Fatale: March 2021 Issue

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Allyson Konz

DEPUTY EDITOR

Kate Lawless

ART DIRECTOR

Channing Smith

WUD PRESIDENT

Lily Miller

WUD PUBLICATIONS COMMITTE DIRECTOR

Evanka Annyapu

WUD PUBLICATIONS COMMITTE ADVISOR

Robin Schmoldt

ARTS CURATOR

Emma Gray

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Annika Ide

CREATIVE DIRECTORS

Sam Starks

Maria Dayneko

FASHION DIRECTOR

Sarah Troy

FASHION EDITOR

Corbin Woessner

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Shelby Evans CULTURE EDITOR

Gabrielle Gronewold

ARTS EDITOR

Arella Warren

SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING DIRECTOR

Jade Christensen

SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR

Talia Abbe

WRITERS

Arella Warren • Olivia Peters

• Kate Lawless • Rachel Hale • Allyson Konz • Mason Braasch • Kora Quinn • Gabrielle Gronewold • Elizabeth Karnowski • Emily Fleming • Manon Bushong • Jane Houseal • Jessica Katz

• Meghan Savaglia • Shelby Evans • Jamie Randall • Maya Greenberg

MODELS

Camila Trimberger-Ruiz • Kelly Rash • Sarah Troy • Anisa Pontes • Kayla Shaw • Chelsea Hylton • Sam Starks

ART Emma Gray • Arella Warren

• Jessica Tenenbaum • Maya Hoffman • Jade Christensen

• Sammy Meyerson • Mac Gale • Ella Cunz • Kate Madigan • Riley August

PHOTOGRAPHY

Anna Janke • Jessica Tenenbaum • Molly Jacobs

• Seth DeGier • Annika Ide • Bela Orzechowski • Audrey O'Neill • Luc Marchessault • Hannah Huber • Hunter Kiehl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CULTURE

5

The Pain Gap Inequalities in female care and treatment

30

Goodbye Girlboss Feminism

What it is, why it’s bad and how we can break away

36 Sexy or Sexist?

The shifts of body trends and sex symbols need to end

44

“They Tried to Make Me Go to Rehab”

The entertainment industry’s addiction to performers’ downfalls must cease

46 Sexy Siri

The sexualization of AI and Robots

50

Kick-Ass Women that Inspire Me

Women at UW-Madison leading the way in campus journalism

ARTS

24

Promising Young Woman

A requiem for the feminist killjoy

34

Casting the Token Hot Girl

A discussion of femme fatales and bombshells in modern cinema

47 The Mother of SciFi

An examination of Mary Shelley and the feminist roots of science fiction

54

The Greatest Goth Girls of Cartoons

Who they are and why we need more of these dark heroines

LIFESTYLE

8

Signature Scents

10 Weed Them Out

How to identify and call out toxic influencers

How to find the best perfume to match your personality 23

Stop crushing on toxic men

The romanticization of bad boys and villains makes us settle in relationships

32

Adding Some Murder to the Mystery

Moda’s guide to throwing a great murder mystery theme party

49 Let’s Talk About Sex (Toys)!

A guide to spicing up your sex life

FASHION

7

L’enfant Terrible

How French designer Jean Paul Gaultier made a name for himself by defying gender norms

12

The Dark World of Modeling

An inside look at the exploitative side of the fashion industry

26

Stand Out and Stay Warm

How to incorporate statement coats into your wardrobe this spring

FEATURED 16 007

37 Wicked

Letter from the Deputy

Dear Readers,

A few months back, our editorial board was discussing what issues we’d like to do for the spring semester and our Arts Editor, Arella Warren, suggested we do Fatale. Our team immediately loved the idea; Fatale is intense and sultry, something a bit outside Moda’s comfort zone that allowed us to explore our brand in a new way.

Fatale felt special to us; it has an inherent feminine power in the name and in the creative vision. We knew that it needed to be our Women’s Month issue.

As a magazine with a majority audience of women, we take the representation of feminist issues very seriously. We want our work to reflect the continued progress of intersectional feminism in the world and on our campus. Moda’s Fatale issue seeks to unpack what feminism means — and doesn’t mean — and how our individual actions can reflect this mission for equality.

I am so proud of the nuance with which our staff handled our Women’s Month issue. Some articles engaged in uncomfortable conversations about society and our own flaws. Culture Editor Gabrielle Gronewold explored the sexualization of female artificial intelligence while Lifestyle Editorial Assistant Jessica Katz urged our readers to stop the romanticization of bad boys. Creative Direction Assistant Emily Fleming shed light on the fashion industry’s exploitation of models and Culture Staff Writer Mason Braasch covered how the medical community struggles to believe women’s pain and the serious health ramifications this causes.

After identifying problematic norms, we also have to talk about accountability and how we can shift our own behavior in a better direction. Lifestyle Staff Writer Meghan Savaglia tackled the issue of controversial influencers, reminding us that we as media consumers have the power to choose who gets a platform. Culture staff writer Kora Quinn

shared the history of “girlboss” feminism and how the movement prioritizes economic equality with men at the expense of true equality for all women. These articles remind us that our everyday choices have power and we need to be aware of how our actions affect other women.

Fatale is one of my favorite Moda issues because it honors the grit and flexibility it takes to be a woman. Especially for our readers and staff who grew up on social media, we are constantly bombarded by contradicting messages of what we should and should not be. But as our readership of college women navigates young adulthood, we are learning to advocate for ourselves and figuring out what our feminism looks like.

Defining yourself as a feminist can feel disingenuous to some because it feels like a label that pits men and women against one another. But Moda reminds our readers that being a feminist doesn’t mean you think women are perfect or superior; it means you see women as people, with all the beauty and complexity that comes along with that. ■

Kate Lawless Deputy Editor

The Pain Gap

INEQUALITIES IN FEMALE CARE AND TREATMENT

By Mason Braasch, Lifestyle Staff Writer Graphics by Sammy Meyerson

It’s

the age-old battle of the sexes: is it more painful for women to give birth or for men to be kicked in their genitalia? Despite millions weighing in on the argument, we will probably never know the answer. One

wait times to see a doctor than men and are less likely to be prescribed painkillers, despite studies finding that women actually feel pain more intensely than men.2 In addition, women are more likely than men to be prescribed sedatives, rather than pain medication.3

The statistics are staggering and the problem is obvious, but how do we even begin to address such a deep-rooted obstacle to women’s health in our country?

like pains, medical professionals did not believe that her situation was urgent. It wasn’t until three days later that doctors found tumors in her body; Cottom’s daughter died soon after. After this traumatizing experience, Cotton was offered only one piece of advice: “You should have told us.”1

This story, while devastating, is not unique. It isn’t hard to find female horror stories about their healthcare experiences. The internet is filled with blogs, tweets and posts describing instances in which women faced devastating trials at the hands of skeptic and dismissive doctors. Most often, these stories include the sentiment that women were perceived to be overreacting. Studies have shown that when in pain, women face longer

1 Tressie McMillan Cottom and Tressie Mc Millan Cottom, “Thick: and Other Essays,” in Thick: and Other Essays (New York (N.Y.): The New Press, 2019), pp. 85-89.

