In a compelling discussion, Victoria Smith, author of "Hags: The Demonisation of Middle-Aged Women," tackles the animosity faced by women as they age. She delves into the resurgence of ageism and misogyny, highlighting societal views that render middle-aged women invisible. Alongside Hadley Freeman, they explore the evolving stereotypes surrounding these women, the tension between personal autonomy and societal expectations, and the importance of celebrating women's unique strengths and experiences. Their conversation urges a reevaluation of feminism and body identity in today's culture.
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insights INSIGHT
The Demonization of Middle-Aged Women
Middle-aged women face disdain and vitriol, a topic explored in Victoria Smith's book "Hags".
This book dissects the ageism and misogyny historically plaguing older women.
insights INSIGHT
Difference vs. Inferiority
Acknowledging physical differences between sexes doesn't imply inferiority.
Denying these differences can lead to internalized feelings of inferiority.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Body Denial and Anorexia
Both Hadley Freeman and Victoria Smith had anorexia, demonstrating bodily-led denial of the body.
This denial, while aiming for equality, can be a submissive act, hindering personal growth.
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In 'Hags: The Demonisation of Middle-Aged Women', Victoria Smith delves into the societal disdain for middle-aged women, tracing it back to historical anxieties similar to those that fueled Early Modern witch hunts. The book explores various themes such as care work, beauty, violence, and sex, arguing that the demonization of older women is a manifestation of patriarchal control. Smith concludes by advocating for solutions that benefit all women, reclaiming 'hag' as a badge of pride.
Of woman born
Motherhood as Experience and Institution
Adrienne Rich
In 'Of Woman Born,' Adrienne Rich delves into the complexities of motherhood, distinguishing between the personal experience of mothering and the institutionalized expectations imposed by patriarchal society. The book, originally published in 1976, is a powerful blend of research, theory, and self-reflection, exploring how motherhood is shaped by historical, social, and political factors. Rich critiques the ways in which motherhood has been subjugated and commodified, advocating for women's autonomy and liberation. The work remains significant today, offering profound insights into the intersections of motherhood, feminism, and personal identity.
Goodbye To All That
Robert Graves
Good-Bye to All That is a candid and critical memoir that explores Robert Graves' early life, his experiences as a soldier in World War I, and his post-war struggles. The book provides a raw portrayal of trench warfare and the psychological impact of the war on soldiers. It also delves into Graves' growing disillusionment with English society and his eventual departure from England.
Wasted
A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia
Marya Hornbacher
In 'Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia,' Marya Hornbacher chronicles her intense and often horrifying experiences with anorexia and bulimia. The book is a vivid and honest account of her journey from the onset of her eating disorders as a child to her later years of semi-recovery. Hornbacher's narrative is marked by its stark candor, capturing both the pain and the underlying purposes of her disorders. The memoir has been praised for its maturity and the author's ability to explore the complexities of her illness without sparing her own experiences or those of her family[2][3][5].
Chavs
The Demonization of the Working Class
Owen Jones
In this book, Owen Jones explores how the working class in Britain has been subjected to stereotypes and demonization, particularly through the pejorative term 'chav'. He argues that this stereotype is used by governments and the media to avoid addressing genuine social and economic problems and to justify widening inequality. The book delves into the political, social, and economic context that has led to the alienation of working-class communities, including the impact of neoliberal policies and the decline of trade unions. Jones also critiques the media and political establishment for perpetuating these stereotypes and offers a nuanced portrait of the complexities of working-class life in modern Britain.
Why are middle-aged women these days subject to so much rage and hatred? In her new book, "Hags: The Demonisation of Middle-Aged Women," author Victoria Smith confronts the disdain and vitriol she encountered as a woman entering mid-life. and she dissects the ageism and misogyny that have historically plagued older women, shedding light on its resurgence in recent years. In conversation with Hadley Freeman from The Sunday Times, they examine the societal dismissal of women who dare to exist beyond the confines of youth and desirability, rendering them seemingly superfluous.
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