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spinandscribble · 01-01-2010, 23:44

Okay, this thread is about women (famous or relatively unknown) that inspire you. We all hear stories of women who get the rough end of the stick, are victims or taken advantage of. What about the survivors or god forbid, those who broke the mould, whatever gender they were?

I'd like this thread not to become an argument of what makes a feminist or posts about peoples amazing mums (they are great i know but I kinda want anyone who comes to this thread to be able to come away and read up about someone they might never have known about).

I thought this thread could act as a pick me up, with inspiring stories and would be suitable for the Ladies Lounge.

If possible please include a bit of info, a photo maybe and reasons why shes your hero.

One of mine would probably be Louise Bourgeois.

She's known as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, regardless of gender. She wasn't cornered into traditional art, she helped lead contemporary art, outliving her peers, using "manly" materials on a giant scale but always brought a concept and care that while female, didn't seem obsessed by its gender.

Her work was the first I'd ever seen at an exhibition and because of her I think, subconsciously, i've never seen typically "male" areas of art as "male".
She's 97 going on 98, still producing artwork and although it's unlikely i'll ever get the chance to meet her it's a goal of mine.

so who's your hero?

***Silverfish*** · 01-01-2010, 23:56

Quote:

If possible please include a bit of info, a photo maybe and reasons why shes your hero.

I would ask people that if they can't give us any more than just a name, then to skip posting in the thread, thanks.

Fago_25, stop trying to turn this forum into AH and destroying threads, please.

spinandscribble · 01-01-2010, 23:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverfish

I would ask people that if they can't give us any more than just a name, then to skip posting in the thread, thanks.

thanks, otherwise this thread will run out pretty quick...

**byhookorbycrook** · 02-01-2010, 00:06

Gráinne Mhaol, aka Grace O Malley
"She was a mother, a pirate, and one of the many great women of Ireland.
Born c. 1530 into the O'Malley family, the hereditary lords of Umhall which included Clare Island, Inishturk, Inishbofin, Inishark and Caher, Grace married into two of the powerful families of Western Ireland, the O'Flaherty of West Connacht and the Burke of Clew Bay. "

http://www.irish-society.org/Hedgema.../granuaile.htm

Fago! · 02-01-2010, 00:09

He he fine sorry.

Not a hero but someone I greatly admire is Kylie Minogue.

The reason for this is she has gone from strength to strength becoming the worlds biggest popstar, constantly topping the charts, giving hope to millions of cancer stricken by beating it, being a highly successful business woman (What with the perfumes and what have ye) and rarely (If ever) making bad headlines in t'press.

And to boot, she's cute and modest about all that. A true legend.

Colpriz · 02-01-2010, 00:16

Iris Murdoch...read many of her novels, wonderful woman, wonderful writer, had alzimers in the end, God rest her. I think they made a film too with Kate Winslet..sorry no pics to post

**Ickle Magoo** · 02-01-2010, 00:41

As a lover of all things scientific, my heroine has to be Marie Curie. She discovered the elements radium and polonium and went on to become the first person (never mind woman) to win two Nobel Prizes.

Her study of radium in particular changed our view of the scientific world re energy and matter and of course her study of radioactive isotopes led to a new era of medical research and treatment which continues to this day - made all the more amazing as she became a recognised and respected scientist in the 19th century.

Catari Jaguar · 02-01-2010, 00:45

I've started boxing recently... Just training, not combat! It's really tough.

I'm inspired by world champ Katie Taylor. She's my age and from my home town and she rocks!

Hopefully I can get motivated enough to end up with arms like hers.

Colpriz · 02-01-2010, 01:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lil Kitten

I've started boxing recently... Just training, not combat! It's really tough.

I'm inspired by world champ Katie Taylor. She's my age and from my home town and she rocks!

Hopefully I can get motivated enough to end up with arms like hers.

...really.. why? I doubt it will add to any attraction

Boston · 02-01-2010, 01:18

Constance Markievicz

Quote:

Constance Georgine Markiewicz, Countess Markiewicz (née Gore-Booth; 4 February 1868 – 15 July 1927), was an Irish Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil politician, revolutionary nationalist, suffragette and socialist. She was the first woman elected to the British House of Commons, though she did not take her seat and along with the other Sinn Féin TDs formed the first Dáil Éireann. She was also the first woman in Europe to hold a cabinet position (Minister of Labour of the Irish Republic, 1919–1922).

Wiki Article

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colpriz

...really.. why? I doubt it will add to any attraction

Maybe she's doing it for herself and not in an effort to add attraction?

starchild · 02-01-2010, 01:27

helen keller

her life story is inspirational , while afflicted with deafness and blindness she still managed to become a major political activist, a campaigner for womens rights, a successful author, and an advocate for people with disabilities.

one of my favourite quotes from her

"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do"

spinandscribble · 02-01-2010, 01:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colpriz

[/B]

...really.. why? I doubt it will add to any attraction

lets keep that in mind folks.

