Jacqueline WM Wong

Today, cooking shows launch culinary careers and TV celebrities around the world. In 1961, one woman started a pilot cooking episode (then unheard of) and revolutionised the way Americans think about food and how meals are prepared at home. Julia had a successful and extraordinary career in her 50s, during a period when women were expected to marry and be fulfilled with a domestic life. While she broke some glass ceilings and appeared to be living the dreams of millions of women, her journey was not without obstacles and challenges. No matter Julia's achievements, there will always be those who scorn her work, knocking her down for different reasons: snobbishness, sexism, and particularly feminism. In episode 7, at lunch, the restaurant chef asks her (as a 'small favour') to "leave the real cooking to the men, or they will be out of a job'; and at the gala night, a soon-to-be feminism leader tells Julia that her work traps women in the kitchen slaving over perfecting meals. Even today, millions of women, particularly older women, face obstacles and challenges to working, being fairly paid and remunerated, and being recognised for their contributions. Despite and in spite of everything, she remained upbeat and, most importantly, continued to pursue her passion, work very hard, and remained "herself." So Julia, well done, indeed, well done! Sarah Lancashire's portrayal of 'Julia' was brilliant!