Intelligence Squared
Fame, Women and the Toxic Noughties
Jan 24, 2024
Join Sarah Ditum, a columnist and author of "Toxic," alongside Helen Lewis, a writer for The Atlantic and author of "Difficult Women," as they delve into the harsh realities of female celebrity culture in the 2000s. They discuss the duality of fame through controversial figures like Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse, examining the toll of media scrutiny and societal expectations. The conversation touches on the evolution of public perception, the psychological impacts of fame, and how digital technology reshaped gender dynamics and celebrity narratives.
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Quick takeaways
- The 2000s saw a shift in how female celebrities were portrayed, with a focus on their 'real' selves rather than their controlled image, leading to both positive and negative consequences.
- Female celebrities faced double standards, being expected to be desirable and morally impeccable, which resulted in mocking and shaming, particularly for successful and assertive women.
Deep dives
The Influence of Internet Culture on Celebrity Treatment
The podcast episode discusses how internet culture in the 2000s changed the way female celebrities were treated by the media. It explores the shift from a controlled and curated image to the exposure of the 'real' versions of celebrities. This was fueled by the breakdown of traditional power structures in celebrity journalism, allowing the public to see celebrities more authentically. However, this newfound transparency also led to the shaming and humiliation of celebrities, particularly women, with a focus on their physical appearance. The episode highlights the repercussions of being a woman in the public eye during that time and the struggles they faced.
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