The hottest Feminism Substack posts right now

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Mutual Mistrust

Disaffected Newsletter • 319 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism Political Power Social Dynamics Cultural critique Identity politics
  1. There's a feeling of mistrust between different groups of people, like men and feminists. This mistrust often makes conversations difficult.
  2. Some feminists believe women only have power if they are equal to men in certain roles. However, many women hold power in cultural ways that might be overlooked.
  3. When men express their opinions, they can often be treated with condescendence by feminist women. This reaction reinforces the cycle of mutual mistrust.

Tara Reade, Christine Blassey Ford, and the bleak limitations of pettiness feminism

White Hot Harlots • 19 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism Due process Supreme Court
  1. Proving accusations in criminal cases, especially those of sexual assault that happened years earlier, remains extremely challenging and often lacks definitive evidence for legal action.
  2. The era ushered in by the Trump administration led to a deeply held belief that women's accusations of sexual misconduct should be believed without question, disregarding traditional standards of evidence and due process.
  3. The treatment of Tara Reade and Christine Blassey Ford highlights the disparity in how women are treated based on who they accuse, showing the flaws in the MeToo and BelieveWomen movements.

Gen X Women: The Forgotten Barbie Movie Audience

The Reclamation Era • 79 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Film Feminism Generations Women Nostalgia
  1. Gen X women are often overlooked, especially regarding popular culture like movies. Many believe that younger generations are the main audiences, but Gen X has significant feelings about these films too.
  2. Watching the Barbie movie brought a mix of laughter and emotions for Gen X women. They connected deeply with its themes, relating to their own experiences as moms and through midlife challenges.
  3. The movie resonates with older women who feel seen and heard, emphasizing the importance of their perspectives. Their reactions show that they have rich stories and feelings that matter, even if they're not always highlighted.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Hijacked by Fourth Wave Feminism

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Feminism Media Capitalism Sports
  1. Fourth Wave Feminism hijacking the FIFA Women’s World Cup, turning it into a platform for identity politics and woke Neo-Marxism.
  2. Channel 9's portrayal of women's economic power at odds with the reality of corporate influence and manipulation in cultural narratives.
  3. The societal dynamics suggest that women have cultural and social power but do not face oppression, despite the narrative pushed by certain media outlets.

Two End-of-Year Talks: bell hooks' Labors of Love and the Power of the Humanities

Humanities in Revolt • 119 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Humanities Feminism Social justice Education Public Speaking
  1. bell hooks emphasized the importance of love as a transformative force in social justice movements, but faced skepticism, especially from younger audiences.
  2. Upcoming presentations will focus on bell hooks' contributions to feminist thought and the power of humanities in understanding existential priorities.
  3. The talks will be open to the public, offer insights into human oppression, and emphasize the value of humanities in shaping our perspectives on living well.
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Movie Corner

The Golden Notebooks • 58 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Movies Documentaries Feminism Art Activism
  1. The writer enjoys watching documentaries directed by women with feminist themes.
  2. The documentary 'All the Beauty and the Bloodshed' is praised for its impactful storytelling and visual contrast.
  3. The movie 'Barbie' is viewed through the perspective of a child, exploring the relationship between imagination and reality.

"It's a male fetish"

Disaffected Newsletter • 239 implied HN points • 30 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Mental health Sexuality Identity Feminism
  1. This issue is not just a male problem, as women can also experience similar attractions. It's important to understand that these feelings might stem from specific personality disorders rather than being merely a feature of male identity.
  2. Labeling this behavior as 'male' prevents us from addressing the core psychological issues at play. We need to focus on the mental health aspects rather than assigning blame based on gender.
  3. Ignoring that some women can share these traits keeps us from finding a real solution. Both men and women can have complex psychological challenges that should be openly discussed.

Rediscovering the Goddess

Polymathic Being • 65 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Feminism Gender Roles
  1. The current feminist movement often overlooks the importance of embracing the feminine aspect.
  2. Society tends to value masculine traits over feminine qualities, leading to a devaluation of the feminine divine.
  3. It is essential to reclaim and appreciate the unique power and contributions of the feminine, rather than imposing masculine standards on women.

Sex and agency

Kvetch • 123 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Society Relationships Feminism Ethics
  1. The book 'The Case Against the Sexual Revolution' by Louise Perry critiques the liberal emphasis on 'consent' and 'freedom' in sexual relationships.
  2. Hook-up culture is seen as anti-feminisation, driving women into commitment-less relationships.
  3. Perry advocates for a revaluation of traditional relationships like marriage and highlights the importance of female agency in modern dating culture.

