The “Zendaya Fatigue” Discourse Is Really About How Hollywood Treats Successful Women

The problem is that "being too visible" is something that affects women—rarely men—in Hollywood. I just hope you guys don't get sick of me this year because I'll tell you what—I'm disappearing for a little bit.

And let's not forget when Jennifer Lawrence withdrew from screens for a time due to that same fear of overexposure. The debate over the so-called "Zendaya fatigue" highlights a challenge for women in Hollywood.

What Happened

Although taking part in the industry's biggest projects in the same year is an unmistakable sign of success, constant exposure can weary audiences. It doesn't matter if the actress is not only wonderful at her job but also funny and likable: Sooner.

• Because if one woman's success terrifies many, what would happen if many women were able to enjoy it?

• The newcomer will be admired and loved until, suddenly, she receives hatred, is silenced, and is forced to step back so as "not to wear people out" and to make way for the next.

• Sooner rather than later, the actress of the moment will have to make way for a new face to take her place so the cycle can repeat itself.

Key Details

Throughout history, women in Hollywood have been judged by a very different standard than actors when it comes to recognizing and celebrating their talent. Too often, successful women are belittled for the qualities people applaud and admire in men.

• In the end, the message—even if it has never been verbalized—is that success will always be temporary.

• The trap, then, lies in figuring out how to succeed in a system that seems to have been designed to punish women who achieve success.

• The rise and fall of female celebrities reflects a fear that is deeply rooted in patriarchy: Women are treated as if they had committed a sin by being too visible and are accused of.

Why It Matters

But if she feels the need to slow down when her career is at its peak so as not to bother men who punish her success, we ask her to keep going.

• If Zendaya wants to take a break because she is exhausted, by all means, she should.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Yahoo as more details emerge