pop culture
Female pop-culture icons, women in the media and the depiction of women in the entertainment and pop culture sphere.
Polish Barbie and a Deeper Authenticity
Growing up, it was easy to know the things I thought I wanted: a dog of my own, pointy crayons, stuffed animals, a diary with a lock and key, and real Barbie paper dolls. Of course, I look back on this grand desire of wanting authentic Barbie paper dolls and I know why. Who wouldn’t? This wonder woman with the impossible figure, perfect hair, and such a vast array of careers that she alone could blow up LinkedIn? Barbie was, and very well might still be, the paragon of Cool and Smart. A model of Beauty and Sophistication. Fun and Adventure. Confident and Talented. What’s not to want?
Kennedy FarrPublished 3 years ago in VivaCuz I'm My Own Soulmate
Thick. Sassy. Gorgeous. Those were my first thoughts as I watched her music video for "Truth Hurts" with my sister. My second thought, I want to be her when I grow up.
L. M. WilliamsPublished 3 years ago in Viva10 Things Lara Croft Taught Me as a Woman
"In our darkest moments, when life flashes before us, we find something; Something that keeps us going. Something that pushes us." -Lara Croft
Leah HarrisPublished 3 years ago in VivaHappy Single's Awareness Day
As soon as a new year rolls around I metaphorically (ok. . . maybe not completely metaphorically) fist bump the air and got all these good feels about how this year is gonna be my year and I'm gonna get this banging body and then it's suddenly February and UUUUUGGGGGHHHHH *insert full body cringe*. Hearts and flowers and pink and it's like the mind of a five year old girl who loves mermaids and unicorns threw up EVERY WHERE. You can't go into any store or restaurant or anywhere really that other human beings frequent without being reminded that that dreaded day is coming up and once again you are alone this year despite telling yourself that things were going to be different (but if we're being honest with ourselves we knew deep down that that guy from Hinge wasn't really going to work out in the end.) And nothing reminds you more that you still have that holiday chub like the skimpy lingerie that you won't be using on your not date. Or the fact that you don't have anyone to buy that lingerie for because you don't have a date that's going to buy you over priced chocolates and try too hard at an overcrowded restaurant with crappy food.
L. M. WilliamsPublished 3 years ago in VivaFree Britney
I feel fired up. I watched "Framing Britney Spears." If you had told me in my early 20s that in my early 40s I would be feeling empathetic towards Britney Spears, I would have tied my flannel shirt around my waist, turned up my Cure CD, and laughed in your face. But I am older, wiser, and now...I care about stuff. Watching this documentary made me think that what is happening to Britney, is happening to all of us. And by us, I mean all of womankind.
Mandy JewellPublished 3 years ago in Viva"Drag Race UK" Features Poignant Look At Gender Norms
Although I've watched all 12 complete seasons of #RuPaulsDragRace and am currently well into season 13, this is my first time watching #RuPaulsDragRaceUK. The most recent episode on January 28 on #Crave in Canada featured probably one of the most remarkable, poignant and heartwarming conversations about gender norms and life outside the gender binary between two of the queens - #GinnyLemon and #BiminiBonBoulash.
Christina St-JeanPublished 3 years ago in VivaInstaFace & Beauty Standards VS NATURE
Let’s start from the beginning. ME. The person who’s writing this deeply felt emotional essay on - really - self-love & self-hate. I don’t want to judge. After all, I am a victim of beauty standards.
Anastasita QualiaPublished 3 years ago in VivaHow Asian Beauty & Fashion Influenced Western Culture
The word culture often evokes strong feelings of social integration, of learning, and of understanding other ways of life. In today’s society, what we consider stylish or attractive is evolving as the world around us becomes smaller. We all know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but what we class is beautiful is heavily influenced by culture. Youthfulness dominates American society, with natural skin, and fair skin, coveted in Europe and Asia, respectively.
Amy MercerPublished 3 years ago in VivaI want to runaway
When I anonymously surveyed women around the world for their hidden thoughts in 2015, I was not expecting the responses I received: hilarious, confessional, gut-wrenching, eloquent, brutally honest and most definitely raw. Body image, sex, grief, identity and worth were themes of the 35-55 age group as well as many women with the desire to run. Away. Anywhere.
Katy AbbottPublished 3 years ago in VivaEmma Watson’s Distaste for Channing Tatum’s On-set Speedo Dance Doesn’t Make Her a Prude
This incident will be a blast from the past, taking us back to 2013. Specifically, back to the set of Seth Rogan’s film, This is the End.
Gillian SisleyPublished 3 years ago in VivaBeing a nasty woman
When I was a little girl, I was told I could be anything. This may have been communicated literally or culturally, through books, media, television, commercials, and glossy ads of little girls dressed up as superheros. After all, legal barriers for women were mostly reformed, technically speaking, and sexual harassment was of course illegal. Technically. So yes, I could be whatever I want when I grow up. An astronaut at NASA! Even President!
Christina K. PiercePublished 3 years ago in Viva10 International Films Directed by Women that You Have to Watch
Through this long-winded quarantine, I've made it a goal of mine to expand my cinematic vocabulary and branch out beyond that of the 1000 Hollywood Movies You Have To Watch Before You Die!-kind of movies. I get it, Hitchcock made great movies - I'm not going to deny that, but cinema didn't start nor end there.
malin evitaPublished 4 years ago in Viva