In Defense of Artificial Reproduction

The 21st Century Proletarian • 59 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Reproductive Rights Technology Feminism Social justice Women's Health
  1. Feminists like Shulamith Firestone have argued for technological advances in reproduction to challenge gender stereotypes and hierarchies.
  2. Rejecting the natural connection between women and motherhood is important to move towards gender equality and eliminate gender distinctions.
  3. Advocating for responsible use of artificial wombs can lead to progress in gender equality, but it should be approached cautiously with a focus on societal well-being.

Ireland says NO to abolishing mothers

Reactionary Feminist • 33 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Feminism Ireland Motherhood Equality Activism
  1. The Irish people rejected a proposal to remove explicit mention of mothers in the constitution during a recent vote.
  2. There is a growing resistance against the push for absolute gender sameness and the erasure of women's sexed nature.
  3. The women's movement is evolving to address new blind spots and emphasize the distinctiveness of mothers and the importance of women's lived realities.

G is for Gionfriddo

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 28 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Theater Feminism Artistic expression American Literature
  1. Gina Gionfriddo is a talented playwright whose works explore complex themes like sexuality and female behavior. Her writing is known for being funny yet dark, tackling subjects that many shy away from.
  2. Despite her early success and critical acclaim, Gionfriddo's career faced challenges, leading to fewer productions in later years. This raises questions about the support and opportunities available for playwrights in today's theater scene.
  3. Her plays often reflect the tensions and anxieties of modern society. Gionfriddo's characters navigate a world filled with both humor and harsh realities, making her work both engaging and thought-provoking.

Curator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Feminism Literature Art Media Society
  1. Andrea Dworkin's views on sexuality are becoming more relevant today. She believed that sex could have power dynamics that undermine women's autonomy, sparking renewed interest during movements like MeToo.
  2. Isaac Bashevis Singer valued individual storytelling over collective ideals. He thought that focusing on personal narratives, even if they were uncomfortable or boring, was more truthful and valuable than trying to fit into a socially acceptable mold.
  3. The Guggenheim's recent turmoil reflects the challenges of addressing past injustices. The incident highlights that trying to balance modern expectations with historical context can be tricky, often resulting in conflict rather than resolution.

5 Tough Women Who Debunk the Woke Narrative

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 39 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Film Equality Feminism Entertainment Gender
  1. Tough, gritty female characters have been present in films for a long time, debunking the notion that women were historically excluded from such roles.
  2. Characters like Laurie Strode, Ellen Ripley, Sarah Conner, Sidney Prescott, and Rose DeWitt Bukater showcase diverse forms of empowered women in cinema.
  3. Believable and multi-dimensional female characters in movies defy stereotypes, showcasing that women can excel in hero roles just like men.

Slut-onomics: How the scarcity of sluts tears the social fabric apart

Wood From Eden • 32 HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Society Gender Relationships Sexuality Feminism
  1. The availability of casual sex has always been uneven among men, with only a minority having most access.
  2. Slut-shaming in the past may have helped some men downplay their conquests, reducing competition and maintaining peace.
  3. The shift from categorizing women as 'good' or 'bad' to grading them on a scale has intensified competition and made rejections more personal.

The Heart Wants Inequality: The Inconvenient Truth of Mate Preference and Its Relevance to Today's Sexual Politics

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Feminism Sexuality Social Issues Philosophy Art
  1. Human mating dynamics are influenced by sexual selection and assortative mating, leading to significant social effects over time.
  2. The distribution of socially desirable or economically valued traits is profoundly unequal due to people's freedom to choose their mates, calling for a possible remedy of the mating market's externalities for equality.
  3. Debates on the 'right to sex' are complex within feminist theory, with arguments around consent, agency, objectification, and traditional gender roles.

What Is a PAWG(Blog)?

Many Such Cases • 219 implied HN points • 02 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Feminism Media Identity Body Image
  1. The term 'PAWG' refers to a specific body type that is attractive to many, especially in porn. It's about being confident in your body and owning the label.
  2. This newsletter will explore culture through the lens of what it means to be a PAWG. It will discuss famous PAWGs and also share personal reflections.
  3. Identifying as a PAWG can be seen as both fun and a reclamation of a term often used in a sexual context. It’s not just about the body type but also a state of mind.

