Farrah Fawcett was the Queen of Girl-Power

By Mary MacElveen
July 3, 2009

When “Charlie’s Angels” aired, it became the start of a movement called, ‘girl-power’ within this country. No more would a girl see herself boxed in a submissive role within the American culture. When the show first aired, I was a teenager, and yes it made me think of what my future could become. Shows like this and the “Mary Tyler-Moore Show” were a far cry from the roles women normally took on television such as “Leave it to Beaver” where June Cleaver stayed at home tending to it, her husband and children, and we have powerful women like Farrah Fawcett to thank for that.

As a grown woman, I am concerned that the death of Farrah Fawcett has been overshadowed by the death of Michael Jackson. His death from what some have reported was due to an addiction to pain-killers and other drugs; whereas Farrah’s death was due to anal cancer which metastasized. Farrah, fought a long, hard battle against this disease and let others into her life to see how she was battling it while Jackson remained secluded.

While Jackson was labeled as the King of Pop, I would label Fawcett as the Queen of Girl-Power. While “Charlie’s Angels” was just a show, it showed girls that at some point, they could bring down the bad-guys. One must wonder after that show premiered: Just how many girls signed up to their local police academies or service to this country. While not as glamorous, still the message was there that women could do anything they wanted in life.

In today’s society, there are many women who are victims of domestic abuse and on October 8, 1984, Farrah Fawcett starred in a movie titled: “The Burning Bed” where she took the law into her own hands by killing her abuser. I do remember watching this earth-shattering film and it spoke for the many women at that time who were victims of domestic abuse which still occurs today.

While she never married her soul-mate, Ryan O’Neill they remained together as a loving couple and in today’s society, it must be heralded. They did not need a marriage certificate to consummate their love for one another. They just loved one another. Now think of how many celebrities, politicians and other famous people have cheated on their loved ones. I cannot even imagine being in Ryan O’Neill’s shoes the day after he buried his soul-mate. It is life imitating art as he starred in the movie “Love Story” where he lost his love to leukemia played by actress, Ali McGraw who incidentally lost her love, her soul-mate, Steve McQueen to cancer. Freaky, I know!

As the character, Jill Munroe, Fawcett would listen as one of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ to hear her next mission. Upon her death from cancer, she listened to a far greater power calling her home. Those like Ryan O’Neill and their son can take comfort that she is now within the loving arms of our God. Rest in peace, Farrah.

Author’s email address is xmjmac@optonline.net

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