Sarah Paulson Flips the Script on the Narrative of Female Competition
The Ocean’s 8 actress explains why women work better together than pinned against each other in a guest column for The Hollywood Reporter.
“I was raised with this idea that women don’t work well together — not by my parents, but environmentally, societally and culturally, I was conditioned to think that women didn’t get along,” Paulson begins. She notes that female relationships are always shown in a competitive light on-screen, whether two women are both vying for the same man, the same job, or the same look.
This narrative is especially prevalent, and exceptionally toxic, in Hollywood. However, the American Horror Story star credits writer and director of the series, Ryan Murphy, for showing her that this destructive mentality regarding competing with the women around you is completely reversible. Working amongst other polished actresses like Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Jessica Lange and Connie Britton–who are all 40+-years-old and still getting opportunities to shine–allowed her to see beyond her misconceptions.
“To realize that I didn’t have to succumb to this notion that I erroneously held onto has been not only liberating but incredibly stimulating,” Paulson states. So when you feel the pressure to out-do a woman in your life, heed Sarah’s advice and instead consider the limitless possibilities that will unfold when you choose instead to work with and be inspired by her.