These statistics are even worse for women of color. Black women are 243% more likely to die of pregnancy or childbirthrelated issues than white women in America.4 Even well-known and influential women like Serena Williams and Beyoncé have stories that demonstrate the problem between women of color and America’s healthcare system. In an interview following the birth of her daughter, Williams described that she had to use her position as a “global superstar” in order to convince her healthcare providers that she needed treatment for a pulmonary embolism.5 Many Black women do not have such power, and are not always as successful in persuading doctors that they need help.

Reflecting on her own childbirth story, Cottom said, “when the medical profession systematically denies the existence of Black women’s pain, underdiagnoses our pain, refuses to alleviate or treat our pain, healthcare marks us as incompetent bureaucratic subjects. Then it serves us accordingly.”6

2 Rachael Rettner, “Women Feel Pain

More Intensely Than Men Do,” Scientific American (Scientific American, January 23, 2012),

3 Laura Kiesel, “Women and Pain: Dis parities in Experience and Treatment,” Harvard Health Blog (Harvard Medical School, October 7, 2017),

4 Ibid

5 Tressie McMillan Cottom and Tressie Mc Millan Cottom, “Thick: and Other Essays,” in Thick: and Other Essays (New York (N.Y.): The New Press, 2019), pp. 86.

6 Ibid

One solution is strictly scientific: increase representation of women in scientific research. Women are dramatically underrepresented in biomedical research, meaning that we know very little about how many diseases specifically affect women.7 This is true for diseases that affect both genders, as well as diseases that only affect women. Aspects of many of these diseases such as symptoms, risk factors and drug effectiveness have historically been tested on men. Women’s pain, therefore, is being judged against the male model.

Dr. Marjorie Jenkins, a Texas Tech University professor and Chief Scientific Officer at the Laura Bush Institute for Women’s Health, says it best: “we need to stop ignoring the mountain of evidence that we have that men and women are different.” ■

7 “The Surprising Reason We Lack So Much Knowledge About Women’s Health,” Forbes (Forbes Magazine, August 24, 2018).

than done in a patriarchal society, there are thousands of women with traumatic experiences that could’ve been avoided had they been believed. Persuading health care professionals should not be a burden that women should have to carry. This is not to say that doctors know less than patients, or that a doctor discrediting your WebMD search is discriminatory. However, when women can explain, in detail, an experience where their pain was disbelieved or mistreated, it is clear that a change needs to be made in the way that we approach healthcare for women.

8 Laura Kiesel, “Women and Pain: Dis parities in Experience and Treatment,” Harvard Health Blog (Harvard Medical School, October 7, 2017).

differences in male and female pain and how do we make it a priority?9 In science: who is making the decisions to fund research that excludes female pain, and how do we make sure that female voices are present within the field?

Maybe we’ll never know if giving birth or being kicked between the legs is worse. The ultimate battle of the sexes might be a hopeless fight that will go on forever, each side claiming greater struggle. Nonetheless, validating and believing women’s pain might just bring us one step closer to knowing the answer, while saving the lives and lifestyles of women all over America.

■

9 TodayShow, “Dismissed: The Health Risk of Being a Woman,” TODAY.com, accessed March 8, 2021.

No change comes without awareness and conversation.

By Manon Bushong, Fashion Editorial Assistant Graphic by Ella Cunz

L’enfant

Terrible is a French expression, translating to “the terrible child.” Originally used to characterize pesky and boisterous children who frequently humiliated their parents, the expression has ultimately morphed into a means of describing young artists who are heavily avante-garde and unorthodox. One leading designer in the fashion industry who held this nickname was Jean Paul Gautier, primarily due to pushing gender based norms in fresh and provocative ways.1

Androgyny has been an increasingly relevant theme of 21st century fashion, as many designers make efforts to rewrite gender-based fashion concepts. However, androgynous fashion was less prevalent during the peak of Jean Paul Gaultier’s career, hence why his designs consisting of men in skirts and women in cone-bra corset dresses was so ill-received by the public. Despite the backlash, Gaultier was able to pave an influential path that was endorsed by many celebrities, including David Beckham, who was seen and photographed in one of Gaultier’s skirts in the mid 90s.2

One of Gaultier’s most influential contributions to the fashion industry was the cone bra, a concept he originally designed as a child on a teddy bear. This iconic design was ultimately popularized by Madonna on her 1990 “Blonde Ambition” tour.3 The cone bra was a fresh spin on the traditional concept of a corset. With its eye catching triangular shaped bust, the cone bra aimed to defy traditional female body standards instead of highlighting feminine features. Madonna’s use of this design in her iconic tour was a catalyst towards the cone bra becoming a household name in avant garde fashion.

Gaultier’s noncompliance with the constructs of his generation extended far beyond his design concepts. For his runway shows, Gaultier had a tendency to cast models who did not shape to the typical slender build and were

1 Govan, C., “50 years In Fashion: An interview with Jean Paul Gaultier,” France Today, 2021.

2 Victoria and Albert, Museum, O,Men in skirts, February 2013.

3 Silver, J., Jean Paul Gaultier Originally Designed Madonna’s Cone Bra For His Teddy Bear” W Magazine, 2019.

not “conventionally” attractive, traits that were highly sought after by the majority of designers during this time. Gaultier shocked many when he debuted his designs on plus size runway models, older men and edgy models with a striking amount of tattoos and piercings.4 Gaultier’s fearlessness primed him for many opportunities, from designing for cinema to becoming the creative director at Hermes, a position he held from 2003 to 2010.5

Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier pieces will forever be a unique wardrobe staple. Currently, his patterned mesh tops are having a serious moment. In 2018, both Kendall Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian were photographed flaunting the exact same vintage Gaultier top, a sheer short sleeve green shirt with the Venus de Milo printed on the front.6 Both Keeping Up with the Kardashians stars paired the shirt with black pants. These printed mesh tops inspired by vintage Gaultier pieces have been a major trend recently, and have trickled down into the collections of many designers. Vetements, Inamorata, Cinq A Sept, and Ganni are just a few examples of modern labels that are taking inspiration from Gaultier’s iconic designs, and releasing their own versions of these vibrant print mesh tops.7

Jean Paul Gaultier’s unapologetic, fanatical designs completely altered the fashion industry. Even after he announced his retirement via Twitter in January of 2020, Gaultier still has an immense influence within the fashion world.8 In the final years of his career, Gaultier solely designed haute couture, as he found himself frustrated by the way the ready-to-wear industry had become increasingly profitoriented. Holding these values lead Gaultier to become someone who will always remain relevant in the industry.