Guest Post: When Reactionary Feminism Ain't It

Reactionary Feminist • 17 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism Gender Society Family Politics
  1. Feminist policies are not universally applicable and need to consider local, cultural, and material contexts.
  2. Luxury beliefs in feminism can vary greatly across different societal contexts and personal experiences.
  3. Some women may benefit from traditional feminist values like independence and career focus, while others may prioritize family and marriage due to different societal pressures.

"A Thousand Reflections of My Own Hands in a Dark Mirror"

Apposition • 19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Feminism Character development Cultural Identity Satire
  1. Katherine Mansfield's stories focus on capturing moods and character depths rather than plot
  2. Mansfield's stories in 'In a German Pension' depict women longing for security despite facing disillusionment with men
  3. The satirical tone and complex characters in Mansfield's stories reveal subtle hints of psychic instability and a preference for implication over action

I Saw Taylor Swift and Tori Amos in One Week, And I Have Some Thoughts.

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🎶 Music Concerts Artists Feminism Songwriting Cultural influence
  1. Attending concerts can have a huge emotional impact, offering a sense of renewal and connection, especially when shared with loved ones. Going to the Taylor Swift concert was a transformative experience for a mother and her daughters.
  2. Music can deeply influence our lives and relationships, helping us feel understood during tough times. The connection between a fan's experience of one artist can be just as meaningful as another's, regardless of mainstream popularity.
  3. Both Taylor Swift and Tori Amos are important artists who have made significant contributions to music in their own ways. It's essential to appreciate and respect different musical journeys and not dismiss what someone else loves.

Maiden, Mother, Bitch

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Aging Motherhood Society Personal Growth
  1. Aging can be challenging in a culture that values youth and beauty. It's important to embrace the changes that come with growing older.
  2. The journey through motherhood brings different emotions and challenges at each stage. It's okay to feel frustrated or annoyed sometimes.
  3. Self-reflection can lead to personal growth and gratitude. Learning to appreciate where you are in life can bring unexpected rewards.

Barbie's Beauty Standards

Reactionary Feminist • 21 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Gender Society Beauty Art
  1. The Barbie movie explores adult themes like body image and feminism, questioning artificial beauty standards
  2. The concept of economic sex persists despite advancements in technology and biotech interventions
  3. Barbie feminism raises questions about duality, reproduction, and the societal pressure to conform to certain beauty standards

Kill The Mother

Reactionary Feminist • 26 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Psychology Feminism Social Issues Motherhood
  1. The article discusses the concept of 'killing the mother' as a psychoanalytic fantasy related to Oedipal complex.
  2. There is a trend of intense hostility towards women, especially mothers, in contemporary culture.
  3. Expressions of rage and fantasies of annihilating the mother are evident in various cultural aspects, leading to questions about the origins and implications of this phenomenon.

Kill The Mother part 2: Babies to Order

Reactionary Feminist • 18 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Motherhood Technology Law NGOs
  1. The Law Commission is proposing changes to surrogacy laws that shift focus from natural motherhood to legal parenthood.
  2. There is concern that legal changes may prioritize commercial interests over the natural bond between a mother and her newborn baby.
  3. There is a call to re-examine the influence of NGOs and ensure that technological advancements align with human nature and flourishing.

AA’s Big Patriarchy Problem

The Flawed Yogi Report • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jul 21
🏥 Health Politics Gender Equality Inclusivity Feminism
  1. AA has a significant patriarchy problem that it refuses to address, with outdated literature and a lack of inclusivity for women, queer, and trans individuals.
  2. Many women in AA experience retraumatization due to the organization's failure to prioritize their needs and voices, which can hinder their recovery process.
  3. Despite calls for change and revisions to make AA more inclusive, the governing body continues to dismiss the importance of addressing gender biases and implementing necessary updates.

The Fundie Baby Voice

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 1 HN point • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social Commentary Conservatism Women's issues Feminism
  1. The 'fundie baby voice' is a soft, high-pitched, breathy tone often used by some women in Fundamentalist communities to show submission and sweetness.
  2. This voice can be habitual for some women or used to hide secrets, but it doesn't always indicate malice; some just follow learned behavior.
  3. When powerful figures speak with the 'fundie baby voice', it can signal a mix of condescension and submission to maintain proximity and favor with those in power.

The Big Lookback: Christina Stead

And It Don't Stop • 0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
📚 Literature Novelists Criticism Biography Feminism Writing Style
  1. Christina Stead's novel The Man Who Loved Children is praised for its unique voices and detailed character development
  2. Stead's writing style is described as unorthodox and crafted with a mix of satire and naturalism
  3. Stead, an Australian novelist, was known for her eccentric, unedited prose which explored intolerable situations and characters