The last question and its answer reminded me of this Susan Sontag quote: "Instead of being girls, girls as long as possible, who then age humiliatingly into middle-aged women, they can become women much earlier – and remain active adults, enjoying the long, erotic career of which women are capable, far longer." I found it incredibly eye-opening. I don't have to be a girl! The freedom!
This is an incredible piece. So many stimulating, though provoking, emotionally heightened moments reading along.
Feeling the frustrations, fears, nostalgia, hope and layers to this complex and huge important relevant status and topic(s) female. It is such an encapsulating, timely piece that deserves a light shine on thr exploration and realisations of the past the present and the somewhat perplexed future. Can't wait to read the book. X
Very interesting read and so true. Teen girls and young women today are obsessed with their looks and weight. I can’t believe that in 2025 the desire for perfection and how we look is still so important. I’m 50 with a 18 year old daughter and I feel that we are skipping what we learnt in between the 90s and early 2000s. Weight loss drugs have definitely increased this trend and I am deeply concerned that it will get worse.
Really eye opening and brilliant read. What comes after post feminism? What are we in now? A looooon way off from the seven demands of the women’s movement that’s for sure.
This was brilliant to read - so fascinated by the discussion that culture is worse now. I wouldn’t disagree, especially with women who have lived through both eras, but as someone who’s v familiar with the current culture and not the one in this discussion, I am outraged by some of the info here. I literally can’t believe some of the things you’ve said. Scratch and Sniff breasts on a magazine what the fuck! I am in disbelief. I can foresee an internet research hole & a purchasing of this book on my horizon. Also love the comment that trad wives are performance artists bc I really think that too. They’re entertainers! Lol
Also Chris Moyles has always given me such unsettling and creepy energy, interesting to have that vibe confirmed by hearing what he said to a child. Again, can’t believe the stuff I read in here. This interview is like a portal to another (awful) world.
You’ve made me realise that we grew up in such a toxic time. Especially as girls and women. You’ve also made me remember so much; and how much better Britney deserved!
I've got the recording of last night to listen back to but seeing this all written out, it's so shocking, and how this was just our backdrop in terms of millenial culture- being old enough to absorb but too young to really understand any of the cruelty. I did my PhD using postfeminist theory and it was one of the most transformative experiences.
Oh, I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you! You could have explained what comes after post-feminism to me because genuinely, I don't know what era we are in now
The last question and its answer reminded me of this Susan Sontag quote: "Instead of being girls, girls as long as possible, who then age humiliatingly into middle-aged women, they can become women much earlier – and remain active adults, enjoying the long, erotic career of which women are capable, far longer." I found it incredibly eye-opening. I don't have to be a girl! The freedom!
Such an interesting read. The Esquire thing was particularly gross. However, I can't have the Spice Girls body spray slander - that smelt glorious!!!
Hahahaha it was so gross. But I love them forever
This is an incredible piece. So many stimulating, though provoking, emotionally heightened moments reading along.
Feeling the frustrations, fears, nostalgia, hope and layers to this complex and huge important relevant status and topic(s) female. It is such an encapsulating, timely piece that deserves a light shine on thr exploration and realisations of the past the present and the somewhat perplexed future. Can't wait to read the book. X
Very interesting read and so true. Teen girls and young women today are obsessed with their looks and weight. I can’t believe that in 2025 the desire for perfection and how we look is still so important. I’m 50 with a 18 year old daughter and I feel that we are skipping what we learnt in between the 90s and early 2000s. Weight loss drugs have definitely increased this trend and I am deeply concerned that it will get worse.
Really eye opening and brilliant read. What comes after post feminism? What are we in now? A looooon way off from the seven demands of the women’s movement that’s for sure.
I genuinely don’t know what comes after, I’m hoping someone can tell me what this era is called
Gilbert's book is on my 'Read Me!' list, so thank you for this excellent interview.
This was brilliant to read - so fascinated by the discussion that culture is worse now. I wouldn’t disagree, especially with women who have lived through both eras, but as someone who’s v familiar with the current culture and not the one in this discussion, I am outraged by some of the info here. I literally can’t believe some of the things you’ve said. Scratch and Sniff breasts on a magazine what the fuck! I am in disbelief. I can foresee an internet research hole & a purchasing of this book on my horizon. Also love the comment that trad wives are performance artists bc I really think that too. They’re entertainers! Lol
Also Chris Moyles has always given me such unsettling and creepy energy, interesting to have that vibe confirmed by hearing what he said to a child. Again, can’t believe the stuff I read in here. This interview is like a portal to another (awful) world.
The book is so good Martha! We barely scratched (or sniffed) the surface in this
You’ve made me realise that we grew up in such a toxic time. Especially as girls and women. You’ve also made me remember so much; and how much better Britney deserved!
The 00s were so toxic and I think this is why I get annoyed when I see Gen Z wearing the clothes from that era.
My partner and I both love The Hills New Beginnings. Neither of us watched the original and we just thought it was so bizarre and hilarious.
I have not purchased because I remember the scent being sickly (think it was mainly vanilla?) but this company has recreated the spice girl impulse
https://www.wicketywackcandles.com/products/spice-girls-scent-mist?srsltid=AfmBOoqx2k72SZIelJvxyhReZ91lNFBEt2NG8Wettm--59hOp6yiDfH4
I wish it smelt of vanilla!!!!
I've got the recording of last night to listen back to but seeing this all written out, it's so shocking, and how this was just our backdrop in terms of millenial culture- being old enough to absorb but too young to really understand any of the cruelty. I did my PhD using postfeminist theory and it was one of the most transformative experiences.
Oh, I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you! You could have explained what comes after post-feminism to me because genuinely, I don't know what era we are in now