Kristen, I'm so glad this essay touched you, and I'm so sorry it's an issue our girls have to contend with. Thank you for reading it and commenting on it.
You may not know it, but you are waging a war. So I cheer you on soldier, for fighting a good warfare for the soul of women around the world - especially online.
It has been over a decade since I read Hamlet (an aunt got it for me as my 10th-year birthday gift) so I hardly remember Ophelia or even the beautiful lessons of the story. However, via your essay, it feels like I am in the same room with Ophelia and my heart breaks for her.
As you said, the commodification of girls is not new but the bite is far worse. I agree. And that line, as simple as it gets, does a lot to stand up to those who say that because an evil is not new, it really is no problem. However, we have a new scale of the 'same' evil. And surely, changes in degree almost always result in a change in kind.
"But the real dumps are a much more insidious lie."
Alissa, this essay is so fucking good.
So beautifully written for something so insidious
Thank you, Miche! So glad I got some time with you today.
As the Mom of a teenage daughter, this essay wrecks me. Thank you for articulating so much of what I also see and feel.
Kristen, I'm so glad this essay touched you, and I'm so sorry it's an issue our girls have to contend with. Thank you for reading it and commenting on it.
Alissa!!! This piece is so urgent and so clarifying. Thank you, my brilliant friend.
You may not know it, but you are waging a war. So I cheer you on soldier, for fighting a good warfare for the soul of women around the world - especially online.
It has been over a decade since I read Hamlet (an aunt got it for me as my 10th-year birthday gift) so I hardly remember Ophelia or even the beautiful lessons of the story. However, via your essay, it feels like I am in the same room with Ophelia and my heart breaks for her.
As you said, the commodification of girls is not new but the bite is far worse. I agree. And that line, as simple as it gets, does a lot to stand up to those who say that because an evil is not new, it really is no problem. However, we have a new scale of the 'same' evil. And surely, changes in degree almost always result in a change in kind.
Anyhow, great essay and goodluck on your fight.