The Problem with Simplistic Empowerment Stories

Empowerment stories in media can be empowering, but they often risk becoming oversimplified or shallow when not handled with care. The problem arises when the narrative reduces a female character’s strength to merely performing actions or displaying qualities deemed “strong” in a superficial way. For example, characters like Captain Marvel or Rey from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker are portrayed as physically powerful, but their emotional journeys often feel underdeveloped. Their “strength” seems more like a label than something earned or crafted through growth.

True empowerment comes from emotional depth, not just from heroic feats. It’s about a character’s ability to overcome internal conflicts, face difficult choices, and grow through their experiences. When empowerment is only shown through external actions, it misses the heart of what makes characters truly compelling. Simplistic empowerment stories often ignore the emotional complexities that make real empowerment resonate with audiences. A female character who isn’t just strong in battle but who is also vulnerable, flawed, and growing will have a far more lasting impact. Empowerment must be multidimensional, reflecting the reality that true strength comes from within, not from just what a character can do on the outside.