Tag Archives: stereotypes

On “Drop Dead Diva,” Blonds Are Dumb And Plus-Size Women Are Smart But Insecure

Catherine StrawnJuly 13, 2009 //

Television producers might be running out of ideas for new shows, because the people over at Lifetime have taken what is essentially the episode of “The Tyra Banks Show” when Tyra dons a fat suit to experience what it’s like to be a larger woman. “Drop Dead Diva” premiered last night.

The premise of the show is that two very different women, Deb and Jane, both die. When Deb, a beautiful, blond wannabe model, gets to Heaven’s gates, something goes awry and she ends up back on earth in the body of Jane, a plus-size lawyer. So, this new woman has Deb’s mind and Jane’s body, and according to Lifetime’s website, “Deb must come to terms with inhabiting Jane’s plus-size frame in the ultimate showdown between brains and beauty.” Keep reading »

What’s So Great About Being “One Of The Guys,” Anyway?

Nikki DowlingJuly 9, 2009 //

This week I was reading an article in the New York Times called “She’s a Director Who’s Just Another Dude.” It’s about Lynn Shelton, who directed a movie called “Humpday,” yet another bromance comedy. The writer spouts off about why Shelton is so cool—citing “masculine” tendencies such as enjoying alcohol, showing confidence, and feeling powerful as reasons why she rocks. The article wasn’t too offensive but it got me thinking: why, for us gals, does being compared to men constitute a compliment? Keep reading »

Blondes: They’re Just Like Us!

Lauren GitlinMay 27, 2009 //

Over at The Daily Beast, Alison Prato has written a column on“Breakout Blondes,” which asserts that there is some sort of tow-headed backlash against the dumb blonde stereotype going on in pop culture. Prato gave a number of examples of successful blonde women, from Taylor Swift to Dakota Fanning to Agyness Deyn (the range is astounding isn’t it?), maintaining that after a dark reign in which brunettes like Angelina Jolie ruled our collective imaginations, the fair-haired contingent was back and better than ever. There’s a multitude of reasons why this “article” rubbed me the wrong way, but I’ll just address two. Keep reading »

Judging Susan Boyle On Her Looks Was Mean, But Natural

Catherine StrawnApril 27, 2009 //

Ever since the video of Susan Boyle singing “I’ve Dreamed A Dream” hopped onto the internet, the world has been talking about her awe-inspiring performance on “Britain’s Got Talent.” This 47-year-old, unmarried, frumpy cat-owner shocked the show’s judges, the studio audience, and YouTube viewers by looking like one thing and sounding like another.

Over the past week or so, people on both sides of the debate have spoken about whether they thought Susan should change her look, and bloggers monitored every little change in her appearance, down to the pruning of her eyebrows. Now, a New York Times article says that snap judgments, like the one we made based on Susan’s looks, are only natural. Keep reading »

This Week On The Frisky: Picking Obama’s Running Mate, Songs About Vaginas, & How To Snoop

The FriskyAugust 22, 2008 //
  • We suggested 10 women that Barack Obama should consider for his running mate. He’s taking forever to announce who he’s chosen. Coincidence? We think not. Gave you lots to think about, huh Barry?
  • We totally crushed on naked Harry Potter and Javier Bardem.
  • Intern Annika wished Coco Chanel a happy birthday, then clued you in to some Chanel-inspired fashions that don’t cost the same amount as feeling a village in Africa.

    • Keep reading »

    Quickies!: Is Vanity Keeping You Poor?

    Annika HarrisAugust 15, 2008 //
  • Women pay a high price for all their primping and coiffing. [Shine]
  • Cesarean section rates in New York City have increased by 24 percent over the past six years. [Medical News Today]
  • A recent study found that married women in India whose husbands physically and sexually abuse them are about four times more likely to contract HIV compared with married women in the country who do not experience abuse. [Medical News Today]
  • We still have sexual stereotypes in relationships, but when it comes to cooking the playing field is a little more even. [Dear Sugar]
  • Here’s a list of date ideas for the not-so-new couple that still really digs each other. [College Candy]
  • Hormonal birth control pills may cause a woman to be attracted to the scents of men whose immune system DNA is most similar to her own, which can make for a bad reproductive match. [Tango]

    • Keep reading »

    Check Out People Like They’re Books

    Catherine StrawnApril 22, 2008 //

    A couple countries are trying out a new “living library” concept. At these events, various types of people — nurse, male nanny, vegan, police officer — are “books” available to check out for half-hour time periods. This might sound a little like some sort of dating event, but it’s actually more of an opportunity to learn about different types of people in an environment where stereotypes and other topics that might be off-limits in the real world can be openly discussed. “We work on the principle that extreme violence and aggression happens between people who don’t know each other,” said the Living Library’s founder, Ronni Abergel, “so the Living Library can bring together people who are otherwise unlikely to meet.” [The Times, U.K.] Keep reading »

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