polyamory, eating the rich, and the problem with american universities
Hello.
We made it through January.Â
Things are looking up, yes?
Are you dreaming of spring, too?
Soon I’m going to be writing up little lists of favorites: beauty products, home goods, candles, fragrances, kitchen items, snacks, films, etc. (not all at once, but I’ll sprinkle them into my newsletters over the course of this month).
recently shared a beauty blog and I’m inspired to do one, too.Today’s letter will be a little shorter. I’m admittedly feeling screen time fatigued and I need to step away from my laptop and get some fresh air today. I’m going to the bookstore and I would like to buy a new candle. Maybe I’ll buy a little treat to eat this afternoon. It’s raining and lovely. Perfect for that sort of adventure.
I have some great articles that I pulled for you today. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
News:
Fashion's current fascination with girlhood represents a complex interplay of nostalgia, empowerment, and subversion. By embracing elements traditionally associated with youth—like oversized bows, pastel dresses, and playful ruffles—designers like Simone Rocha, Tory Burch, and Sandy Liang are not only revisiting the innocence and freedom of girlhood but also challenging societal expectations of femininity and adulthood. This trend invites women to explore and express facets of their identity that defy the confines of conventional "grown-up" fashion, suggesting that girlhood, with its untamed creativity and joy, holds enduring relevance and power in shaping personal style and challenging norms.
Elle
Polyamory, The Ruling Class’s Latest Fad
The recent surge in interest and discourse around polyamory, particularly among the affluent and influential sectors of society, underscores a broader cultural shift towards valuing personal authenticity and individual fulfillment. This trend is not just about exploring non-traditional relationship structures but also reflects a deeper quest for self-discovery and liberation from societal norms. However, this pursuit, as highlighted in Molly Roden Winter's memoir "More," often reveals underlying issues of inequality, both gender-based and socio-economic, that remain unaddressed. The focus on personal freedom and self-actualization, emblematic of what might be termed "therapeutic libertarianism," risks overshadowing the need for addressing broader societal challenges and perpetuates a culture where the privileges of exploring such lifestyles are accessible mainly to those with sufficient resources. This dynamic underscores the importance of critically examining how contemporary discourses on relationships and personal growth intersect with broader issues of social inequality and the distribution of opportunities for fulfillment.
The Atlantic
The Most Common Issues Gen Zers Bring Up In Therapy
Generation Z often discusses anxiety and the pressure of finding a job in therapy, seeking strategies to manage stress and navigate career uncertainties. Therapists recommend techniques like stepping back from digital overload for anxiety and exploring personal interests and networking for career guidance.
HuffPostÂ
The Real Problem With American UniversitiesÂ
The real issue with American universities lies not in their DEI policies but in their inherent resistance to change, deeply rooted in their structure and governance, leading to inefficiencies and a failure to adapt to societal needs. Despite the prestige of tenure and academic freedom, these institutions struggle to address pressing problems like high costs and low graduation rates, especially outside elite circles, necessitating a transformative shift in their operation and purpose.
The AtlanticÂ
Are We Actually Ready to Eat the Rich–Or Do We Just Love Watching Them?
The popularity of "eat the rich" media like "Saltburn" and "The Triangle of Sadness" reflects a growing fascination with narratives that critique wealth and class disparity. However, these films often fall short in delivering meaningful political commentary, instead offering cathartic yet superficial critiques of the ultra-wealthy. "Saltburn" specifically, despite its "eat the rich" label, reveals its protagonist to be from a privileged background, undermining the trope and highlighting viewers' desire for class-anxiety entertainment without substantial action towards real change.
CoveteurÂ
Why We Can’t Quit The Mean GirlÂ
The "mean girl" trope in popular culture, epitomized in films like "Mean Girls," represents an idealized version of femininity, wielding power and influence over social hierarchies. This character, often leading a clique, has evolved in recent portrayals, suggesting a complex blend of admiration and critique from audiences. Shows like "Feud: Capote vs. the Swans" and the "Mean Girls" musical reboot reflect this nuanced approach, portraying mean girls with potential for empathy and depth, challenging the simplistic view of their lives as wholly enviable or contemptible.
The New Yorker
Chloë Sevigny Is Sick of Your Dogs and Lulus
Chloë Sevigny, known as the forever It Girl of New York, expressed her frustration with the prevalent trends of athleisure wear and dog ownership among Manhattanites in a Rolling Stone interview. Sevigny, who is currently promoting her role in "Feud: Capote vs. the Swans," criticized the city's transformation into a space dominated by Lululemon-clad individuals walking their dogs, suggesting that this shift reflects a broader change in New York's character, increasingly catering to the affluent.
New York MagazineÂ
The World Needs Love. Hallmark Is Cashing In.Â
Hallmark Channel's foray into the realm of romantic comedies, once the bastion of Hollywood date-night films, represents a cultural shift towards comfort-viewing, offering a nostalgic and idealized world far removed from the complexities of modern relationships. In their homage to enduring romantic tropes and feel-good narratives, Hallmark movies, particularly with their Loveuary lineup, cater to an audience seeking escapism in the timeless allure of love stories, revealing a deep-seated yearning for simplicity and happy endings in an increasingly complex world.
The New York Times
This Guide From T Magazine Has Lots Of Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
Is The Internet Performance Art? Tinx And Maya Man, Two Digital Creators, Discuss
The conversation between Tinx and Maya Man delves into the intricate dynamics of living a life deeply entrenched in the digital realm, highlighting the transformative journey from the initial thrill of internet fame to the contemplative evaluation of online authenticity and the pressures that accompany it. Through their dialogue, they explore the evolution of internet culture, the metaphorical 'purple machine' of online persona refinement, and the delicate balance of humor and seriousness in content creation, ultimately revealing the nuanced challenges and opportunities of influencing in the digital age.
Byline
Love you.
Bye.