Discovering the Untold Past
It’s time to recognise overlooked female achievements and the silent strength stories of women by taking inspiration from Lee Miller’s courageous journey….
There’s a popular meme circulating on the internet these days that goes something like this: if women were in charge of countries, there would be no wars — just two nations refusing to speak to one another because they didn’t get along. While I wouldn’t go as far as to claim this as entirely true, I do find myself somewhat agreeing with the sentiment. Why is it that history predominantly highlights the achievements of men? Why do women’s accomplishments, both in the past and the present, continue to be so undervalued? In this very progressive 21st century we seem to be striving towards an equal future rather than one of equity.
While equality is important, I think that equity should also be on the same pedestal.
I recently had the opportunity to watch the biopic Lee, which I would describe as the epitome of underappreciated female achievements. I initially went to the cinema because of my interest in war stories, but I never anticipated leaving the theatre feeling so inspired and questioning the version of history I was taught at school.
Why was Lee Miller, a World War II photographer never mentioned until now?
I am not here to write a typical film review, but I do want to express my deep appreciation for the creators and artists behind this masterpiece through this blog. Lee Miller’s career was nothing short of extraordinary. A model turned photographer in a male-dominated industry during that time is in itself an inspiring lore. Her photographs, marked by a distinctly feminine perspective, carried an elegance and depth that set them apart. Though she is often described as ‘reckless’, I would argue that ‘bold’ and ‘courageous’ are far more fitting descriptors. After all, witnessing the first-hand horrors of one of the most destructive wars in history requires immense strength.
According to popular culture, the most iconic photograph taken by her is that of her in Hitler’s bathroom shortly after his death. However, the picture that moved me the most was of a young Jewish girl looking straight into Lee Miller’s eyes with a sense of fear masked with admiration and hope. It felt as though the girl aspired to be like Lee one day, yet knew that they were worlds apart. The movie also talks about one such traumatic truth from Lee’s childhood that stays true even today. There were several moments throughout the film that brought me to tears, and I believe it’s because the story resonated with me deeply.
I write this piece today with a sense of pride, grateful for the opportunity to witness at least the biopic of one of the many unsung female achievements from the past. I also hope that it inspires anyone reading this to recognise and bring forward more such stories, paving the way for a more equitable future.