■

4 Orlean, S., “Jean Paul Gaultier’s Inspira tions,” The New Yorker, 2011.

5 Alexander, E., “Gaultier exits HERMES,” Vogue UK, 2019.

6 Satenstein, “L, Can you keep up with the Kardashians’ New Vintage Collection?,” Vogue, 2019.

7 Lansom, A., “Get ready for the sec ond-skin top takeover,” Refinery 21, 2021.

8 Betancourt, B., “Jean Paul Gaultier’s Upcoming Show Will Be His Last,” Bazaar, 2021.

Signature Scents

By Shelby Evans, Lifestyle Editor Photographed by Hannah Huber, Contributing Photographer

HOW TO FIND THE BEST PERFUME TO MATCH YOUR PERSONALITY

As we know from the iconic ballad “All Too Well,” there’s a reason Jake Gyllenhaal kept Taylor Swift’s scarf from that very first week: it reminds him of innocence and it smells like her.

The part of the brain that processes smell, the olfactory bulb, sits next to the part of the brain that stores memories. Scientists have found that the olfactory bulb directly impacts memory storage in our mind.1 So, when you are picking out body wash, hairspray or deodorant, it’s almost as if you are picking out how people will remember you.

That’s why choosing a perfume to stick with is such a big deal. As a young adult, it’s more than picking something that smells good. It’s about creating an extension of yourself. It’s why Elle Woods put her resume on scented paper.

If you prefer subtle colors in your wardrobe and you speak with a calm voice, scents that feature florals like rose, jasmine or lavender would be a great way to brand yourself. If you smile like sunshine and prefer the attention of the room to be on you, rich scents like cedar, patchouli or ginger might fit your personality. Some perfumes are delicate and subtle, while others are sexy and lingering. It’s best to associate the scents with which personality trait is more like you.

There are some scents, however, that have stood the test of time. It’s been a right of passage for many young women to incorporate these iconic scents into their personal brand. There’s a reason these perfumes are as famous as they are. It’s a sign of privilege and success for some, while for others it’s about indulging in the timeless scents that stand out through history.

The Classics

Chanel No. 5

Like the whisperings of a spring love with the soft roses that tickle your nose and jasmine that carras the skin, and a bubble of excitement of hidden citrus, the iconic Chanel’s scent is gentle, but expressive.2 You don’t become the most iconic perfume of all time for nothing.

Tom Ford, Oud Wood

If you like to run on the wild side then the darker sandalwood, rosewood, and chinese pepper mix might encapsulate you better. It’s a scent that feels like leather couches in log cabins.3

Miss Dior

A more sensual perfume that has three kinds of roses, including a richer rosewood, with bergamot. It’s an afternoon in late August spent with a lover.4

1 Ruhr-University Bochum. “How the olfactory brain affects memory.” ScienceDaily.

2 Chanel.com

3 Tomford.com

4 Dior.com

To be honest, these classic designer scents are expensive. If you’re trying to find a scent that is uniquely you, the icons might be overplayed for you. There are alternatives to creating a more unique scent for yourself.

Some Breakthroughs

LUSH perfumes

They have perfumes that smell like some of their iconic bath bombs along with other expertly crafted scents. LUSH perfumes come in a traditional spray bottle or in solid form. The solid forms are less expensive, and by rubbing it on your pulse points you can still smell just as beautiful as a traditional spray.

WAFT

If you love the traditional style of perfumes, but want a scent that is unique, ordering from WAFT is for you. Their website brings you through a questionnaire to match one of their scents to you. You can specify if you prefer female, male, or gender neutral scents. You can pick what your label looks like. You can also tell them if there is another brand of perfume you like to help inspire their matching process. You pick 3 scents you like and then they pair you with what perfume of theirs is uniquely yours. 5 ■

5 Waft.com

Weed

Them

HOW TO IDENTIFY AND CALL

By Meghan Savaglia, Lifestyle Graphic by Kate

Inthe age of influencer glorification, you can fall to rock bottom as quickly as you rise to the top. The throes of “cancel culture” may seem to reach every corner of the internet, but harmful creators who profit off the insecurities of the general population still rule the roost on sites like Instagram and TikTok.

When Danielle Bernstein, known as “WhoWoreWhat” in the blogosphere, debuted on TikTok, multiple individuals came forward sharing that Bernstein had stolen their content. New York based lingerie line The Great Eros, Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen, swimwear brand Odia and even more small businesses over the course of the past year have accused Bernstein of blatantly stealing their pieces.1 Many tearful Instagram denials later, Danielle Bernstein has still avoided responsibility for her 1 Mendez, Mosie. 2021. “The controversial founder of WeWoreWhat Danielle Bern stein has officially joined TikTok.” Insider.

multiple allegations. So, how far do you have to go in order to be truly pushed off the Internet?

To Be Cancelled

Digging up the dirt on social media personalities can cause an internet shitstorm, but Berstein’s controversy is a friendly reminder that we: the likers, repost-ers and refreshers, are the ones who give the power and influence to media personas like her. Unfollowing, and better yet, ignoring ignorant & insensitive influencers like her is one step towards dethroning the hold that people like these have on the digital world.

Trisha Paytas, a longtime Youtuber and the source of meme content on every social media imaginable, has long profited off the balance between being saying openly anti-semitic, misogynistic and racist remarks while maintaining a sense of “ironic” humour within her comments. Somehow, after years of questionable content, her internet presence & popularity has remained steadfast. Her audience

has desensitized itself to her shameless controversy, rendering Trisha “uncancellable.” 2 3

It’s hard not to make a comparison to politicians in America, who desensitize the public through the 24-hour news cycle. Scandals are forgotten within days, with politicians only truly losing their jobs or popularity when they commit truly heinous offenses. But smaller scale comments and actions are lost in the noise of the news cycle. Our standards are unbelievably low for these figures.

Privilege and Power

Somehow, despite years of commentary on the unattainable beauty standards and

2 Dodgson, Lindsay. 2019. “YouTuber Trisha Paytas has responded after receiving criticism for coming out as transgender because she’s attracted to gay men.” Insider.

3 Dodgson, Lindsay. 2020. “The life and controversies of YouTuber Trisha Paytas, from claiming she has multiple personalities to identifying as ‘a chicken nugget.’” Insider.

Weed Them Out

CALL OUT TOXIC INFLUENCERS

Lifestyle Staff Writer Kate Madigan

photoshopping photos, we have only further allowed societally harmful content to continue to thrive on social media.

The “average” influencer by no means represents the average human being — and it goes beyond the realm of photoshop. It is our duty as consumers of media to take the extra step in order to rid your feed of these insane realities. We falsely believe that we are stronger than our own subconscious. Keeping these unrealistic standards of beauty and lifestyle in our feed only feeds into our implicit beliefs and biases.

