I love how you connect the analysis of this show to the bigger trends around patriarchy that we are seeing right now (and really never stopped seeing). This is such a careful deconstruction of all the ways patriarchy is operating in the show — and our lives! This also really shined light on the trends toward putting women back in the home (and erasing queer people entirely) — both on this show and in our culture and politics widely.
The show is cosplay empowerment. These women, and so many of us, are still trapped catering to the patriarchy, through one of the few tools of power in our possession- appearance. It’s even more disappointing to hear the show has already become more fodder for critiquing, dehumanizing and infantilizing women.
This is a brilliantly written take on the show, season 2, the insidious hold of patriarchy on everything in our current culture, and I completely agree! I especially appreciate how you broaden the context to demonstrate that we are all operating in this discs where patriarchy shapes and drives things, not just the women in the show.
Aw thanks Natalie! What a kind comment and thanks for reading. Agree—lately I feel like it’s hard to shake patriarchy whoever you are and wherever you are!
I was so disappointed in season 2 for many of the reasons you outlined above. There were also a few times where it felt like they were giving a nod to the patriarchy they say they want to push back against, kind of a wink and a nod to show that while they may be pushing boundaries, they're ultimately in on it.
The claiming of the trad-wife label and sourdough competition felt this way, particularly with how loaded the label is in today's political environment. It was something that could easily be passed off as a joke but it seemed very intentional.
Ok I have read and listened to several discussions about this season and this one is saying things that no one else is. I was definitely disappointed in how this season seemed like a never ending cat fight, even more than last season did.
I love how you connect the analysis of this show to the bigger trends around patriarchy that we are seeing right now (and really never stopped seeing). This is such a careful deconstruction of all the ways patriarchy is operating in the show — and our lives! This also really shined light on the trends toward putting women back in the home (and erasing queer people entirely) — both on this show and in our culture and politics widely.
The show is cosplay empowerment. These women, and so many of us, are still trapped catering to the patriarchy, through one of the few tools of power in our possession- appearance. It’s even more disappointing to hear the show has already become more fodder for critiquing, dehumanizing and infantilizing women.
This is a brilliantly written take on the show, season 2, the insidious hold of patriarchy on everything in our current culture, and I completely agree! I especially appreciate how you broaden the context to demonstrate that we are all operating in this discs where patriarchy shapes and drives things, not just the women in the show.
Aw thanks Natalie! What a kind comment and thanks for reading. Agree—lately I feel like it’s hard to shake patriarchy whoever you are and wherever you are!
We are losing SO MUCH... https://millerandybeth.substack.com/p/the-ache-between-words
I was so disappointed in season 2 for many of the reasons you outlined above. There were also a few times where it felt like they were giving a nod to the patriarchy they say they want to push back against, kind of a wink and a nod to show that while they may be pushing boundaries, they're ultimately in on it.
The claiming of the trad-wife label and sourdough competition felt this way, particularly with how loaded the label is in today's political environment. It was something that could easily be passed off as a joke but it seemed very intentional.
Ok I have read and listened to several discussions about this season and this one is saying things that no one else is. I was definitely disappointed in how this season seemed like a never ending cat fight, even more than last season did.