Why Shirley Manson rocks.

[Rinky vs.4.0]

http://www.sundayherald.com/48101

Interview from last year, hopefully new to some of you here.

[Leina Rose]

Thank you~! :)

[Kollins]

Here's another, more recent interview, which further shows just how rocking and fantastic Ms. Manson is.

Not so Stupid Girl (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2090-2250613,00.html).

"Do women also have the issue of motherhood to factor in, I ask, coming to terms with its presence or absence? “I have rejected it completely,” Manson interrupts in a Cruella De Vil voice.

Was that really a conscious decision? “Kind of,” she says, becoming more subdued. “It’s just not something I’m particularly interested in.”

Why? “I could be here for years explaining my decision-making. There’s no point in going into it here.” But go into it is exactly what Manson does.

“What I find incredibly funny is people who say, ‘Oh you must have children otherwise you’re being incredibly selfish.’ As if having children stops selfishness. I know hundreds of parents and they’re the most selfish people I have ever met. As wonderful as I think child-rearing is for some, it’s not for everybody."

The brief "Cruella de Ville" remark made me scowl, as did a few other aspects of the interview, but her fierce wisdom always comes through in the quotes,r egardless of how the journalist choses to describe her.

[Kollins]

Also, while the childfree aspects of the interview Helen posted make me squee with delight that at least someone in the celebrity game is speaking for thr childfree point of view, I have to say that my absolute favourite passage is this, on beauty, aging, and plastic surgery/botox:

“These are media images of unrealistic perfection that nobody can aspire to or attain,” she froths. “It breeds an intolerance of imperfection and flaws that’s driving everybody insane. The irony is, the reason beauty is beauty is because it’s uncommon. It’s unusual.”

She swigs some water, then continues: “I hate this notion being rammed down our throats that if you’re not young, gorgeous and perfect, you’re nothing. That equation is the most terrifying notion we could perpetuate in our society. Women are f***ed if they play that game; they’ll be constantly pushed down, controlled and exploited.

“Here am I. I’m 38. My career’s probably never been better. And I’ve made a decision which may or may not impact on it – I refuse to hide my experience and my age, as if it’s something I should be ashamed of. I’m alive. I know lots of people who’ve never been lucky enough to get to this stage in their life. And I’m not gonna hide it for anybody. They’re just gonna have to f***ing deal with me.”

YES.

[iciclespark]

Shirley is my girl. I would love to shoot the shit over a few drinks with her.

[Rinky vs.4.0]

Michael, yes, I agree. I think she's an incredibly astute woman, much more astute *intellectually* than many other pop stars. Her remarks about surgery echo my own thoughts on the matter - that it's not that the thing itself is inherently bad (although I admit to finding it all actively repulsive on a whole host of levels) but that in the context of and as a manifestation of our culture, which constantly devalues older people - especially older women - and has fetishised youth to an unhealthy degree, it certainly merits stringent analysis.

Anyway, the woman walks her talk, and there are very few in the celeb world who do that, so she has my upmost respect.

[madworld]

Shirley Manson owns. I wish more young girls were looking up to HER. Not Brit, not Paris Hilton. A woman with brains, talent, style. Shirley kicks so much ass!

[KV]

I love Shirley Manson...yes...she's a good egg.

xo
Rachel

[Kari]

Shirley rules!

She must have been bingoed so much, because she immediately is like "I know everyone thinks I'm selfish, BUT..." ;l

[queensiefaerie]

Thank you for sharing these articles on Shirley! I agree with you Madworld, I think she is a good role model for girls.

[pittstonjoma]

Shirley is wonderful. I share her views on children and plastic surgery. :) She's also a great musician.

[sparkhotel]

Thanks for those articles! They were great. I love Shirley. She has such great opinons especially with issues pertaining to women. I love how she knows her music is going to be just as relevant in her 40's as it was in her 30's, and that she can reach all ages. Such a good role model.

Growing older shouldn't be so feared in our society, it should be embraced. (cough *says the girl who fears getting older * cough)

Im going to go find more articles with Shirley now! Thanks!