It is time to reject the internalization that allows rich, white women like Danielle Bernstein and Trisha Paytas to continue garnering power and money based on wrongdoing. We have reached a stage in the celebrity sphere where politicians, celebrities, and influencers sit on a separate pedestal than personal friends and family. We hold this group above our own standards

for our friends and family, and it is more than time to change that perspective. No one is exempt from criticism.

The Warning Signs

COVID has provided a great way to identify the worst of the worst. The amount of influencers claiming their need to “travel for work” has skyrocketed over the past year. The blurred lines between what an Instagram model does for “work” has allowed blatant disregard to public health to clog Instagram feeds across the world.

Promotional content, especially of diet fads or the infamous “Fit Tea,” are an additional red flag. If you didn’t already feel insecure following someone, they’ll gladly promote products (that they themselves do not use) to play into the guilt of their followers.

Who to follow instead

Instagram account Diet Prada (@ diet_prada) played an important

role in uncovering the truth behind Danielle Bernstein’s work. Their team regularly work towards breaking down controversies involving fashion, culture, and social media. Their feed serves as a great reminder that the fashion industry has long profited off the same toxicity and insecurity that is perpetuated by online influencers.

It is difficult to separate oneself from the magical realm of social media. There’s hardly a cultural motivation to do so — modern trends start on social media accounts with upwards of 300,000 followers and branch out from there.

We can separate ourselves from the toxicity of these people. Weed them out of your feed, of your friends’ feed and of popularity. This is not cancel culture; it’s a cleansing of your social media space to ensure that you only support people who don’t exploit their fame and power.

■

The Dark World of Modeling

AN INSIDE LOOK INTO THE DARK SIDE OF THE MODELING INDUSTRY

Written by Emily Fleming, Creative Direction Assistant • Photographed by Bela Orzechowski, Staff Photographer • Modeled by Ella McCue and Chelsea Hylton

While the world of modeling appears full of glamour, we rarely see the dark side of what goes on behind the scenes. For years, the modeling industry has had a long streak of mistreating its models and many have begun speaking out about the abuse and discrimination they have endured. While this is not indicative of every model’s journey in their career, many have attested to experiencing financial, sexual, and emotional exploitation, as well as discrimination due to their race and body type.

When young models sign contracts with agencies, they often sign away their freedoms. Models usually retain full legal responsibility, meaning if things go awry with a client, they would get personally sued instead of the agency they work for. Agencies also take money through agency fees, which are usually 20% but can climb up to 75% in France.1 In addition, if a model doesn’t comply with changing their look to fit an agency’s exact wants, or if someone “better” comes around, they can be dropped within seconds.2

Due to the lack of regulations in the modeling industry, models often have very little autonomy over their time, schedules and earnings. They can go months without a paycheck, and be overworked in ways that would be deemed unacceptable in other industries. It can be easy to

1 “12 Things This Model Wants You to Know about the Dark Side of Fashion.” Healthista, 2019. 2 Ibid.

get taken advantage of, seeing as models are often scouted at young, impressionable ages, and in order to succeed they must often let agencies control not only their pay, but also their eating habits, and appearance.3

Just as financial exploitation runs rampant within the modeling industry, so does sexual assault. The culture tells young models they need to be compliant and cooperative, and the pressure of one casting having the ability to make or break a career gives way to photographers taking advantage of them in a vulnerable state. Asking models to take their clothes off and pose nude is common, but can toggle the line of professional and inappropriate. Sara Ziff, a model who started her career at just 14 years old, details a time when a photographer asked her to be alone in the room with him and undress completely as he took pictures.4 This behavior is not limited to photographers— many men of higher positions in the fashion industry abuse their power by taking advantage of young models.

The toll of sexual and emotional abuse can take a long time to heal. Models are supposed to be accustomed to hearing they are too skinny one day, to being too fat the next, with every insult possible thrown at them in between. Gisele Bundchen, one→

3 “Runway Injustice: How the Modeling Industry Exploits Young Workers.” CN NMoney. Cable News Network, 2021.

4 Olivia Fleming is the former Features Director at HarpersBAZAAR.com. “Mod els Share Stories of Sexual Assault in the Fashion Industry.” Harper’s BAZAAR, 2017.

of the highest paid supermodels in the world, has faced her fair share of rejection after being sent away from 42 modeling agencies at the beginning of her career.5 Her first big show was Alexander McQueen Spring/ Summer 1998, where she burst into tears after being told she would have to walk topless in the show. If the makeup artist hadn’t come up with the idea to paint her body, she could have left and her career could have never taken off.6

the right direction. Yet there is still ample progress to be made in ensuring that every model has equal opportunities and is treated with respect by industry professionals. Smalls, much like many other Black models, had to fight for her place within the modeling industry, and is continuing to work to address the discrimination and injustice that minorities still face.

Not only is promoting unhealthy body image and racial conformity harmful to models, but it is

to

and young adults who grow up watching fashion shows and reading magazines.

Another world famous supermodel, Joan Smalls, details her experience with the first agent she met, who told her she had to straighten her teeth. When she asked why she had to but other models didn’t, he said “well, Joan, because you’re black, and that is already going to be a difficulty in this industry.”7 Not only was she rejected from many shows because “they had already booked a model of color,” but she also was often told her hair was “too difficult to work with.”8 According to a diversity report, Spring 2019 was “the most racially diverse fashion month ever,” with “36.1 percent of all castings across New York, London, Milan, and Paris [going] to models of color.”9 Compared to a report done in 2016, where 78.2% of models in fashion spreads were white and only 8.3 percent were Black, 4 percent were Asian and 3.8 percent were Hispanic, this is a step in

5 Truman, Isabelle. “11 Supermodels That Have Been Rejected In Their Careers.” ELLE, 2020.

6 Klerk, Amy de. “Gisele Bündchen Recalls Almost ‘Running Away’ from the Show That Kick Started Her Career.” Harper’s BAZAAR. Harper’s BAZAAR, 2018.

7 Macalister-Smith, Tilly. “Joan Smalls on Race, Rejection and Refusing to Take No for an Answer.” London Evening Standard | Evening Standard. Evening Standard, 2017.

8 Ibid.

9 “Report: The Spring 2019 Runways Were the Most Racially Diverse Ever, but Europe Still Has a Major Age and Body Diversity Problem.” theFashionSpot, 2019.

Coco Rocha, another supermodel who has been working in the industry for over 15 years, has been open with her experience with late payments, pressure to lose weight, and sexual assault. Despite having walked for brands like Chanel, Dior, Miu Miu, and more, and having appeared on the cover of Vogue and many other top magazines, she has lost jobs for speaking out about sexual harassment. By opening the Coco Rocha Model Camp, she has made it her mission to educate young models on how to navigate the industry and take control of their own careers. She also believes “the industry is trying very hard to open up and show diversity if that’s skin color, nationalities, religion, weight, size, which is great. We’re slowly getting there.”10

The days of models getting pressured into drug use, plastic surgery, and eating disorders are hopefully nearing their end. Not only is promoting unhealthy body image and racial conformity harmful to models, but it is harmful to children and young adults who grow up watching fashion shows and reading magazines. Every woman that stands up for diversity, inclusion and respect in the industry is standing up for the next generation of young women and models. ■

10 Seid, Shayna. “Coco Rocha Lost Mod eling Jobs From Speaking Out Against Sexual Harassment.” StyleCaster. Style Caster, 2019.

