NPR's Book of the Day
'Toxic' looks back on Janet Jackson, Britney Spears and tabloid culture in the 2000s
Feb 13, 2024
Author Sarah Ditum discusses her book 'Toxic' which explores tabloid culture in the 2000s, focusing on the impact on women like Britney Spears. Topics include the rise of digital media, the infamous Diane Sawyer interview, and how younger generations are reclaiming autonomy over their public image.
09:27
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Quick takeaways
- Tabloid culture in the 2000s objectified and vilified young women, perpetuating toxic media coverage.
- Emergence of social media allowed younger celebrities to reclaim control over their public image.
Deep dives
Toxic Media Climate for Young Women
The book 'Toxic: Women, Fame, and the Tabloid 2000s' explores the troubling media climate for young women during the late 90s and early 2000s. The author argues that this era, despite producing memorable pop culture moments, was marked by toxic media coverage. Young women like Britney Spears and Janet Jackson faced a double standard, with intense scrutiny and moral outrage, while their male counterparts often escaped blame. The book highlights how young womanhood was unfairly portrayed and policed during this period.
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