If you’re a devoted Emma Watson fan, you may already know that her birthday is on April 15th. Watson’s work in the Harry Potter franchise has skyrocketed her to fame, but she’s decided to do more with her life than simply act.
Emma is easily one of the most respected and admired female celebrities today because of both her amazing acting skills and her humanitarian work, with the goal of gender equality. Much like her character in the Harry Potter films, Emma is a role model for young girls and women around the world because of her work ethic, down-to-earth attitude, and efforts to better the world. We realize that Hermione and Emma are not the same person (as much as we’d love to think that), but they do actually share a few similarities in real life.
She's Fighting for Equality
In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Hermione was particularly upset over the treatment of house elves in the wizarding world. In an effort to achieve kinder treatment and better working conditions for them, Hermione formed S.P.E.W. (Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare). Even though Hermione’s efforts weren’t exactly successful, Watson still decided to start the movement HeForShe. This movement calls for equality of all genders and urges men to fight for gender equality with women, even if men are not the ones being affected by the current state of inequality. Emma Watson has partnered with the United Nations and has made several inspiring speeches on this issue. Her work has garnered international attention with both men and women.
Watson’s efforts to achieve gender equality are especially inspiring when you consider that she was a working actress while getting HeForShe off the ground, and had recently graduated from Brown University. Much like Hermione, Watson isn’t intimidated by a little extra work if it means fighting for what is right. In addition, Watson has become a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations, further proving how influential she has become in the world. Her work promoting equality and inclusion even earned her inclusion on Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people for 2015.
She Prioritizes Her Education
Hermione is known for her commitment to academic excellence throughout the Harry Potter books and movies. In fact, the character is so dedicated to her studies that it becomes comical. However, Hermione’s education frequently comes in handy when she, Ron, and Harry find themselves in danger.
Much like Hermione, Watson believes receiving an education is vital. She has said “Girls should never be afraid to be smart,” and supports that statement through her decision to obtain a degree in English Literature from Brown University, despite the fact that she’s an incredibly successful young actress. Watson’s work through HeForShe and speeches for the UN are also examples of her intelligence and belief that being educated about the world is important.
Clearly, Watson and Hermione have several special similarities that make them not only relatable, but also admirable. Hermione’s story might be done, but Emma’s is just beginning. Luckily we will always have the books to comfort us, and Watson to inspire us to make the world a better place. One thing is for sure, between the two of them, young girls will always have a solid example to learn from.