Directed by Sarah Troy, Fashion Director Photographed by Jessica Tenenbaum, Staff Photographer, and Luc Marchessault, Contributing Photographer Modeled by Kelly Rash and Sarah Troy Design by Annika Ide, Photography Director

Stop crushing on toxic men

By Jessica Katz, Lifestyle Editorial Assistant Graphic by Emma Gray, Arts Curator

TedBundy. Richard Ramirez. Paul John Knowles. Yes — they’re all serial killers, but what else do they have in common? They’re hot.

Well, according to some young girls they’re hot. Women have been infatuated with Bundy since he became the world’s most notorious serial killer. Ramirez was nicknamed the “Death Row Romeo” after killing at least 14 people, eventually marrying a fan while in prison.1 This phenomenon is described as hybristophilia — being sexually aroused from the knowledge that a partner has committed an “outrage,” such as a violent crime.2

According to Michael R. Cunningham, a psychologist at the University of Louisville, bad boys ooze testosterone leading to boldness and exaggerated sexuality.3 They often display qualities of the psychological dark triad, meaning they might be narcissistic, psychopathic and prone to exploiting others.

Overall, they’re rebellious and emotionally unavailable, yet it’s hard to quit them. Why?

For some, “bad boys’’ free you from the pressure of being “good girls.” Psychologist Robyn McKay explains that traits like rebelliousness are typically repressed during a girl’s childhood, as females are socialized to be agreeable.4 This girl is drawn to the bad boy as a way of expressing her own inner rebel. She admires their sense of freedom, as she aspires to shed her good girl image.

You may be drawn to the excitement of bad boys because they’re taboo. It’s the impulse to want something you shouldn’t have, so the desire grows considerably.

change anyone who doesn’t want to change for themself.

Toxic men thrive on control to keep their partners feeling small and diminished. That means their relationships will often lack important qualities of respect, kindness and compassion. It is likely that they learned this behavior at a young age by being exposed to the toxic behaviors of others, or by being overpraised without being taught empathy. This means they often fail to see past their own needs and wants, having a lack of concern for others.6

The same phenomenon can be applied to villains, think Harley Quinn and the Joker. A hero would sacrifice you to save everyone else in the world, but a villain would kill everyone else in the world to save you. You are the exception.

From serial killers to evil villains, it’s clear that some young girls have a thing for toxic men. These “bad boys” are something to be sought. From the edgy skater boys to the stereotypical frat boys, they become the attainable bad boys.

1 Lerner, Jamie. “Where Is Doreen Lioy, Wife of ‘Night Stalker’ Richard Ramirez, Now?” Distractify. Distractify, January 13, 2021.

2 Veronica. “Ted Bundy and the History behind His Obsessive ‘Stans.’” Medium. Medium, August 20, 2019.

For self-defined therapists, these bad boys can be seen as projects. These guys are not inclined to settle down into monogamy. According to psychiatrist Dr. Margaret Seide, “If you can convince one to commit, it can feel like quite an accomplishment.”5 The pursuit of bad boys is an example of our eternal quest for validation. And falling for them happens to the most caring and nurturing types.

If you’re a nurturing type, proceed with caution. It’s nearly impossible to “fix” a bad boy or convert him into a loving, acceptable person. You can’t 3 Cheney, Dina. “Psychologists Say That Converting a Bad Boy Into a Nice Guy Is a ‘Generally Impossible Situation.’” Good Housekeeping, February 19, 2021. 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid.

Being with a toxic man weakens you. The longer you stay in that relationship, the more likely you are to become a smaller, more wounded version of the person you used to be. You’re so tied up in the drama, you lose yourself.The more you try to make things work with a toxic man, the more you give him what he wants — control.

It’s easy to romanticize serial killers, villains and fictional “bad boys” like Damon from “The Vampire Diaries” and Tate from “American Horror Story.” But these are prime examples of toxic men. They’re violent, and oftentimes, plain evil. Not to mention the stereotypical frat boys that will take advantage of you, or the edgy boys that, to state it simply, will just not care about you.

It’s time to stop crushing on toxic men. ■

6 Young, Karen. “When Someone You Love Is Toxic - How to Let Go, Without Guilt.” Hey Sigmund, August 20, 2020.

Promising Young Woman

A REQUIEM FOR THE FEMINIST KILLJOY

Written and illustrated by Channing Smith, Art Director

Iadjustthe collar of my sweater, fiddling with my tangled necklaces, and decide it is easier to tuck them away than to get to the root of the problem. Pushing the laundry behind me out of sight, I then coax my lamp at an angle so my face is softly lit. I’m ready to join the call.

“What a crazy week,” my boss begins, as if it has not been 365 days of crazy. When her announcements come to a close, with hopes of teasing a smile or an unmute from any of us, she asks if we’ve watched anything worthwhile lately.

For the first time today, I have something to say. “I watched ‘Promising Young Woman’ this weekend,” I offer.

“What’s it about?” my boss asks politely. I freeze, realizing I have grossly misjudged my audience.

“It’s about… uh,” I start. Gargling the word around in my mouth for a bit, I stall before spitting it out. “It’s about rape,” I finally say.

Her eyebrows arch, pushing themselves into her forehead, eyes widening for just a moment. Lips curving into a small o-shape, she gives a single, slow nod. The meeting ends shortly after.

The literal meaning of a killjoy is a person who deliberately spoils the enjoyment of others through resentful or overly sober behavior. I will be the first to admit, I am a killjoy and little to no fun.

However, scholar Sara Ahmed has rejected this definition, saying that a feminist killjoy does not simply spoil the enjoyment of others, but reveals that there is true sorrow, exploitation and objectification built into the foundation of this joy. The joy is killed either way, but in Ahmed’s world, it is killed in the name of justice.

Without warning, I have become the killjoy among my friends. I believe it is because I am the only Jew among us, cringing amidst mindless laughter at big-nosed characters munching on bagels. Having fallen into this role without realizing, I thought I might as well round out my portfolio and point out racist, sexist and homophobic humor in addition.

This laughter doesn’t come out of malice, but out of ignorance. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

Other people get to talk about things they enjoy – sports, music, travel – but no one seems as eager to discuss more intriguing issues like the gender pay gap with me. I have become “woke” to a fault, and if you tell me this, I’ll tell you that white people appropriated that word from African-American vernacular after years of telling Black people they were inarticulate.

But “Promising Young Woman” was made for us killjoys. Emerald Fennell’s #MeToo thriller takes back the narrative, suggesting that “I’m a good guy” is no longer an adequate enough excuse.

