News website: People's Perspectives, Breaking Boundaries

News website: People's Perspectives, Breaking Boundaries

Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar win a landmark moment in fight against ageism

It’s a speech that has been widely regarded as a boost to women’s confidence.

Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh’s historic Oscar victory for Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards, not only gave those in the arts scene a reason to dream big, but also inspired women to continue aiming for the stars, no matter their age.

The 60-year-old, Ipoh-born Yeoh, who made her name by starring in Hong Kong films, won the award for her performance in the movie ‘Everything, Everywhere, All At Once’ – a comedy-drama about the concept of a multiverse.

In her acceptance speech, Yeoh said: “Ladies, don’t let anyone tell you, you are ever past your prime.”

Communications specialist Faridah Hameed gave props to Yeoh for speaking out against ageism.

“It will boost the confidence of women in Malaysia and around the world, as they now have a role model to look up to, one who is achieving great things in her 60s,” said Faridah, an international speaker and a renowned trainer on Leadership and Entrepreneurship for Women.

“Michelle’s co-star, Jamie Lee Curtis, who won Best Supporting Actress, is 64. Both of them still look naturally beautiful. They are ageing normally by taking good care of themselves, and by eating healthily and exercising.”

Faridah said the ability to accept oneself for who they are is what sets people like Yeoh and Curtis apart.

She added that Yeoh’s win showed that women, irrespective of age, can do great things, and is something other Malaysian women must emulate.

“Men in their 60s or 70s are called distinguished, or worldly, but women are seen as past their prime,” said Faridah.

“That is why some women hesitate to state their age. It is a double jeopardy, being judged on looks and age.

“Ageism is a worldwide issue. People must realise that in our grandparents’ time, lifespans were much shorter, so when you hit a certain age, people regard you as ‘old’. It is different now.”

Faridah said women could be their own worst enemies, as they tend to buy into the ‘advertising narrative’ of what a woman should look like.

“These advertisement campaigns offer beauty products, showing women in their late 20s to mid-30s. For older women, it is like fighting a wave that is so high.

“Women must take charge and revisit the ageism issue. We must be seen for our life’s value, and not be put in a box.

“Michelle’s victory is a good antidote for the anti-ageing culture, and more Malaysian women will now realise that they can do anything.”

Faridah advised Malaysian women to follow Yeoh’s lead and be more assertive, especially with the world recently celebrating International Women’s Day.

“It is not just men who look at women of a certain age differently. Younger women also look at other women that way,” she added.

“There will always be someone younger and prettier, but if women are confident, they will not be threatened. They can continue doing a job, no matter their age, and should not be replaced.”

Separately, Faridah said she was happy that ‘RRR’s’ ‘Naatu Naatu’ won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Its victory also underscored Yeoh’s initial comment that her win was “for all the little boys and girls who look like me… this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof, dream big, and dreams do come true.”

“I loved ‘RRR’ and I am happy the song won an Oscar,” said Faridah.

“There have always been negative connotations against dark-skinned people. It is a colourism issue, where Asians worship Westerners, who often get paid, and are recognised more, than darker-skinned Asians. We must put a stop to this as well.”

‘RRR’ is a Telugu film about the fictional versions of two Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, and their fight against the British in India.