What Pete Hegseth’s Resurrected Bid for Defense Secretary Signals
Dec 16, 2024
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Miranda July, a celebrated filmmaker and author, dives into themes from her novel, All Fours, tackling the intricacies of identity and relationships. She shares insights on midlife transitions, focusing on the emotional and societal challenges surrounding menopause and self-discovery. The discussion highlights the power of open communication in personal relationships and the creative expressions that emerge from life's complexities. July's unique perspective invites listeners to embrace transformations and reflect on their own journeys through midlife.
Miranda July emphasizes the need for open discussions among women about the physical and emotional challenges of aging, fostering connection and understanding.
July advocates for reevaluating relationships in midlife, promoting transparency and collaboration to navigate the evolving dynamics of marriage.
Deep dives
Facing Midlife Transitions
Miranda July discusses the emotional and physical changes women experience as they approach midlife, particularly around the age of 40. She expresses feelings of intimidation about the future and the societal pressures associated with aging, reflecting on the lack of conversation surrounding these transitions. This silence creates a disconnect between personal experiences and public discourse, leading women to feel isolated in their struggles. Through her writing, July aims to challenge these taboos, advocating for open discussions among women about their bodies and desires during this phase of life.
The Power of Open Conversations
July highlights the importance of honest conversations among friends to navigate the complexities of midlife. She recounts a poignant moment during a parent-teacher conference where she and another mother shared feelings of crisis and the ongoing evolution of their identities. Such exchanges serve as a crucial support system, allowing women to validate their experiences and understand that they are not alone in their feelings of uncertainty. These intimate dialogues create a 'whisper network' that encourages women to confront and share their realities regarding aging and sexuality.
Redefining Marriage and Relationships
In her exploration of marriage, July emphasizes the need for couples to reevaluate their relationships as they age. She introduces the idea of 'open sourcing' marriage, advocating for transparency and collaboration in addressing the unique challenges that come with midlife. This approach invites partners to share experiences and insights, fostering a collective effort to redefine their lives together. By acknowledging the evolving nature of their partnership, couples can create a more fulfilling and personalized version of marriage that aligns with their current identities.
Embracing the Unknown
July's novel illustrates her journey through the uncertainties of approaching menopause and the societal narratives that accompany this transition. She emphasizes that rather than fearing aging or viewing it as a decline, women can embrace this time as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. The metaphor of a 'cliff' represents the fears associated with aging but also signifies the potential for new beginnings. By challenging conventional notions of what midlife should be, July encourages readers to find freedom in this uncharted territory and to define their own journeys.
After president-elect Donald Trump announced his plans to nominate Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary, Senate confirmation seemed unlikely. Other than serving in the military, Hegseth lacked experience — and reporting emerged alleging sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement and alcohol abuse. But Trump is galvanizing his base to protect Hegseth’s nomination. We’ll talk about the likelihood of Hegseth’s confirmation and what the department could look like under Hegseth.
Guests:
Tom Nichols, staff writer, The Atlantic; professor emeritus of national-security affairs, U.S. Naval War College; author, “Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault From Within on Modern Democracy”
Joe Gould, defense reporter, Politico
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