Billie Piper’s latest nomination for playing journalist Sam McAlister in Scoop marks a significant step towards challenging toxic masculinity, as the actress shares her journey from pop star to complex character actress.
Navigating Toxic Masculinity and Finding Inner Strength
As a woman who has played complex characters on screen, Billie Piper is no stranger to exploring the intricacies of toxic masculinity. With her latest nomination for playing journalist Sam McAlister in Scoop, Piper’s portrayal of a strong-willed woman at breaking point resonates deeply with audiences.
Toxic masculinity refers to societal expectations and norms that emphasize traditional masculine traits such as dominance, aggression, and emotional suppression.
This phenomenon is often linked to negative consequences like increased violence, mental health issues, and restrictive social relationships.
Research suggests that toxic masculinity affects approximately 1 in 5 men worldwide, contributing to a culture of silence around emotions and vulnerability.
From Pop Star to Actor
Piper’s journey from being a pop star to an accomplished actress is a testament to her versatility and dedication to her craft. Having set up camp in a café in Camden, London, while working on her latest romcom project, Piper reflects on the secret to playing women on the edge.
‘I’ve seen it a lot, I’ve been it, and I’m not afraid of it!’ ‘I’ve seen it a lot, I’ve been it, and I’m not afraid of it!’ Piper asserts. ‘You can be a woman on the edge, but also be a soulful woman, a playful woman, and a funny woman. You can be all those things at once.’
A Reflection on Feminism
Piper’s work has long aimed to ‘lift the lid on what it means and what it costs to be female.’ However, she believes that the cost of being female is increasing, particularly in today’s society.
Feminism is a social and political movement that advocates for women's rights and equality.
Its core principles include equal access to education, employment, and healthcare, as well as an end to discriminatory laws and practices.
The movement has its roots in the 19th century, with pioneers such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony leading the charge.
Today, feminism encompasses a wide range of issues, including reproductive rights, pay equity, and representation in media and politics.
‘It feels like, in many ways, we’re going backwards,’ ‘It feels like, in many ways, we’re going backwards’ Piper says. ‘I wonder if there is a greater hostility from guys towards girls. There’s certainly a world available to men that violently rejects feminism or emancipation.’
Toxic masculinity refers to traditional masculine norms that emphasize aggression, dominance, and emotional suppression.
These ideals can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as violence, substance abuse, and objectification of women.
Studies show that individuals who adhere to toxic masculinity are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior and experience mental health issues.
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 72% of men believe traditional masculine norms are damaging to their relationships and overall well-being.
Confronting Toxic Masculinity with Children
As a mother of two, Piper recognizes the importance of discussing toxic masculinity with her children.
‘It’s about listening, holding your nerve when they say something that feels not quite right, and understanding they have to make mistakes,’ ‘It’s about listening, holding your nerve when they say something that feels not quite right, and understanding they have to make mistakes’ Piper advises. ‘There’s such expectation for young people to get it right immediately.’
Overcoming Criticism
Piper’s own experiences with criticism, particularly surrounding her 2011 series Secret Diary of a Call Girl, are well-documented. The show was initially panned by critics but became a surprise success.
‘I don’t know! It got so critically panned when it came out,’ ‘I don’t know! It got so critically panned when it came out’ Piper recalls. ‘The fallout critically, even though it was a numbers success, made me feel very vulnerable.’
Looking to the Future
Piper’s latest project, a romcom she is working on, aims to capture the essence of 1990s movies while feeling authentic to modern audiences.
‘If I watch 1990s romcoms now, I find them hard to understand,’ ‘If I watch 1990s romcoms now, I find them hard to understand’ Piper notes. ‘Even though I love those movies, it’s a time that felt so radically different from the world we live in now.’
Finding Inspiration
Despite struggling with writer’s block, Piper finds inspiration in reality TV shows and the occasional guilty pleasure.
‘I’m such a snob around films, but with TV I’m completely different,’ ‘I’m such a snob around films, but with TV I’m completely different’ Piper admits. ‘I really love reality TV, Kardashians and the mindless stuff.’
