sunday supper: this week's articles
Hello.
As promised, I’ll be sharing some articles I’ve read this week that I found interesting. I think you’ll like them, too.
I’ve been thinking a lot about social media and how the algorithm rewards our trauma and sadness. It's no secret that emotional content gets more reactions. When we share our vulnerability, it often sparks an inundation of empathetic comments, which is good in some ways because it creates a sense of connection and support. However, the more engagement these posts receive, the more the algorithm pushes them out to wider audiences. Let’s not forget about internet trolls, too. This cycle not only rewards but encourages the sharing of trauma, making it feel like a currency in the digital world.
My trauma for your likes and engagement.
For many of us, social media, particularly tiktok and substack, are places to come together to commiserate, but it also pressures us to commodify our pain. Influencers and everyday users often feel compelled to share intimate, often painful, parts of their lives to stay relevant and connected- a toxic cycle where our worth feels tied to our ability to generate emotional reactions from our audience.
I struggle with this because I’ve experienced a lot of trauma throughout my youth and young adult life. One of the things I’ve been wanting to talk about is my experience being sent away (twice) to those insane programs (like this). I haven’t written about this, mostly because I have PTSD and anytime I start to write about it, it feels like someone is strangling me. But I also feel hesitant because the last thing I want to do is capitalize off of my trauma.
On the flip side, I know I’m not alone. These experiences, in addition to a multitude of traumas that I have bottled up inside of my rotted brain, will resonate with so many of you. The female experience- the expression and validation of experiences are often marginalized or silenced by men (or the type of women who hate women), so I tread trepidatiously as I open up to you.
So, what’s a girl to do…
All I know is that I love writing to you. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this.
Let’s get into some interesting articles.
Read with me:
The Cult Of The Literary Sad Woman
This New York Times review by Leslie Jamison examines the literary legacies of Sylvia Plath, Joan Didion, and Jean Rhys, exploring how their works confront themes of personal and creative struggle. Jamison reflects on the enduring impact of these authors and their ability to articulate the complexities of the female experience with raw honesty and profound insight.
New York Times
Jouissance: This perfume evokes ‘dark continents’ of literary desire
This article delves into how the perfume "Jouissance" uniquely blends literary and sensual elements to create a fragrance experience that evokes deep emotional and sexual connections. It's fascinating how they bridge literature and scent, exploring how fragrances can encapsulate and convey complex themes of desire and intimacy.
Dazed
This piece humorously recounts the experience of being a "bad dinner guest," blending witty observations with self-deprecating humor. It's a charming reminder of the social intricacies and occasional faux pas that come with dining etiquette.
The Paris Review
Concerning the Future of Souls
Joy Williams' story, "Concerning the Future of Souls," offers a thought-provoking exploration of mortality and the afterlife. Her writing style beautifully balances dark humor with profound existential reflections, making it a compelling read.
The Paris Review
This felt relevant. The article examines the fascinating cultural and biological aspects of milk, including the diverse practices of breastfeeding and milk-sharing among humans. It highlights how these practices reflect broader social, economic, and cultural dynamics, offering a rich perspective on the significance of milk in different communities.
Jstor
The Man Who Couldn’t Stop Going To College
This NYT article tells the story of Benjamin Bolger, who has earned an impressive 11 degrees from elite institutions like Harvard and Yale despite having dyslexia. It explores his academic journey, the challenges he faced, and what drives his insatiable quest for knowledge.
The New York Times
This NYRB article delves into Johann Peter Eckermann's "Conversations with Goethe," highlighting how these documented dialogues provide a unique glimpse into Goethe's thoughts on literature, art, and philosophy. It's a compelling look at the intellectual legacy of one of history's greatest writers.
The New York Review Of Books
Sad Girl Lit And Trivializing Women’s Writing
This article critiques the "sad girl lit" genre, arguing that it often trivializes women's writing by reducing complex narratives to stereotypes of melancholy and instability. It emphasizes the need to recognize the depth and diversity of women's literary contributions beyond these narrow confines.
The Daily Star
This article reveals that one in three people would be willing to give up social media for a year in exchange for a healthier lifestyle. It's pretty eye-opening to see how many of us recognize the impact of digital habits on our well-being and are willing to make significant changes for better health.
The Paris Review
I hope you enjoy your Sunday. Eat pancakes, read a new book, feel the warm grass on the bottom of your feet, scrapbook or do something crafty, get off the screen.
I love you.
Are you a weird girl, too? I made a playlist just for you.
Bye.