Frida and the Role of Women
During the 1930’s and 1940’s, women of the world held virtually one role and one role only…homemaker.   This was no different for the women of Mexico, except for one woman in particular, Frida Kahlo.   Frida refused to accept the current ideals of society and the accepted social norms by engaging in things that few women in history ever had.   Frida was involved in politics, she was promiscuous with men and women, she painted pictures of herself in ways that had never been done before, and she wore the clothes of her indigenous people as opposed to the current fashions of the world. The movie Frida showcases all of these qualities. The director, Julie Taymor, uses the symbolism of these things to show how Frida was not a typical woman of her era.
Politics during the early 20th century was a man’s game.   It was considered to be no place for women; it was “too complex and complicated”.   However, Frida Kahlo did not agree with this stereotype, she inserted herself into the inner circles of high profile politicians from Mexico and around the world.   Frida associated herself with the Communist party and shared the views of other Communists such as Leon Trotsky, whom she and her husband, Diego Rivera, welcomed into their home when he was exiled from his home country of the Soviet Union.   Communism was a very feared and frowned upon political view of the time period, yet Frida openly associated herself with it.   Unlike most women of her time period, Frida immersed herself in politics and felt strongly about her points of view.   Frida’s involvement in politics is also displayed in the movie, especially during the scenes where Trotsky and his wife move in with Frida and Diego.   Also shown in the movie is a scene where Frida is at a party with Diego and everyone is involved in a heated discussion about politics while sharing drinks.   Frida immerses herself in the middle of the discussion and blatantly shares her opinions.
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