I'm a feminist, but I think that romance has been taken away a bit for my generation.
Interpretation
Emma Watson expresses concern that romance has diminished in modern society for her generation despite her feminist beliefs.
In this quote, Emma Watson acknowledges her identity as a feminist while also reflecting on the changing landscape of romance in contemporary culture. She suggests that, while feminism has made important strides for gender equality, it might have unintentionally led to a decline in romantic expressions and experiences that once characterized relationships, indicating a tension between empowerment and traditional romantic ideals.
In practice
In a discussion about modern relationships, I would use this quote to highlight changing dynamics in romance.
Becoming yourself is really hard and confusing, and it's a process. I was completely the eager beaver in school, I was the girl in the front of the class who was the first person to put her hand up, and it's often not cool to be the person that puts themself out there, and I've often gotten teased mercilessly, but I found that ultimately if you truly pour your heart into what you believe in - even if it makes you vulnerable - amazing things can and will happen.
Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong... It is time that we all perceive gender on a spectrum not as two opposing sets of ideals.
I've never wanted to grow up too fast. I wanted to wear a sports bra until I was 22! ... The allure of being sexy never really held any excitement for me. I've never been in a terrible rush to be seen as a woman.
Don't be ashamed if you don't like what others pretend to love
Feminism is not here to dictate to you. It’s not prescriptive, it’s not dogmatic. All we are here to do is give you a choice. If you want to run for President, you can. If you don’t, that’s wonderful, too. I’m lucky I was raised to believe that my opinion at the dinner table was valuable. My mum and I spoke as loudly as my brothers.
Men think it's a women's word. But what it means is that you believe in equality, and if you stand for equality, then you're a feminist. Sorry to tell you. You're a feminist. You're a feminist. That's it.
I want it to be less about sexuality and more about being comfortable in who you fall in love with. If I meet someone and I like them, I don’t care if they’re a boy or a girl. You should never, ever apologize for anything that makes you happy.
If music be the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.
You will always go into that tent. You will see her scar and wonder where she got it. You will always be amazed at how one woman can have so much black hair. You will always fall in love, and it will always be like having your throat cut, just that fast. You will always run away with her. You will always lose her. You will always be a fool. You will always be dead, in a city of ice, snow falling into your ear. You have already done all of this and will do it again.
But in my arms she was always Lolita.
Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know I am moving from fear to love.
What do you fear, most of all? The possibility that love may not be enough.
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