Fennell’s film follows medical school drop out Cassie (played by Casey Mulligan) as she mindlessly navigates her early thirties. Without a place of her own, a degree or a boyfriend, Cassie seems without ambition or direction, but she has taken up a secret hobby of her own. Each weekend, Cassie puts on her lipstick and pumps and goes clubbing. Appearing too drunk to stand, a nice guy always rushes to her rescue, quick to take her home. Once he crosses the line, Cassie snaps awake, revealing she is stone-cold sober. Revenge ensues.

On a mission to avenge her friend Nina, the titular promising young woman, Cassie, encounters all the actors who allow rape culture to continue to fester and grow. And no one is innocent.

There is certainly joy in the film: the candycolored sets and wardrobes as well as Bo Burnham’s charming performance as the comedic relief make you momentarily forget the core themes at hand. Amidst horror and sorrow, there are moments of dark comedy, chilling sarcasm, and yes, joy.

It is the killing of this joy that makes this film so satisfying and compelling.

“Promising Young Woman” does not promise you there is good in the world. Truthfully, it attests there are perhaps a lot more bad guys than good. It does not romanticize, glamorize or play into tropes. Nothing about the film is lazy, so surreal yet grounded in gutrenching reality. “Promising Young Woman” is a dramatic revenge fantasy, but on a deeper level it’s about what it really means to be a woman. ■

Stand Out and Stay Warm

HOW TO INCORPORATE STATEMENT COATS INTO YOUR WARDROBE THIS SPRING

By Jane Houseal, Fashion Staff Writer Photographed by Molly Jacobs, Staff Photographer Modeled by Anisa Pontes Makeup by Riley August

Whensocial distancing in unpredictable weather, many are faced with the choice of either sacrificing warmth or their sense of style.

Luckily, you can avoid that dilemma by choosing to wear a bold coat. Statement coats have been seen everywhere this year; from vintage-inspired jackets seen in the Netflix hit show, Queen’s Gambit, to the pieces Alexander McQueen designed for his Spring 2021 Ready-to-Wear collections. No matter what inspires you, there is a statement jacket perfect for your closet!

While it is not new for designers to incorporate vibrant outerwear on their runways, jackets in Ready-to-Wear shows last fall were even more exceptional than usual. Italian luxury company Fendi included a variety of elevated neutral-toned coats in their collection.1 The collection had everything from textured beige fur coats to brown suede trenches with laser cutouts.

Irish international fashion designer, Simone Rocha also delivered a remarkable show. Black leather biker jackets with frills and Edwardian balloon sleeves were sent down the runway, followed by jackets with clusters of 3D satin roses. 2 The creativity in these Fall 2020 Ready-to-wear shows are the perfect inspiration for adding eye-catching outerwear to your wardrobe.

If you want a statement coat for yourself, search for unique colors, patterns, textures and silhouettes that speak to you. If you want to try upgrading your outerwear, but still prefer a laid back look, opt for a unique puffer or quilted-down jacket. A longline quilted jacket is a chic and laid back piece. Try looking for a pastel version for the perfect spring layering piece. H&M and House of Sunny both have a wide selection of quilted jackets.

When seeking out unique items, shopping second hand is always your best option. Luckily, these coats are especially popular on resale apps and in thrift stores. Search on eBay, Depop, and at your local thrift store to find a great deal.

1 Luke Leitch, “Fendi Fall 2021 Ready-toWear Collection,” Vogue, 2021.

2 Sarah Mower, “Simone Rocha Fall 2021 Ready-to-Wear Collection,” Vogue, 2021.

Another option is going for a fur trimmed trench. Celebrities including both the Jenner sisters and Rihanna have been spotted wearing the iconic Saks Potts Foxy coat. The leather belted coat features stunning fur trim on the collar and cuffs. The coat is a splurge garment, but fortunately there are many stylish dupes. Asos, Petit Moments and & Other Stories all have similar styles available along with an extensive selection of fashionable trenches and belted jackets.

There is such a wide variety of outerwear options, so styling choices are unlimited. For example, statement coats work well with any neutral outfit combination. Boots, jeans and a simple sweater or tee shirt can look amazing with a stand-out jacket. In addition, coordinating shoes with jackets always creates a cohesive, stylish look.

Another tip to create a fun look can be to coordinate the colors of your statement jacket to the color of your shoes. If you have a jacket that hits mid-thigh, try pairing tall boots and a mini skirt or dress for a flirty, feminine look.

To take the look in a vintage/70’s inspired direction, add brown heeled boots or go-go boots.

You can also create an edgier look with platform boots and patterned tights.

This spring, everyone needs a statement coat so they can look like a badass without freezing. Upgrading your outerwear is one of the best ways to look put together and fashionable without spending a lot of time putting together outfits. With endless styling options and a variety of coats to choose from, it is a great way to stand out and express yourself through fashion.

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The Mother of SciFi

AN EXAMINATION OF MARY SHELLEY AND THE FEMINIST ROOTS OF SCIENCE FICTION

By Kate Lawless, Deputy Editor Graphic by Maya Hofman

We all know the infamous cry from Dr. Frankenstein when his monster finally comes to life. The scene, and the famous line, have resonated through history along with the horribly human feeling of realizing the powerful, yet potentially terrible consequences when we harness nature and science to do our bidding.

The science fiction genre captures that feeling exactly. The bond and conflict between humanity and nature mixed with limitless human imagination have made this one of the most successful literary and media genres of all times, producing works like “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” and “Star Wars.” Science fiction stories are gripping to the public and are often adapted, given sequels or become franchises because of their loyal fan bases and limitless storyline potential.

The story of Frankenstein’s monster has been adapted many times over since it was first published in 1823. People are often surprised that “Frankenstein” was written by a woman, considering how few female characters there are in the book. But actually, the absence of women is the major plot driver of the book. A man trying to subvert nature and create life without a woman is the whole horror aspect of the story. It’s unnatural and causes a series of events that devastate anyone connected to Dr. Frankenstein.1

Mary Shelley, one of the first science fiction novelists, wrote “Frankenstein” as part of a storytelling competition 1 Williams, Deborah Lindsay. “Monstrosity and Feminism in Frankenstein.” Electra Street, November 21, 2015.

between her future husband Percy B. Shelley and their friend Lord Byron. Her story was influenced by Gothic and Romantic styles, but also by her own experiences as a daughter and a woman.2

Mary Shelley was the daughter of legendary feminist writer Mary Wollenstonecraft, but tragically had no relationship with her because Wollenstoncraft passed away shortly after Shelley was born. In honor of her mother, Shelley’s father raised her to be a proud supporter of social and political reform for women and Shelley quickly fell into a crowd of progressive creatives in her young adulthood, traveling Europe and experimenting with her craft.3

After losing her mother and having her own traumatizing miscarriage, Shelley was well aware of the important, but awful potential of women’s life-giving power. That personal experience, combined with her cynical perspective on the Enlightenment period, formed the themes of “Frankenstein.”

