at the UN after being an ambassador for numerous months, and has given what people are calling a “game-changer” speech on feminism and gender equality. I admit I cried a little when watching it, but that’s not the point. The point is in reward for her Gryffindor bravery to stand in front of the whole world and advocate for a well-needed cause, she is being punished. Her private nude photos are, apparently, going to be released online in a matter of days.

This is disgusting. The new trend of releasing female celebrities’ naked photos, to which the public has absolutely no right, has got to stop. Jennifer Lawrence, Kirsten Dunst, Lea Michele, and Vanessa Hudgens, have all had their privacy violated and been blamed for it, all their reputations taking a huge blow. But now, the photos aren’t pranks anymore—it’s castigation to try and keep all educated female celebrities, and all female celebrities for that matter—in their place. Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio is a known advocate for environmentalism; I, for one, would like to see his naked photos being thrown around in an effort to shut him up. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Douglas Booth, and Ryan Gosling have all declared themselves feminists and in support of gender equality. Where are their punishments?

This isn’t about white teenage boys simply wanting something new to jack off to. This is a warning sign to women everywhere: shut up, or we are going to publicly humiliate you in the best way we can. We have shot girls who stand up for education, and we have killed women who spoke out against rape. We will invalidate your voice and everything you value. We will make sure you stay submissive.

To Emma, if you’re reading this: I’m with you. I’m with you because, as a woman, as a human being, I have a responsibility to be.

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