What are you currently reading?
Many things: ‘History of mermaids’ by Elisabetta Moro, “La storia di San Michele” by Axel Munthe, “Animali si diventa” by Federica Timeto and “Attenzione e preghiera” by Simone Weill.
When googling Margherita, apart from her filmography, MYmovies page, and soon enough Syrene videos – a lot of articles mentioning how she openly speaks out of her personal experience with sexual harassment, and the abuse of power in the entertainment industry will appear. We bring up this negative experience she had to unfortunately live in first person, to put a magnifying glass on the braveness of it all.
Even if a number of series, news articles, docu-movies and so on, have exposed what happens in the entertainment industry over time. When power in the business is misused once and again, there is a lack of support for the victim, and it seems to be somewhat impossible to find the strength and courage to speak out – to bring up the truth.
You are one that found the courage in her – a word of advice you would like to share with the newer artists that approach the entertainment business?
Speak what you feel, and read feminist authors to better understand your emotions and how to speak them loud and clear (“women who run with the wolves” by C. P. Estes helped me a lot). The worst thing for me was that I did not speak when something clearly had hurt me in the moment – it’s difficult to react when in shock. This is why many victims talk years later, and anyhow the capacity to react is fundamental. I would also suggest to search for other women’s solidarity at work. Many associations – such as Amleta – are now working to protect women’s rights in the entertainment business, so ask for help if you need it.
Like every experience does, this one – as bad as it may have been, has probably taught you something about yourself. Would you care to share a bit of that wisdom?
I learned that as a woman I was taught to always be nice and welcoming, even in the face of abuse. I had to learn how to allow myself to feel rage, denial and feistiness, which are important tools to navigate this word, but they are usually considered “for men”, and inconvenient for women.
As the afternoon was coming to an end, and the warmer tones of a beautiful sunset approached, we moved to the living room. The area of the apartment in which one can appreciate the beauty of Rome in all of its glory, and where Margherita intends to spend the majority of her afternoons once she moves in.
