I suspect you put this piece together so you could point to it from now on when people suggest that you don’t know your onions, as it were, on this subject.
And that’s frustrating. And “frustrating” is probably a greatly sanitized version of what you’d actually say.
But I wanted to point out that this compendium of excerpts is really excellent. Perhaps not the last word on the subject, but close enough for me-- just wonderfully perceptive and honest. Your writing ought to be taught in high school health classes.
I’d say that men and women will never be able to connect with complete honesty and empathy if they don’t both understand what you’re writing about here.
It’s true that I was irritated by people lecturing me--and of course I don’t like the fact that my work, which once was well-known among feminists writers, has apparently been sent off on an iceberg with the rest of my generation. (Sanitized Version.) BUT the real reason I put this piece together was that I realized, from the comments about Barbie (movie and doll) that some things needed to be said again. It was challenging to pick stuff out, and there’s lots more I could have included (about men’s bodies, for example, which aren’t immune to the pressure to be “perfect” any more) but I know that after a point, readers start to feel pummeled. I’m so glad that you liked it!
My conclusion from your pieces and some other things I’ve read-- Barbie is complicated, and can be lumped in with the many bad messages about weight and objectification, but is also about much that is good. And the film illustrates that paradox pretty eloquently, and even amusingly.
On the other hand-- all the other stuff you mention is awful, and harder to defend or embrace. I’ve felt for a long time that women’s magazines can often be a malevolent actor, and it doesn’t seem right to me that Barbie takes the heat while checkout line magazines don’t.
As a woman born in the 50's I can relate to this piece on so many levels. You offered me a walk through time and so much resonated for me..All the women I have known who have dieted ,purged,driven themselves in the gym and have mentally struggled to live comfortably in their bodies. Barbie was a funny looking action figure for me as a child -I never questioned her ridiculous proportions ..She was whoever I wanted her to be talking to my other dolls..inventing intricate plays..Witnessing my own daughter play with hers ,chopping off hair ..having animated discussions - other cultural impressions struck a blow much more crashing over years. Our ridiculous icons and confusing cultural messages influenced us as girls and still do . Thank you for your brilliant thoughts and time machine.
Excellent piece! I think I am going to like it here.
Welcome to BordoLines!! I think I’m going to like to have you here.
Such a thoughtful and thought provoking piece. Thank you for sharing.
And thank you for your comment!
I suspect you put this piece together so you could point to it from now on when people suggest that you don’t know your onions, as it were, on this subject.
And that’s frustrating. And “frustrating” is probably a greatly sanitized version of what you’d actually say.
But I wanted to point out that this compendium of excerpts is really excellent. Perhaps not the last word on the subject, but close enough for me-- just wonderfully perceptive and honest. Your writing ought to be taught in high school health classes.
I’d say that men and women will never be able to connect with complete honesty and empathy if they don’t both understand what you’re writing about here.
It’s true that I was irritated by people lecturing me--and of course I don’t like the fact that my work, which once was well-known among feminists writers, has apparently been sent off on an iceberg with the rest of my generation. (Sanitized Version.) BUT the real reason I put this piece together was that I realized, from the comments about Barbie (movie and doll) that some things needed to be said again. It was challenging to pick stuff out, and there’s lots more I could have included (about men’s bodies, for example, which aren’t immune to the pressure to be “perfect” any more) but I know that after a point, readers start to feel pummeled. I’m so glad that you liked it!
My conclusion from your pieces and some other things I’ve read-- Barbie is complicated, and can be lumped in with the many bad messages about weight and objectification, but is also about much that is good. And the film illustrates that paradox pretty eloquently, and even amusingly.
On the other hand-- all the other stuff you mention is awful, and harder to defend or embrace. I’ve felt for a long time that women’s magazines can often be a malevolent actor, and it doesn’t seem right to me that Barbie takes the heat while checkout line magazines don’t.
As a woman born in the 50's I can relate to this piece on so many levels. You offered me a walk through time and so much resonated for me..All the women I have known who have dieted ,purged,driven themselves in the gym and have mentally struggled to live comfortably in their bodies. Barbie was a funny looking action figure for me as a child -I never questioned her ridiculous proportions ..She was whoever I wanted her to be talking to my other dolls..inventing intricate plays..Witnessing my own daughter play with hers ,chopping off hair ..having animated discussions - other cultural impressions struck a blow much more crashing over years. Our ridiculous icons and confusing cultural messages influenced us as girls and still do . Thank you for your brilliant thoughts and time machine.
Thank you so much! I love this comment, and want to subscribe to you now. And will!
Ahh Susan that would be an honour thank you !
Objectification which is awful basically whether you are male or female. It’s not a competition as to who can be mis-treated more badly.
Confused. Did you think I was arguing that? I wasn’t. What conveyed that to you?
I’m not setting up an argument I’m thinking aloud. Sorry for the confusion.
Ah!! Good, because I agree.
We agree to agree!