Since Shelley’s success with her book, science fiction has grown into an immensely popular genre, albeit one that has been male-dominated, especially in the 20th century. Science fiction stories often center around the adventures of men and sexual exploitation of their female sidekicks. These issues originated with male science fiction publishers who felt that first-wave feminism was an overstep of women’s natural place in society, so they shut women out of the genre, solidifying the culture of sexism that still haunts science fiction.4 While scifi

2 “Mary Shelley and the Birth of Science Fiction.” The Great Courses Daily, August 19, 2020.

3 Ibid.

4 Galaxy, Geek’s Guide to the. “The His tory of Women in Sci-Fi Isn’t What You

is equally enjoyed by men and women, there is still inequality in authorship and representation in the genre today.

Despite the science fiction media industry trying to increase representation by introducing more leading female characters, there is often backlash from the male scifi fans. For example, there was massive outrage when the most recent Star Wars trilogy had a female lead, Rey. Actress Daisy Ridley and her Star Wars team faced misogynistic threats and complaints from men who wanted to gatekeep the genre, arguing that scifi is for and about men.

Given the feminist roots of the genre, why do men continue to either sexualize women in scifi or shut women out entirely? Like Dr. Frankenstein himself, they believe that they don’t need women to make something great.

But that simply isn’t how the world works. And it isn’t good for the evolution and expansion of the scifi genre either. So support women in science fiction! Follow actresses and female directors for apocalyptic movies, read women’s short stories in scifi zines, and if you like Shelley’s work, check out Ursula K. Le Guin, Octavia E. Butler and Margaret Atwood.

Honoring the feminist roots of science fiction and including women in the community is key to making a better environment for fans and creators. Not only do we have to support female actresses and female-led plots, but also support female writers and directors. Just like in Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” tragedy ensues whenever women are absent from the narrative. ■

Think.” Wired. Conde Nast.

Goodbye Girlboss Feminism

WHAT IT IS, WHY IT’S BAD AND HOW WE CAN BREAK AWAY FROM IT

By Kora Quinn, Culture Staff Writer

Photographed by Annika Ide, Photography Director

Modeled by Sam Starks, Creative Director

So-called “girlboss feminism” is a trope that flourished in the self-help genre and motivated millennial women entering the workforce for years. It was an aspiration, an image that depicted confident, independent women thriving in a corporate environment and taking on powerful positions that have long been held by men. But for all the supposed good it has done for empowering women to take on leadership positions, girlboss feminism is also extremely problematic.

The term “girlboss” was first coined in 2014 by selfmade businesswoman Sophia Amoruso, but the mindset behind girlboss feminism had been around for years. It showed up in all forms of media, from the protagonist of the film “Baby Boom” (1987), the conviving characters of “Working Girl” (1988), our favorite Editor-inChief in “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006) and finally in Amoruso’s book, “#Girlboss.”

Goodbye Girlboss Feminism

Throughout the book, Amoruso places herself on a pedestal and talks down to readers as she lays out her unconventional path to success. As someone without a formal education, she said it wasn’t luck, but her “positive thinking” that led her to defy the odds and found a multimillion dollar fashion company. It must have also been Amoruso’s “positive thinking” that motivated reviewers to comment on her lack of basic empathy when she described parents bringing their children to interviews as a “turn-off.”

The synopsis for “#Girlboss” further describes Amoruso as never being a typical CEO, radiating the “I’m not like other girls” energy that is actually internalized misogyny that tends to lift oneself up by putting others down.1

Girlboss feminism, as portrayed in Amoruso’s book and in reality, is rooted in capitalism and misogyny. It subscribes to the belief that a woman’s idea of success in America is to be ruthless, overworked and consistently climbing the hierarchical ladder pre-determined by the men who worked those positions before them.

Amoruso’s own life and alleged unethical business practices revealed the skeletons in the closet of a mindset masquerading as feminism. While she claimed to be the poster-child for women overcoming the oppression of the patriarchy, Amoruso’s company, Nasty Gal, was involved in a lawsuit for allegedly firing four pregnant women and a man requesting paternity leave.2

Amanda Mull shared in The Atlantic that, “Making women the new men within corporations was never going to be enough to address systematic racism and sexism, the erosion of labor rights, or the accumulation of wealth in just a few of the country’s

1 Sophia Amoruso, “#Girlboss,” Go odreads, May 2014.

2 Anna Merlan, “Lawsuit: Nasty Gal’s #GIRLBOSS Fired Employees For Getting Pregnant,” Jezebel, June 2015.

millions of hands—the broad abuses of power that afflict the daily lives of most people.”3

This all still holds true today. The gender pay gap, although narrowing, still persists.4 Gendered discrimination in the workplace still persists.5 Racebased discrimination in the workplace, particularly in the STEM field, still persists.6 Income and wealth inequality still persists and is even growing.7

That is not to say that girlboss feminism is at fault for these inequalities that endure today, but it does show that it isn’t a viable solution to these problems. In a society where women are more worried about being labeled a male-hating radical than advocating for their own rights, it is time to move away from the white-centric, self-centered girlboss feminism and usher in a new wave.

Part of redefining modern feminism requires leaving the myth that women need to be independent to be accomplished in the past. This applies to more than just progress in gender equality, but progress as a culture as well. From childhood, we are spoon-fed the idea that relying on others means you are weak, that needing government assistance means you aren’t working hard enough and that universal healthcare is not a right but a privilege for being successful independently.

Mia Mingus, writer and advocate for disability justice, debunked the myth of independence in a speech by highlighting

3 Amanda Mull, “The ‘Girlboss’ and the Myth of Corporate Female Empower ment,” The Atlantic, June 2020.

4 Nikki Graf, Anna Brown, Eileen Patten, “Gender pay gap has narrowed, but changed little in past decade,” Pew Re search Center, March 2019.

5 Kim Parker, “Gender discrimination more common for women in mostly male workplaces,” Pew Reserach Center, March 2018.

6 Cary Funk, Kim Parker, “Racial diversity and discrimination in the U.S. STEM work force,” Pew Research Center, January 2018.

7 Juliana Menasce Horowitz, Ruth Igielnik, Rakesh Kochhar, “Trend in U.S. income and wealth inequality,” Pew Research Center, January 2020.

how it is a privileged, ableist, heteronormative, racist and classist delusion.8

Rejecting the culture of independence and embracing interdependency in feminism is a crucial step in moving forward. As advocates for women’s rights, we can’t deny that all modern social movements intersect in major ways. You can’t fight gender inequality without also fighting poverty. You can’t fight poverty without also fighting racial discrimination. Interdependency, not independence, aids these causes by encouraging community and intersectionality and defying the us versus them mentality.

