Good on Paper The Death of Feminism
59 snips
May 6, 2025 Sophie Gilbert, an Atlantic staff writer and author of 'Girl on Girl,' dives into the complex relationship between feminism and pop culture. She discusses how the shift from 90s riot grrrl activism to the superficial 'girl power' of the Spice Girls contributed to the postfeminist landscape. Gilbert analyzes the role of internet pornography in shaping societal attitudes and the clash between empowerment and exploitation. She advocates for a nuanced understanding of feminism that prioritizes collective action over individualism.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Shift from Feminism to Post-Feminism
- The 90s marked a shift from activist third wave feminism to a more celebratory post-feminism focused on consumerism and sexual empowerment.
- The Spice Girls symbolized this shift, turning 'girl power' from a political call to a marketing slogan.
Porn's Cultural Explosion
- Porn became increasingly accessible and influential culturally from the late 80s through the advent of the internet.
- Despite its massive reach, porn's impact on society and especially women has been under-analyzed.
Porn's Gendered Production and Effects
- Porn is not inherently anti-feminist but has historically been made for men, often leading to more extreme and violent content.
- Mainstream media sexualization pushed porn to become more transgressive to maintain consumer interest.
