Geena Davis: Making a Positive Difference

Forget "Thelma and Louise". Forget "Commander in Chief". How about when Geena Davis, portraying Dottie Hinson in "A League of Our Own", stretched out her long arm and caught the baseball bare handed? This little cinematic moment impressed me, because it showed a common way people treat each other. Mae Mordabito (Madonna) and Doris Murphy's (Rosie O'Donnell) taunting changed to instant healthy respect upon seeing her expertise. Love the smug look on Geena's face; she is a superb actress. Not all little girls can grow up to have the athletic skills of 6' Geena Davis, but little girls seeing female characters in strong roles will help them know a woman is more than just being chief cook and bottle washer.

Did you know that Geena became proficient in the Swedish language when she lived in Sweden as an exchange student? In addition to being an Academy Award winning actress, as a child she learned to play several musical instruments. Multi-talented, she played the organ at her church. In spite of those accomplishments, her self-esteem suffered due to being much taller than her classmates. Not being tiny and petite, she did not fit the stereotypical role for what little girls should look like. She turned what was viewed as a liability into a positive asset by becoming a model. She had the audacity to pursue an acting career, even though 6' women were not in much demand in Hollywood. What is notable about Ms. Davis is that, as she actively works to make a positive difference regarding female gender roles, she had never lost her femininity. As a role model for young girls she embodies grace, beauty and strength.