Throughout movies, books, and now television, she has undergone tough times.
Although Clarice Starling is a fictional character, she inspires women to be their own strong female lead.
Clarice is good at her job and she isnt afraid to admit it.
No matter how many people question her, she knows she has earned her spot in the FBI.
She understands she didnt getluckywhen she brought down the serial killer, Buffalo Bill.
Her success was well-deserved.
She earned her spot at the table.
She deserves to work for the FBI as much as the men who continuously dismiss her.
She might even deserve itmorethan them.
In1981, women made up less than five percent of FBI agents.
By 1991, after the movieThe Silence of the Lambswas released, that number rose to twelve percent.
Although women have shown their value time and time again, that doesnt mean sexism has completely disappeared.
It existed when Clarice joined the FBI and it still persists today.
However, women are finding ways to outsmart the people who underestimate them.
However, Clarice expertly turns the situation around.
She subverts norms by using her femininity to her advantage.
And thats exactly what Patricia Kirby, a real-life Starling, did throughout her whole career.
Patricia Kirbyis a former FBI agent.
She was the inspiration behind the character in the 1988 novel,The Silence of the Lambs.
Like Clarice, she spent years interviewing serial killers for the Behavioral Science Unit.
She made them feel safe and comfortable enough to open up to her.
The interviews that Kirby conducted were used to build profiles of the killers to aid in investigations.
Although there are some significant differences between Kirby and Clarice, they have similar personalities.
They are both strong and independent women.
They have paved the way for other women who are interested in joining the field.
Candice DeLongis another former FBI agent who has solved high profile cases throughout her career.
She worked closely with the Behavioral Science Unit and was called thereal-life Clarice Starling.
She was a head nurse when she was originally recruited by the FBI.
Her job entailed sitting and listening to patients, which taught her a valuable skill.
According to DeLong, listening is much more important than talking when it comes to solving a crime.
This is a skill Clarice also possesses, which is what makes her such a successful agent.
Girls need to know working as an FBI agent is a viable career option.
As of2012, female agents still account for less than twenty percent of the industry.
Thats why its important to bring back characters like Clarice Starling.
She sets a great example for women everywhere.
You should stay confident.
You should never quit.
One of the most compelling things about Clarice is that shes an imperfect person.
Shes not a superhero who is incapable of making mistakes.
She is flawed but focused.
She is vulnerable but strong.
She is a complex human being.
She is areal woman.
She is the bang out of role model all women need.
Watch the new series Clarice on February 11th at 10/9c onCBS.
