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Kidman: Hollywood Hurting Women

It contributes to violence by portraying them as weak sex objects

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 22, 2009 10:37 AM CDT

(Newser) – Violence against women can "probably" be blamed in part on Hollywood's depiction of them as weak sex objects, Nicole Kidman says. The actress—and goodwill ambassador for the UN Development Fund for Women—testified before a House subcommittee to promote humanitarian efforts to relieve such violence overseas. She was quick to add that she isn't interested in those stereotypical Hollywood roles, the AP reports.

"I can't be responsible for all of Hollywood but I can certainly be responsible for my own career," she said, adding that the International Violence Against Women Act is a good idea because, "in the real world, the laws go unenforced and impunity is the norm."

Nicole Kidman listens to testimony before the House International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight Subcommittee hearing on violence against women on Capitol Hill.
Nicole Kidman listens to testimony before the House International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight Subcommittee hearing on violence against women on Capitol Hill.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Nicole Kidman testifies before the House International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight Subcommittee hearing on violence against women on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 21, 2009.
Nicole Kidman testifies before the House International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight Subcommittee hearing on violence against women on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 21, 2009.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Nicole Kidman listens during the House International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight Subcommittee hearing on violence against women on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 21, 2009.
Nicole Kidman listens during the House International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight Subcommittee hearing on violence against women on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 21, 2009.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 18 comments
Snarfeh
Oct 24, 2009 2:26 AM CDT
Where do you think they lived before hitting the big time? In a cave? I don't put down a famous/rich person's opinion simply because he or she is famous/rich especially those who weren't born into it. Put it down if it's flawed or you disagree with it; that should be enough of a reason.
stuck-in-paris
Oct 23, 2009 8:18 AM CDT
Does Kidman and Jolie really do anything for the UN? They don't live in the real world, like the common people.
Snarfeh
Oct 22, 2009 8:05 AM CDT
I have to disagree on the spanking thing. I think spanking fell by the wayside because of the ones who could not stop at spanking. Now it's consider bad and that's a shame because a proper spank does not harm a child physically or mentally. My parents spanked me when I was bad, but they didn't spank me until I was black and blue or bleeding. And I can count on one hand how many times they had to do that and the reason I can count on one hand how many times is a testament to the fact that properly disciplining me improved my behaviour. It was a spank on the butt only and never bare, it was 3-4 smacks at the most and then I was sent to my room to think about how I acted or what I did. I could not come out of my room (other than meals or bathroom trips) until I could explain why what I did was wrong and apologize for it. I have never, ever seen my father raise his hand to my mother, much less actually hit her. There is no correlation between spanking and physical abuse. The one who beat their children and spouses are going to beat them, period. Those who spank properly are afraid to admit it for fear of being tagged as an abuser.

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