Lynda Carter currently appears on ‘Supergirl’ as President Olivia Marsdin and is an accomplished singer, but she will, to many, always be best known as the live action ‘Wonder Woman’ starring in three seasons of the hit superhero show of the 1970s and for decades in syndication.
Unlike some actors who take offense to being eternally associated with a certain niche character, Carter has remained an upbeat supporter of ‘Wonder Woman’ and women in general. After all, her role inspired an entire generation of girls to become strong, independent women, even while running around in a bathing suit, pantyhose, and high heeled boots.
Last year, the United Nations partnered with DC Comics and appointed Wonder Woman as an official ambassador for gender equality and Carter voiced her support, saying:
“Wonder Woman taught women to be who you are. I have received the greatest letters from people telling me what an inspiration she was to them because she represents an inner strength every woman has… To honor Wonder Woman and women all over the world is just amazing.”
This promotion coincided with the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman’s comic book debut and it didn’t hurt that it came a few months before Gal Gadot was set to star in the first live action ‘Wonder Woman’ movie.
But almost immediately, protests began over Wonder Woman’s race (Caucasian) and skimpy attire, which doesn’t jibe with certain cultures, where women are required to cover themselves almost completely. The U.N. promptly ditched Wonder Woman as an ambassador.
Gal Gadot issued her statement on the controversy saying “There are so many horrible things that are going on in the world, and this is what you’re protesting, seriously? When people argue that Wonder Woman should ‘cover up,’ I don’t quite get it…They say, ‘If she’s smart and strong, she can’t also be sexy.’ That’s not fair. Why can’t she be all of the above?”
Now Carter has been asked about the controversy and has responded in a very blunt manner:
“Well, excuse me, women have breasts! Superman has got a big pouch in his crotch, so does Spider-Man and Green Lantern and their muscles are bulging — no one has a problem with that If they have a problem with a female who is strong, they’re missing the entire point; it’s the ultimate sexism to say because she has big breasts and a costume on, that is what you think represents her and who she is. Women do have breasts and women can defend themselves and fight back. Wonder Woman is about telling the truth.”
As for Wonder Woman’s perceived Caucasianness, Carter replied:
“I’m half Hispanic and [Gal Gadot] is Israeli.”
It may be a moot point now. ‘Wonder Woman’ is set to hit theaters in roughly a month. I guess audiences will be able to make up their minds then as to whether she is an appropriate role model. But Gal Gadot was the hands down highlight of the otherwise dreadful ‘Batman V Superman’, so if there’s any justice in the world (pun intended) this will be a stellar hit. We already know Lynda Carter will be first in line!
‘Wonder Woman’ directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Ewen Bremner, Saïd Taghmaoui, Elena Anaya, and Lucy Davis will be released on June 2, 2017.
Source: ComicBook.com
