Emma Thompson Blasts 'Victorian' Britain

04 June 2009

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Emma Thompson has blasted "Victorian" attitudes to motherhood.

The 'Last Chance Harvey' actress - who has two children with husband Greg Wise - claims her native UK is way behind other countries in its attitudes to working women who are raising families.

She told BANG Showbiz: "There is more pressure on women in particular, of course, but I think that's changing. It depends where you are in the world. It's not brilliant here in Britain compared to, for example, Scandinavia - maternity leave and everything is different, they're much more clued in to what parents and children need. We still have quite a lot of Victorian principles hanging on, you can see it and feel it."

Despite her concerns, the 50-year-old star insists pursuing her career has made her a happier and better parent.

I'm 50 now and I think, 'Well why can't I just be 50? What's wrong with that?'I wish I could brainwash every woman in the world to say it doesn't matter what you're like

She added: "It is difficult but I don't work very much. The last time I went away was to do 'Stranger Than Fiction', which was three weeks away in 2004 and it was hard.

"I don't think it's something any of us manage without all sorts of guilt but at the same time, particularly as women, if we don't do it, we won't be happy. And if I'm not happy I won't be a good mum, you must do creative things."

The actress also hit out at people using anti-ageing measures, including Botox injections, saying she would like to "brainwash" women into accepting themselves.

She added: "I would think Botox would be a terrible betrayal of everything I believe in and I see no point of it.

"I'm 50 now and I think, 'Well why can't I just be 50? What's wrong with that?'

"I wish I could brainwash every woman in the world to say it doesn't matter what you're like. There's an unhealthy obsession."

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