Orange Girl World

I will admit to having an uneasy relationship with feminism.  I think most  women of my generation probably have had.  We were born at a time when feminism didn’t feel as necessary.  We had plenty of successful women role models who had created the path for us.  We didn’t see the reason to fight.  Maybe we were wrong.

Ally McBeal premiered in September 1997.  I remember this well because I was a senior in high school and the show rocked my world.  I completely related to Ally.  She wanted it all and that’s what girls my age were promised.  Ally McBeal, however, wasn’t embraced by all women.  Feminist were particularly scathing about the show.  Ally’s skirts were far too short, and her, at times, overwhelming desire for a husband was felt to be unsuitable for the 1990s.  She was a bad role model for women.

How innocent that thought seems today.  Today we have a series best-selling books written by a high class prostitute celebrating that lifestyle.  It has also spun a popular TV drama.  Today glamour models such as Jordan are considered to be acceptable role models for women.  Today young girls queue up to have the autograph of Abi Titmuss who rose to fame off the back of a leaked sex tape.

Where are the feminists commenting on this?

I know many people defend Jordan, Abi Titmuss, Belle du Jour etc. by saying they are liberated and in touch with their sexuality.  Perhaps personally they feel they are.  However, I think there is something deeply wrong in saying they feel liberated when their professions exist for the gratification of the male sexual appetite and further promote the subjugation of women. 

Call me crazy.