The Philadelphia Goddess Story
by Tabby Biddle
Carey Grant, Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart star in The Philadelphia Story, the 1940 romantic comedy.
The other night I re-watched “The Philadelphia Story” starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James “Jimmy” Stewart. WOW, what a cast! … and I had no idea about the major subplot on GODDESSES.
I watched this film for the first time 15 years ago and as I was not into goddesses then, had no memory of the references. This time, since I was absolutely aware of the references, I counted 11 uses of the word "goddess." It just goes to show that you can watch a film over and over and take in new lessons each time.
This time the lesson seemed to be about reflecting on the different interpretations of the word “goddess.”
The film gives different images and viewpoints of how people and how society at that time interpreted the word “goddess.” To some, goddesses were up on a pedestal, unapproachable and to be admired from afar. To others they were cold, chaste or impersonal…and to some they were even to be feared and considered wrathful.
When I asked a group of girlfriends what “goddess” means to them, one friend said, “Goddess sounds like ‘diva’ to me. I know that’s not what it means, but I can’t help it, that’s where my head goes. I don’t consider myself a Goddess because cause of the diva connection,” she said.
Another friend who had a more positive association said, “To me, Goddess means confidence, beauty, strength, being centered, rising to greatness, and JOY!”
A third friend reflected, “Being a goddess means honoring myself and my qualities…and spoiling myself a little.”
As I watched The Philadelphia Story side-by-side with my fiancée, who often calls me a Goddess, I reflected on what it means to me. I think of it as a term of endearment and one that reflects a combination of respect, love, admiration, and trust in all of my qualities—strengths and vulnerabilities.
What does the word “Goddess” mean to you?
Tabby Biddle is the founder of Lotus Blossom Style, a yoga lifestyle company on a mission to empower women to blossom into their potential. She grew up in a suburb of Philadelphia, and now lives in Santa Monica, CA. Learn more at lotusblossomstyle.com.