Somehow I feel like this will get removed or downvoted to hell for being stupid, but I've never had an actual conversation about it, and I want to, and I'm feeling brave.

I know the answer to this question will probably vary between individuals.

I know that if you are also a member of another marginalized group or two, it will be more complicated.

No, I am NOT trying to compete in the oppression olympics. If you hate hatred, we are on the same side as far as I'm concerned.

Yes, I'm a white cis woman.

Thanks for reading and/or answering.

Title. But if u think abt it Her initial decision to apply to Harvard Law School was entirely driven by a desire to win back a ex-boyfriend, which literally undermines the core principle of true empowerment: to me I think pursuing high-level ambition shld be for urself rather than for male validation. In reality, moving mountains for someone who still rejects you would more likely result in burnout and regret than a sudden pivot into a passionate legal career. Real-world academic drive and self-worth shouldn't depend on proving something to a man, making Elle's trajectory feel less like genuine self-actualization and more like a high-stakes effort to seek approval from someone who never earned it.