Iris Berben: Women have to be more than just beautiful!

Iris Berben: Women have to be more than just beautiful!

Iris Berben, the 74-year-old actress and icon of the German film and television landscape, raises her voice against the social developments that shape the modern image of women. In an interview, she expresses anger and disbelief at the regression that she believes can be observed in the perception of women. Berben wonders why her generation took to the streets decades ago and what they wanted to fight for back then, especially the right to a self-determined image of women. “Are the achievements we fought for no longer worth anything?” she asks thoughtfully.

A central concern of Berben is the criticism of the punishment of individuality and the tendency to “cancel” people who do not conform to social norms. The focus on external perfection and youthfulness unsettles young people in particular. She encourages them to take care of their inner well-being in order to develop a loving and self-confident self-image.

Visibility of women in old age

Berben is particularly concerned about the visibility of women as they age. She is shocked that many women vote for politicians like Donald Trump and wonders how this happened. In her opinion, this attitude reflects a distorted image of self-acceptance and appreciation. She often hears the sentence: “You still look good for your age,” which she sees as an expression of an arrogant attitude. She emphasizes that women's visibility should not be limited to youth and external beauty.

Throughout her career, Berben has also reflected on her own relationship with beauty and attractiveness. At an earlier stage in her life, she valued her looks, which opened up many opportunities for her. However, this external image led to deep reflection on her self-perception. Berben realized that her own standard of self-acceptance is crucial and that it is important to not only accept yourself, but also like yourself. “Character is crucial, regardless of external attractiveness,” she concludes.

Growth and self-confidence

A formative moment in the actress's life was realizing that one's own self-esteem can be developed independently of external compliments. It often turns out that people have to deal with contradictory feelings as they get older. The ability to free yourself from external judgments promotes self-confidence and inner strength.

Berben makes it clear that what counts is not just what is viewed from the outside, but rather the inner strength and character of a person. These statements are in stark contrast to social standards and norms that often reduce women to external characteristics.

Through her openness and courage, Berben encourages women of all ages to value themselves and fight for their rights. Their appeal is clear: knowing and accepting yourself is the first step to a self-determined life.

For more information about this, see the articles from Antenna Münster and Girlfriend.