Source: Getty Images
Earlier this week, the Associated Press reported that Miss Piggy was going to be honored with a very prestigious award.
The award, given by the Brooklyn Museum, honors women who have made outstanding contributions in their fields. And though Miss Piggy is technically not a woman, they’ve made an exception in their decision to recognize her.
Elizabeth Sackler, founder of the awards for the Center for Feminist Art, says that Miss Piggy, who embodies “spirit, determination and grit,” has taught many of us lessons about overcoming obstacles.
Miss Piggy joins the ranks of other notable women like Toni Morrison and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’ Connor.
Piggy, who was dubbed the “The Gloria Steinem of the Muppet World” by The Daily Beast, will be interviewed by the real Steinem at a June 4 ceremony. Kermit will also attend.
But, as with most things, not everybody is happy about the recognition. When I saw the story on Jezebel, I noticed that one commenter raised a few interesting points. This person argued that not only is Miss Piggy not a woman, giving her this award took the honor away from another deserving woman. Not only that, Miss Piggy was created and literally controlled by men. Over the years, it has been mostly men who’ve given this memorable muppet her voice as well as her mobility.
Another person suggested that Miss Piggy is too concerned about chasing after “a man,” (aka Kermit) to be considered a feminist. Someone said that Miss Piggy is far too materialistic and vain to be awarded like this.
Other commenters argued that Miss Piggy is a great symbol of feminism. She is by far, one of the strongest, most vocal and assertive female characters we’ve seen in media…ever. And not only that, in addition to running after Kermit, Miss Piggy made sure to achieve her other dreams. Her wikipedia page lists three occupations for this diva. She’s an actress, singer and magazine editor. So she wasn’t just determined when it came to getting her man.
And the most striking for me, as a young girl was seeing how Miss Piggy boldly and unapologetically embraced her body. She is thick…nay fat but that never, ever kept her from being and exuding fabulousness. Body positivity on fleek.
As for me, I’m all here for Miss Piggy receiving this award.
Feminism is often perceived as some elusive, man-hating, lesbian, angry coalition of White women. And that’s just not true. A feminist is someone, of any gender, who believes that men and women should be politically, socially and economically equal to men.
So men, including Miss Piggy’s performers, could very well be feminists. And even if they weren’t, they subconsciously sent, in my opinion, a very strong feminist message to generations of children and adults.
Miss Piggy was, and still is very vain, with sometimes unfounded confidence in her abilities. She was and still is materialistic. But a feminist doesn’t have to be a picture-perfect example of finer womanhood. He or she just has to believe in equality.
So, with that being said, I’m more than here for Miss Piggy receiving this award. Because she deserves it. She let a lot of little girls, little boys and even some grown folks know that a woman who spoke her mind and went after what she wanted could still be lovable.
I don’t have argue Miss Piggy’s case though. Despite the naysayers, she’s already issued a statement of acceptance for the award, saying:
“Moi is thrilled.”
Long live Miss Piggy!