Colpriz · 02-01-2010, 01:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinandscribble

lets keep that in mind folks.

No seriously ? why do you want arms like hers?

Catari Jaguar · 02-01-2010, 01:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colpriz

...really.. why? I doubt it will add to any attraction

Eh... To feel fit and strong and pack a good punch.

It's empowering.

Ayways I'd like to trade my bat wings for tight toned arms.

While on the subject of fit women, I'd like to mention Shakira. I was in awe watching her video for Shewolf. She's teeny tiny like me but her strength and flexibility and balance is phenomenal. Imagine how much determination and motiviation you must need to get to that stage of fitness. She's pure muscle!

taram · 02-01-2010, 01:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colpriz

No seriously ? why do you want arms like hers?

They look lovely and toned! Why wouldn't she want ones like that?

01-01-2010, 23:44	#1
spinandscribble Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Edinburgh City Posts: 2,951 Adverts \| Friends	Female Heroes Okay, this thread is about women (famous or relatively unknown) that inspire you. We all hear stories of women who get the rough end of the stick, are victims or taken advantage of. What about the survivors or god forbid, those who broke the mould, whatever gender they were? I'd like this thread not to become an argument of what makes a feminist or posts about peoples amazing mums (they are great i know but I kinda want anyone who comes to this thread to be able to come away and read up about someone they might never have known about). I thought this thread could act as a pick me up, with inspiring stories and would be suitable for the Ladies Lounge. If possible please include a bit of info, a photo maybe and reasons why shes your hero. One of mine would probably be Louise Bourgeois. She's known as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, regardless of gender. She wasn't cornered into traditional art, she helped lead contemporary art, outliving her peers, using "manly" materials on a giant scale but always brought a concept and care that while female, didn't seem obsessed by its gender. Her work was the first I'd ever seen at an exhibition and because of her I think, subconsciously, i've never seen typically "male" areas of art as "male". She's 97 going on 98, still producing artwork and although it's unlikely i'll ever get the chance to meet her it's a goal of mine. so who's your hero? Last edited by Wibbs; 02-05-2011 at 18:56. Reason: FIXED LINK

02-01-2010, 00:41	#7
Ickle Magoo Ach, stick it up yer trakkens Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ragnar�kkr Posts: 15,770 Adverts \| Friends CMod: Personal Issues, Phobias, Soc, Soc Mods	As a lover of all things scientific, my heroine has to be Marie Curie. She discovered the elements radium and polonium and went on to become the first person (never mind woman) to win two Nobel Prizes. Her study of radium in particular changed our view of the scientific world re energy and matter and of course her study of radioactive isotopes led to a new era of medical research and treatment which continues to this day - made all the more amazing as she became a recognised and respected scientist in the 19th century. Last edited by Ickle Magoo; 02-01-2010 at 00:43. Reason: Adding a pic of the woman herself.

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02-01-2010, 00:06	#4
byhookorbycrook Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 5,113 Adverts \| Friends Mod: Carlow, Primary & Pre School	Gráinne Mhaol, aka Grace O Malley "She was a mother, a pirate, and one of the many great women of Ireland. Born c. 1530 into the O'Malley family, the hereditary lords of Umhall which included Clare Island, Inishturk, Inishbofin, Inishark and Caher, Grace married into two of the powerful families of Western Ireland, the O'Flaherty of West Connacht and the Burke of Clew Bay. " http://www.irish-society.org/Hedgema.../granuaile.htm

02-01-2010, 00:09	#5
Fago! Closed Account Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 12,782 Adverts \| Friends	He he fine sorry. Not a hero but someone I greatly admire is Kylie Minogue. The reason for this is she has gone from strength to strength becoming the worlds biggest popstar, constantly topping the charts, giving hope to millions of cancer stricken by beating it, being a highly successful business woman (What with the perfumes and what have ye) and rarely (If ever) making bad headlines in t'press. And to boot, she's cute and modest about all that. A true legend.

02-01-2010, 00:16	#6
Colpriz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 190 Adverts \| Friends	Iris Murdoch...read many of her novels, wonderful woman, wonderful writer, had alzimers in the end, God rest her. I think they made a film too with Kate Winslet..sorry no pics to post

02-01-2010, 00:45	#8
Catari Jaguar Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Wreckin dis nation 4m a sekkrit location Posts: 6,152 Adverts \| Friends	I've started boxing recently... Just training, not combat! It's really tough. I'm inspired by world champ Katie Taylor. She's my age and from my home town and she rocks! Hopefully I can get motivated enough to end up with arms like hers.

02-01-2010, 01:27	#11
starchild Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 201 Adverts \| Friends	helen keller her life story is inspirational , while afflicted with deafness and blindness she still managed to become a major political activist, a campaigner for womens rights, a successful author, and an advocate for people with disabilities. one of my favourite quotes from her "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do"