I have noticed that some people are irritated and annoyed about the huge increase of strong female characters and feminism in pop culture. Let me explain why there has been an increase of feminism and strong female characters. Part of the reason why there has been this increase is the #Metoo and Time's Up movements. The women in the entertainment industry have asked for this increase because they will no longer tolerate and keep quiet about being degraded to objects of sexual pleasure by people like Harvey Weinstein. Another reason is men and women are created equal. Women can do many of the things that men can.

I've been wanting to share my thoughts and position on this for a while, but I finally got to this after having seen the new live-action remake of Aladdin, which has feminism, but feminism that is done the right way, unlike what Disney is trying and failing to do with Star Wars. Here's where Disney is failing in the one place they're trying to excel. I can see how Rey is too strong and how Disney is tearing down male characters in order to make their female characters strong. Lowering Luke down to the point of having given up and being grumpy and cynical so Rey can try to persuade him to get back into the fight against evil is an example of that. Trying to succeed in a feminist agenda this way is pretty frustrating.

*Spoiler alert for those of you who have not seen the new Aladdin*

Fortunately, Aladdin did much better with the strong female character and feminist agendas.

In the new Aladdin, Jasmine is treated in a sexist and misogynistic way by two of the men in her life, which are her father, the Sultan, and Jafar. They tell her women are only supposed to be seen, but not heard. They both tell her to be quiet when she tries to speak up about things related to ruling Agrabah and Agrabah's relationship with other kingdoms. She also is told to be quiet when she tries to oppose Jafar when he usurps the throne from the Sultan. However, Jasmine refuses to be silenced. Also, Jasmine reveals her belief and aspiration that she can inherit her father's throne and crown, but is shot down due to the fact that she is a woman and there is no law that says a woman can become Sultan. The Sultan is determined to make Jasmine marry a prince and her husband will be Sultan. All of these things are sexist, misogynistic, and damaging to women. Unlike Disney Star Wars, however, Disney doesn't tear Aladdin down in order to make Jasmine strong. On the contrary, Aladdin and Jasmine have an equal part in defeating Jafar. The way Jasmine is characterized in the new movie is very inspiring and refreshing. As for finding out whether or not Jasmine got what she wanted, you'll have to see for yourself.

In general, I support the increase of strong female characters in pop culture, but I am not a full-blown feminist.