Angelina Jolie Cuts Off Another Part of Herself

Angelina Jolie is most fond of two things: removing parts of herself and writing op-ed pieces about it. Her latest removal is her most extreme yet. That’s right, Jolie has now gotten rid of her ovaries and her fallopian tubes, proving that she is, in essence, her own gender.

While, yes, it is admirable that Jolie finds it so important to be the voice for other women at risk for cancer, there is just the faintest hint of obnoxiousness to her advocacy as well. Rather than coming across as genuine, Jolie seems faux interested in the lives of cancer-ridden women as she states, “I went through what I imagine thousands of other women have felt. I told myself to stay calm, to be strong, and that I had no reason to think I wouldn’t live to see my children grow up and to meet my grandchildren.”

There are a lot “I’s” in that sentence for someone so concerned about others. Plus the fact that each paragraph is peppered with just the right amount of sentimentality (e.g. “I was full of happiness, although the radioactive tracer meant I couldn’t hug my children.”). There’s a difference between being empathetic and finding a way to talk about yourself. Jolie doesn’t toe this line delicately enough.

Furthermore, the real conversation being brought up by The Los Angeles Times‘ and The New York Times‘ willingness to give Jolie a writing platform whenever she wants to talk about her latest bodily removal or crusade brings up the question of why non-famous cancer patients aren’t given the same opportunity. Wouldn’t there be a greater veracity and honestness in that? Evidently not.