Why do men ask women to smile? This phenomenon occurs frequently enough to demand an explanation, and I have unconsciously done it myself a few times in the past. Do we do it with a genuine intention of spreading cheer and positivity? Or is there a more sinister, controlling motive behind it?

Brie Larson, star of Marvel’s first movie with a solo female superhero lead, has been bombarded with internet trolls since the release of the trailer for ‘Captain Marvel,’ asking why she is not sporting a ‘cheesy’ grin. Some even went as far with their trolling as photoshopping a smile onto images of her. But why? Her character is not there simply to look pretty, and she is a badass superhero on a mission to save the Earth from an alien invasion! Not exactly much to smile about in that situation I’d imagine. In response, knowing that she receives this kind of pressure simply because she is female, she decided to have a little photoshop fun of her own. She posted images of male Marvel superheroes looking positively delighted, baring their pearly-whites with radiant smiles. See how ridiculous it looks? These men certainly weren’t criticized for not smiling enough, and they were praised for their gritty portrayals of sometimes dark and serious characters.

Unfortunately, it seems that this genre of movie attracts a higher proportion of insecure guys that can’t handle a kickass, confident woman who doesn’t look exactly the way that they would prefer, and that is the crux of the issue. Many men are socialized to believe that women exist solely to look good for them and feel like it’s OK to instruct women on how they should act and feel.

The famous actress, a superhero both on and off-screen, followed up by saying: “Breaking news: You can be you. That means you can smile or not. You can be strong in the ways you want to be. You can own who you are. If anyone tells you different, don’t trust them.” And she is 100% right. So come on guys, let’s stop telling women to smile. It really is none of our business, and she will smile when it comes naturally to her, not just because you find it to be pleasing!

Scroll down below to check out the hilariously photoshopped images of Marvel characters below, and let us know what you think in the comments!

Brie Larson is the star of Marvel’s first superhero movie with a solo female lead

She has been bombarded with online trolls since the release of the trailer for ‘Captain Marvel’

With people apparently not being happy about her expression

Image credits: JavonSwint

Image credits: BrettRSmith76

One even decided to “fix it” in Photoshop

Brie Larson could not stay silent

Image credits: GeeksOfColor

She responded with her own Photoshoped pics

Other people joined in as well

Image credits: davechensky

Image credits: davechensky

Image credits: davechensky

Image credits: davechensky

Image credits: Shinjischneider

Image credits: Shinjischneider

Image credits: heymermaid

Image credits: XabiGaztelua

Image credits: itsdougjam

Image credits: _murphamy

Image credits: dilillicious

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