Iris Berben Blasts Modern Image of Women: "Train More Brain than Butt"
Train my mind, not my physique, according to Iris Berben.
German actress Iris Berben, known for her political activism and acting talents, isn't holding back when it comes to the modern portrayal of women. "Something's off," she says, referring to women who voted for former US President Trump.
Acting legend Iris Berben takes a hard look at today's society and the current image of women with anxiety and disbelief. "That angers me," the actress confided in Stern. "I question our generation: What did we fight for? What did we strive for? A self-sufficient representation of women, in our hands, our responsibilities."
Berben believes that individuality is now more likely to be penalized, with cancel culture looming for those who don't conform. The spotlight is focused on "surface perfection." "I always want to tell young people: It's important to focus on the inside of your mind and work out your brain instead of just your butt."
The Entertainment Industry's Double-Edged Sword
Berben is also taken aback by the fact that many women voted for Trump. "How is it possible that Trump was primarily elected by women, with his agenda, his behavior?" asked Berben. "I'm shocked and I feel something's off here." This concern leads her to question the current representation of women.
She often hears the phrase: "You still look good for your age." Although this might be intended as a compliment, she views it as a reflection of an arrogant perspective. "It reveals a lot about how women are perceived," said Berben. "And that's what frustrates me. I think it's meant positively, but there's a structure beneath it." Berben emphasizes that being visible as a woman doesn't mean looking good at 18 or 20 - that doesn't cease to exist.
Dismissing Authenticity and Brain Power
Berben's insights bring to light a concern that the emerging pressure for uniformity and superficial validation—stemming from social media and celebrity culture—may be eating away at feminism's hard-won gains and the authenticity of women's self-expression. Berben's stance is unequivocal: she advocates for nurturing intellect, self-reliance, and the fortitude to be different, warning about the dangers of reducing women's worth to physical appearance.
[1] Referenced enrichment data: Iris Berben, a prominent cultural figure in Germany, expressed frustration and anger in a 2025 interview regarding the changing image of women in contemporary society. She criticized the modern emphasis on external appearance, arguing that individuality is being punished, and that women are increasingly judged and valued for their looks rather than their intellect or autonomy. Berben warned against the societal push for conformity and superficial validation, fearing it could erode the progress made by feminism and the authenticity of women’s self-expression.
Sources: ntv.de, gut/dpa
- Iris Berben, in an interview in 2025, expressed her disapproval of the contemporary image of women, stating that she's "not going to be a big fan of this" as she believes the emphasis on external appearance is penalizing individuality, and the focus is shifting from women's intellect and autonomy.
- In her discussion about the changing image of women, Berben pointed out the concerns related to science, health-and-wellness, mental-health, and women's health, warning that the societal push for conformity and superficial validation could potentially erode the progress made by feminism and the authenticity of women’s self-expression.
- Berben, known for her advocacy for mental health, also criticized the entertainment industry for its double-edged sword, which encourages the pursuit of physical perfection while potentially dismissing the importance of brain power, as she encouraged young people to prioritize developing their minds over merely their physical appearance.
