Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Angelina Jolie’s new film Unbroken promises to be an epic, emotional retelling of the story of an Olympic track star who became a prisoner of war during World War II. As you may have heard by now, Angie caught chickenpox and sent her adorable family in her place to the Los Angeles premiere last night. But instead of focusing on the film and its message -- or, if we’re going to concentrate on Angelina’s gorgeous kids, just how gorgeous they are -- quite a few people have been in a tizzy over her 8-year-old daughter Shiloh. Specifically, they have a lot to say about the fact that she showed up to the event dressed like her two older brothers -- tuxedo and all.
If you’ve ever read a story in which the star talks about her children, you may already know that Shiloh isn’t your typical girly-girl. She doesn’t like wearing dresses. She has a cool-girl short haircut. She isn’t even a tween yet and she has some strong ideas about style and what she likes and doesn’t like.
Naturally, why wouldn’t we criticize such a wonderfully opinionated little girl for her unorthodox choice of evening attire and, while we’re at it, be all judgy against Angelina and denounce her for letting her daughter be seen in a tux. Right?
So wrong it isn’t even funny.
Angelina should be praised for letting Shiloh be Shiloh and for not giving a damn what the press or anyone else has to say about it. Maybe she wants to be a boy. Maybe she admires her brothers so much that she wants to dress like them. Maybe she just loves black and white or a sharp suit.
Goodness, where else have we seen a famous woman in the spotlight who shares this masculine style sensibility? Hmm ... thinking ... thinking ... ah, yes, that would be her beautiful mother, who has been known to kill it at events while dressed in tailored suits.
Marlene Dietrich, anyone? Madonna? Rihanna? I could go on, but the point of this debate has nothing to do with what an 8-year-old wants to wear and everything to do with people’s shock at the fact that two parents not only don’t care that she’s wearing a tux, but are encouraging her to express herself and stay fearless.
Angie and Brad are proving they actually want their daughter to bravely stay true to herself and wear what she feels comfortable wearing.
More from The Stir: The Real Reason Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Wants to Be a Boy
When I hear my 3-year-old daughter talk about not wanting to wear her blue pants because they're "boy pants," I actually feel sad. I didn't teach her that some clothes are "boy" clothes and others are "girl" clothes, but she's still getting that message at such a young age. At the same time, I don't care if she wants to parade around all day long in tutus -- I want to let her try to figure out for herself what she likes. And it doesn't have to be the preppy look that I would have her parade around in all day, every day. If she's 3 and prefers purple frills -- fantastic.
The tide is turning. Brangelina is helping fashion and gender identification forward by refusing to embrace traditional gendered dress. Kudos to them -- and props to Shiloh for looking adorable.
Would you let your young daughter go out wearing a tuxedo or suit?
Image via JB Lacroix/Getty Images
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
