The Return of the Tates: A Cultural Reckoning
In March, a plane carrying British-born influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate landed in Florida, marking a controversial return to the U.S. for the brothers. Accused of human trafficking and rape in Romania, as well as facing separate allegations in the U.K., their travel restrictions were mysteriously lifted, allegedly under pressure from U.S. officials. Despite the administration’s denial of involvement, the message was unmistakable: the Tates, known for their misogynistic online content and vocal support of President Trump, were back in the spotlight.
The Cultural Backlash Against Women
The Tates’ return raises a critical question: did they ever really leave? This inquiry resonates deeply with the themes explored in two recent books that delve into women’s roles in culture and the backlash they often face. Sophie Gilbert’s Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves scrutinizes the early 2000s’ media landscape, revealing how the sexual liberation marketed to young women often served to undermine them. In contrast, Tiffany Watt Smith’s Bad Friend: How Women Revolutionized Modern Friendship takes a broader historical view, examining the evolution of female friendships and the societal efforts to control them.
The Rise of Sexualized Content
Gilbert, a staff writer at The Atlantic, meticulously documents the explosion of sexualized content in mainstream American culture. She argues that the rise of the internet allowed pornography to seep into every aspect of cultural life, likening its dominance to Hemingway’s description of bankruptcy: “first gradually, then suddenly.” The fashion industry, dominated by male photographers, became a breeding ground for this integration of porn into mass culture, often blurring the lines between art and exploitation.
Gilbert supports the rights of individuals to create and consume porn but critiques the contradictory messages it sends to young women. The notion that they could be liberated while simultaneously being objectified creates a complex and troubling narrative. Instead of empowering women, the prevailing culture often reinforces male fantasies, where withholding sex is seen as a denial of men’s rights rather than a valid choice.
Revisiting Early 2000s Cinema
One of the most striking chapters in Gilbert’s book focuses on early 2000s films. Revisiting movies like American Pie and Eurotrip, she highlights the absurdity of their pornographic tropes, where women are often depicted as complicit in their objectification. The narrative suggests that women secretly desire to be spied on or subjugated, framing their resistance as mere obstacles to male gratification. This portrayal reflects a broader cultural narrative that has long persisted, shaping the perceptions of young women during that era.
The Evolution of Female Comedy
Reflecting on her own experiences growing up in this cultural milieu, Gilbert recalls a moment in high school when male classmates debated whether women could be funny. This lack of representation in comedy would soon change, as a wave of female talent emerged in the following years, challenging the stereotypes that had long dominated the industry. The cultural landscape began to shift, yet remnants of the earlier misogyny still lingered, as evidenced by the backlash against female comedians who dared to assert their voices.
The Resilience of Female Friendships
In contrast to Gilbert’s exploration of cultural misogyny, Watt Smith’s Bad Friend offers a refreshing perspective on the enduring nature of female friendships. Through historical anecdotes, she illustrates how women have formed deep emotional bonds throughout the centuries, often in the face of societal backlash. From the intense friendships of schoolgirls in the late 19th century to the radical childcare reforms driven by 1950s PTA moms, Watt Smith highlights the power of female solidarity.
Despite facing cultural scrutiny and violence, these friendships have persisted, evolving to meet the needs of women across generations. Watt Smith’s narrative emphasizes that while female friendships may ebb and flow, they are essential for sharing information, supporting one another, and navigating the complexities of life.
Cultural Reflection and Future Implications
Both Gilbert and Watt Smith’s works serve as poignant reminders of the cultural dynamics at play regarding women’s roles in society. While Gilbert’s analysis of millennial culture sheds light on the challenges women face in a landscape still rife with misogyny, Watt Smith’s historical perspective offers hope, illustrating the resilience of female connections.
As the Tates re-enter the cultural conversation, their presence serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against misogyny and the importance of female empowerment. The dialogue surrounding these issues is far from over, and the narratives we choose to amplify will shape the future of gender dynamics in society.
