Celebrate Women's History Month with a humorous look at the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout history. Discover fiendish women, the need for more female statues, and the impactful inventions by women loved by men. Unearth the complexities of Black Women's History Day, while tackling the economic burden of the pink tax. With wit and insight, this discussion shines a light on gender biases, encourages advocacy for equality, and highlights the amazing roles women play in shaping society.
The podcast challenges traditional narratives by highlighting the contributions of historically 'bad' women, illustrating their complex roles in shaping history.
It addresses the financial inequity of the pink tax on women, advocating for legislative action to combat this discriminatory practice.
Deep dives
Celebrating Unsung Women in History
The podcast highlights the contributions of women in history that are often overlooked, particularly those who engaged in morally ambiguous or outright negative behaviors. For example, it discusses Peggy Shippen Arnold, who was instrumental in her husband Benedict Arnold's treason during the American Revolution, showcasing how women's roles in historical betrayals are often forgotten. Additionally, the segment covers Queen Olympias, who arranged the assassination of her husband to ensure her son Alexander's rise to power, illustrating how women's ambition has shaped history in crucial ways. This focus on 'bad' women in history challenges the narrative that only celebrates virtuous female figures, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of women's impact on societal events.
Statues and Representation
The conversation shifts to the significant lack of statues honoring women, which reflects broader societal neglect of women's achievements in history. Currently, only 8% of outdoor statues in the U.S. depict women, highlighting the need for more monuments that acknowledge their contributions. The discussion suggests that the creation of statues serves not only as recognition but also as a means of remembering and thereby validating women’s roles in society. As a proposed solution, the podcast humorously discusses designing a single statue that represents all women, emphasizing the urgency of rectifying this historical oversight.
The Pink Tax and Economic Disparity
The podcast addresses the pervasive issue of the pink tax, where women are charged more for products and services compared to men, a phenomenon that leads to significant annual financial loss. It cites examples, including basic items like razors and children’s products, that demonstrate the inflated prices women face even for items that are nearly identical to men’s products. This inequity is not limited to goods but extends to services as well, as women often pay more for haircuts and tailoring. The segment calls for legislative action to repeal the pink tax, advocating for a broader awareness of these discriminatory practices faced by women throughout their lives.
Kick off Women's History Month with coverage from some of The Daily Show's best.
Honor the fiendish women of history with Desi Lydic. Investigate why there aren't more female statues with Dulce Sloan. Discover some of the popular female inventions that men love. Celebrate (the very real) Black Women's History Day with Dulce. And fight back against the pink tax that costs women extra every day.