Is Dame Helen Mirren a good role model?

[Gromit]

Dame Helen said: "I can't look at anything to do with childbirth. It absolutely disgusts me."

Dame Helen Mirren has revealed why she has never had children, blaming a shocking childbirth film she was shown as a convent schoolgirl.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles /showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=489248 &in_page_id=1773

Should a Dame of the British Empire not be setting a better example?

[Reverandfunk]

She gets sqeamish with anything to with childbirth.

And the point is????

[China Doll]

Have you ever seen one of those films? Truely a horror!

(Loving your work as ever!)

[cheries]

I think that relates more to her upbringing in a convent than it does to her ability to set an example to others.
And since when have we looked up to actresses?

[Reverandfunk]

Who's work?

[China Doll]

Gromits posts Rev.

[beryllium]

Morning Grom :D

What type of example? she was frightened into not having children. She's being honest tis all.
Bloody nuns and convent school in those days have a lot to answer to!!! (my own personal experience)

I like her. She admitted to taking acid once. Only once. But she admitted it. I wonder what the nuns would say to that?

[sp1814]

Gromit

What should she do to set a better example?

I don't see what you're driving at.

[China Doll]

Honestly Splat, sometimes I despair of you...

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question47 2070.html

[Pippa68]

I think some people have their gullibility hats on today ;o)

Hmmmmm. Childbirth films. I didn't see one until I was already 6 months pregnant...and it was one filmed in the 70's.

I was truly horrified, and unsure as to how I was going to manage to grow so much pubic hair within 3 months.

[China Doll]

You are so wrong Pip...I now have a hideous mental image!

[Haggisdj]

What's pubic hair???

[Sasha13]

ROFLMAO at Pip

[Reverandfunk]

Is it a wig worn in a built up area?

Sorry thought u said public hair....

[jno]

I know exactly how she feels. We were shown Texas Chainsaw Massacre in my convent, and I've never been able to kill anyone since.

[smudge]

Helen Mirren was telling it how it was for her. Not everyone wants to have children & if she was put off at a young age, bully for her for being honest. Incidentally, I like her.

[Kromovaracun]

How many young people really model themselves on Helen Mirren? I mean, she's a superbly charismatic performer and I like her a lot - as do a lot of people I know. But, really, seriously - is she really seen as an example?

I didn't think so.

And even if a young person did, I'd think they'd model themselves more on her career choices than her childbirth choices.

[Supernick]

I've seen a childbirth video. Girls are gross. (and they smell)

[smudge]

BTW - I have given birth twice & found it a wonderful experience each time. I still enjoy watching babies being born on telly too - I love 'em.

Stil think Helen Mirren has every right to express her feelings about giving birth though.

[jiggy-gb]

Women have a lot more to contribute to the world than just having babies. If a woman doesn't want to then she doesn't have to, that doesn't make her a witch you know, lol!

[andy-hughes]

As I have expressed before, I have a real problem with famous people being tagged as 'role models'.

I don't see why someone who achieves fame as a byproduct of their art should be looked on as an example to others, and should be expected ot behave in an exemplary manner because of it.

Helen Mirren could argue that she has not saught fame, or reward for her talent, and feels not the slightest guilt at expressing a personal opinion about her moral choices.

I'd be inclined to agree.

John Major preaching about 'back to basics' while having an affair with another MP - different matter entirely.

If you are not issuing moral edicts to all and sundry, your opinions and choices are your own - famous or not.