Today’s post can only be about Angelina Jolie’s decision to speak about her double mastectomy. The statement has met with widespread admiration and support, and has inspired others in the spotlight, such as Barbara Walters, to come forward about their own decisions to prevent cancer through elective surgery. Who knows quite how many people will choose to take the test to determine their genetic susceptibility to cancer now that the issue is being more widely spoken of.
The addition of Jolie’s status as a sex symbol adds a whole new dimension to the story, as a woman known so often thought of as an object has chosen to alter what is arguably her most bankable asset for the sake of herself and her family. Jolie’s reputation as a de facto angel can only increase after this move, and hopefully it will help to change the perception of women as a body to be scrutinised. If women who would previously have been hesitant to consider such a radical treatment, due to the stigma associated with female perfection, can now see the infinite benefits that come with knowing that your chances of cancer are significantly reduced. That is not to say that it isn’t an incredibly difficult and life altering decision that is certain to have an overwhelming emotional effect, but hopefully Jolie’s choice will give people the sense that they are not alone in their plight, and make people realise that this horrific illness can happen to anyone-even them.
I know that I will be researching the availability of a test to determine the presence of the cancer gene in the UK, and I hope that others are as well. F*ck cancer.
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Fame On A Friday: Brad Pitt liked it so he put a ring on it
Almost married, always smug
It seems that the tabloids’ favourite couple have finally decided to add some truth to the many millions of marriage stories that have been surrounded them ever since they got together in 2005. Brangelina have been parading their low-key-yet-so-high-profile love for quite some time, and I don’t imagine that it’s about to go away now. I imagine that Jennifer Aniston is dreading the barrage of questions coming her way despite the fact that she is obviously over Pitt (and has been for some time, if only the press would stop bringing it up). While reps for the couple have yet to confirm that the two most beautiful people in the world have decided to make it official, this is the first time that the legitimate press (i.e. not The Sun) has reported on such a rumour, so one can’t help but think that it might be slightly true. However, the twosome didn’t even confirm that they were an item until Jolie was pregnant with The Chosen One Shiloh a full year after they got together.
It does make you wonder what their life (and that of their many children) must be like, to be at centre of a maelstrom of fascination 24/7. Their personas aren’t particularly likeable, not in the same way as Kate Winslet, nor are they easy to dislike, a la Katherine Heigl – they are superstars, plain and simple. Maybe it is that they’ve transcended the more human status of other stars and become godlike beings, permanently enigmatic and a source of wonder.
Who knows? I have no idea why we are all so interested in the engagement of two people in a long term relationship who share six children and are obviously very committed to each other. But none of us are about to rock the boat because we can’t wait to see what Angelina will wear on her special day, and whether her much-discussed leg will make a reappearance.
[Image via nydailynews.com]
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