Constance Grady, a cultural commentator from Vox, joins SNL host Sydney Sweeney, best known for her viral sketches. They dive into how conservative movements are embracing femininity, showcasing young women as icons against 'wokeness.' The conversation reveals the contradictions within conservative ideals and the unexpected acceptance of raunch culture. They also discuss the evolving narrative of feminism in pop culture, influenced by movements like Me Too, creating a complex landscape of gender politics today.
The Republican party's unexpected embrace of raunch culture signals a complex relationship with femininity and sexuality amid 'woke' opposition.
Conservatives argue that elite figures dominate discussions on critical issues, causing backlash against progressive ideologies in both business and culture.
Deep dives
The Conservative Fight Against Wokeness
The ongoing conservative campaign against 'woke' culture encompasses various sectors, including education and corporate America. Many critics argue that a small group of elite business figures has taken control of discussions regarding critical societal issues such as climate change and racial justice, which they see as undermining traditional values. This resistance manifests in a refusal to yield to what they term the 'woke mob.' The concept of 'woke capitalism' is often debated, with conservatives battling against what they perceive as the increasing influence of progressive ideologies in mainstream business practices.
Raunch Culture in Conservative Circles
Recent discussions highlight an unexpected embrace of raunch culture by certain factions within the Republican party, notably through public figures like Sydney Sweeney and Hailey Welsh. Sweeney, known for her roles in popular series, has become a symbol of opposition to progressive norms simply by embodying femininity and sexuality that some conservatives view as a rejection of 'wokeness.' Meanwhile, Welsh’s catchphrase has transcended social media platforms, emerging as a rallying cry for certain conservative audiences. This shift suggests a paradox where explicit sexuality is simultaneously both celebrated and condemned within conservative discourse.
Historic Interplay of Purity and Raunch
The historical relationship between purity culture and raunch culture is evident, showcasing a long-standing Madonna-whore complex in American society. Feminism's gradual mainstream acceptance emerged during the Obama era, evolving through significant cultural moments like Beyoncé's VMAs performance in which she boldly proclaimed her feminist identity. However, movements like Me Too shifted the narrative, challenging how women’s experiences were portrayed and discussed publicly. Political figures like Donald Trump symbolize a nostalgia for eras when sexual objectification was more socially accepted, thus highlighting the ongoing tug-of-war over female sexuality within conservative ideology.
Conservatives have started claiming hot girls as a culture war victory. Vox's Constance Grady explains why.
This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andi Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.