Octavia Spenser's Feminist Roles Are A Learning Lesson For Every Woman

Octavia Lenora Spencer, popularly known as Octavia Spencer, is an American-African actor who has graced the screens with her acting since 1996. The Academy Award-winning actor is also a published author and producer. Spencer’s motto behind becoming a producer was clear: to show a broader spectrum present in the world while telling compelling stories.

Her motto is not limited to the work she produces though. Through her portrayal of exemplary characters on-screen, she has told the stories of those women who did not get the appreciation they deserved.

Here is our selection of Spencer’s shows and the feminist lessons these shows have

Truth To Be Told

True Crime podcaster Poppy Parnell (Octavia) is asked to investigate the case of convicted murderer Warren Cave, a man she incriminated for the murder of a patriarch. A double-edged situation poses before her when Cave confesses, he was framed for the crime. Spencer’s Poppy while re-investigating the case has to go through various challenges, turbulent emotions yet she does overcome them. Although the character's writing seems a little shoddy, it is Spencer's performance that adds depth to the character. Parnell is a woman who is not afraid to stand her ground which is very telling of how women have to stand by their grounds in spite of the challenges they face.

Still from Truth To Be Told (IMDb)

Self Made

An African-American washerwoman Madam CJ Walker (Octavia) rises from poverty and builds a beauty empire even when all the odds are against her—including in the personal and professional sphere—which leads her to become the first female self-made millionaire. Based on the true story of Madam CJ Walker, the Netflix show is a strong statement on resilience. In a world, where she was constantly belittled by those around her, especially men, she still trusts herself which is an inspiration for every woman with big dreams.

Suggested Reading: Why Feminism Is Still A Dirty Word In India

The Making Of: Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures is based on three NASA mathematicians—Katherine Coleman, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson whose contributions remained concealed because of their African-American identity. The film’s meticulous execution of the racism prevalent in the United States of America, the harsh conditions faced by African American women. Vaughan’s (Octavia) relentless efforts to not only become an engineer but also her insistence in elevating the women around her is a reminder that it is equally important to empower women around us and to stand up for their dreams.

Still from Hidden Figures (IMDb)

Blues for Willadean

Blues for Willadean is a very poignant yet beautiful film about how a Blues singer LaSonia (Octavia) encourages her neighbour Willadean to escape her abusive husband. LaSonia has always harboured pain because she had lost her sister to domestic violence and does not want to see Willadean succumb to the same. Along with resounding a strong message about domestic violence, the film also speaks about how women are not each other’s enemies. Female friendships are nurturing and the one shared by Willadean and LaSonia is just a testament of the same.