I hate the idea of force-feeding respect. Whether male or female, whether white, black, yellow, young or old, you can't make anyone respect a stereotype identity; individuals have to earn it on equal basis. Sorry for my political rant, but this movie turned me off bad, especially in this political climate. Like the new Star Wars movie; there is an element of noticing a character being there, not as part of the story, but to project the director/screen writer's political agenda.
In the face of Brie Larson ranting "All the negative reviews are done by white males" - as per youtube; can't get into the story without thinking about her hate towards manhood, and immerse into the character, who is supposed to be not only strong, but fair and relatable.