Girlboss feminism thrived on the myth of independence, where one woman’s success was another’s failure. And the driving force behind both was the profit motive, or the idea that a desire for profit and wealth is what motivates someone to work.9 It’s true that money motivates, but that’s also the reason inequality in America and around the world remains an oppressive force in many lives.

As women working toward degrees and getting ready to enter the professional world, we need to reject the profit motive. Don’t buy into the same pre-established models girlboss feminism fell into. Hold companies that only value wealth and mistreat their employees responsible and let go of the pressure to put fiscal success above personal wellbeing. The premise that being an empowered woman consists primarily of working toward the next bonus, raise or promotion neglects to appreciate the everyday successes that don’t have a numeric value. In order to truly gain empowerment as equals in society, we must become independent from the girlboss feminism that confines our success to a predetermined mold. ■

8 Mia Mingus, “Interdependency (excerpts from several talks),” Leaving Evidence, January 2010.

9 Julia Kagan, “Profit Motive,” Investope dia, November 2020.

Adding Some Murder to the Mystery

MODA’S GUIDE TO THROWING A GREAT MURDER MYSTERY THEME PARTY

By Jamie Randall, Staff Writer Photographed by Anna Janke, Contributing Photographer

Forthose of you looking for something new to try, a murder mystery party is the perfect way to get out of your comfort zone. This party theme will encourage you and your friends to get your thinking caps on and spend a night full of fun and mystery! Below is Moda’s recommendation for the best movies, drinks and more to make your evening a success!

The board games are decided, the playlist is pulled up, the drinks are made. The final question remains: Where will this party take place?

On a train, a hotel or a beach? Luckily, there are options for the destination of this murder mystery party. If you decide on a 1920s theme It’s easy to transform your space into a speakeasy:

Hang up some wanted posters, get out the pearls as well as some gold streamers and pretty soon, your apartment will be a 1920s secret bar, taking you back to prohibition.

Don’t forget about the bar. Grab a bucket of ice, have those glasses ready to go along with the recipe for the “Crime of Passion” and “The Lady Killer.”

For the ladies, order some gloves off of Amazon, pull out a sequin dress along with pearls and a flapper headband, and you are set.

For the men, it’s not that hard. A tux is lovely, but suit and tie work too. A fedora gets you bonus points.

Snap some pictures before the party. Make sure they’re in black and white. ■

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

Start off your evening with the Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show. The show is performing at the Doubletree Hilton in downtown Madison and offers guests a full murder mystery experience (and, dinner is included!). Actors are hidden in the audience, disguised as normal people, making the experience interactive and fun for the audience. The website has a list of showtimes which are currently on hold due to the pandemic. However, note that they allow for private shows and group events. This is a great opportunity to grab some friends and get your murder mystery caps on!1

1 Murder mystery dinner Theatre In Madison, WI: The DINNER DETECTIVE. (2021, February 11).

Board Games

What’s more murder mystery than a good ole game of Clue? Set the mood by playing some murder mystery board games. Here are some murder mystery games to play with friends.2

Detective

This game is exactly as it sounds. Get your thinking cap on, grab your friends and solve some fictional real-world cases! Beware, this game can last up to 3 hours or more.

Exit

The House of Riddles: Do you love Escape the Room? Well, before they had an in person version, it was a board game. Imagine you and your friends are locked in a room (of your choosing) with nothing but a bunch of riddles and the only way out is to solve them. If you’re a lover of riddles, this game is perfect for you.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Big CSI fan? This CSI-based game features all your favorite characters from the show, and you and your friends will compete to gather evidence from different lab divisions in various investigations to present to Grissom, the team leader. The first player to present Grissom with the correct arrest warrant wins.

2 Mysterytribune, & W., D. (2020, March 12). 16 best crime and MYSTERY board Games Around: 2020 Edition.

Murder Mystery Movies

Get out the popcorn! Here are some murder mystery movie favorites.

Knives Out

Starring Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig and more, Knives Out is the perfect who-done-it movie to watch with friends and family.

Murder on the Orient Express

With a classic train setting, this movie involves a detective, a variety of suspects and a killer on the loose.

Murder Mystery

The hilarious Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston star in this comedic murdery mystery movie, giving the audience some laughs and suspense.

Sherlock

What better way to do murder mystery than the infamous Sherlock series with Benedict Cumberbatch? A modern version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, Sherlock will take mystery to the next level.

Drinks

What could be more important than cocktails at a mystery party? Blogger Sarah West provides the details on some cocktails perfect for a murder mystery night!3 These drinks include a variety of alcohol and some killer names, ranging from “Crime of Passion” to “The Lady Killer.” The “Crime of Passion” includes dark rum, passion fruit juice, vanilla ice cream, raspberry syrup and to top it all off, cream soda. This drink is best served during an event like a board game or dinner to set the mood for mystery.

3 West, S. (2020, August 22). The perfect cock tails for a murder mystery night.

Playlist

Set the mood for this murder mystery party with a murder mystery playlist. Obviously, the playlist choice depends on the theme and where you want the murder mystery to be. If the murder party is set in the 1920s, lookup some songs by artists from the Great Gatsby movie, such as Lana Del Ray or Fergie.

Casting the Token Hot Girl

A DISCUSSION OF FEMME FATALES AND BOMBSHELLS IN MODERN CINEMA

By Olivia Peters, Arts Staff Writer Graphic by Jessica Tenenbaum

There’s

a broad range of roles in movies that call for actresses — you’d think about 50% of all roles created. Females are skilled, powerful and diverse storytellers. So why does it feel like Hollywood writers keep writing the same woman with the same traits over and over again?

Let’s talk about casting the token hot girl. The “hot girl” is a trope commonly found in action movies that doesn’t change much, no matter if the rest of the movie is a bit more groundbreaking. While the purpose of the token hot woman doesn’t change much from movie to movie, there are a few different ways that her personality comes across.

A femme fatale is a beautiful woman who can seduce a man with her looks and manipulate him with her mind. She has intellectually stimulating banter

with the main male lead, and usually helps to further the storyline in some way. On the other hand, a bombshell is a very attractive woman and usually one who is only around for her looks. The bombshell is easily interchangeable and her role is more about the idea of obtaining the perfect woman than actually about the woman herself.

So, for female actresses looking to make their big break in film, does it hurt their careers to accept a role that’s all about their body and less about their acting abilities? Does it put them in a box and not allow them to be seen as more?

Consider: every Bond girl ever. Though the actor playing James Bond remains the same across a series of movies, his damsel in distress only carries over in memory. For example, Eva Green played Vesper in “Casino Royale,”

double-crossing Daniel Craig and ultimately dying for him. She motivates him and seems to influence his decisions for a time; however, she’s not the first in a long line of girls whose primary purpose is to support the leading man, and she’s certainly not the last. Despite her good looks, good acting, and promise as a character, she’s replaced by another romantic interest in the following film, “Quantum of Solace,” proving that she’s merely represents a wistful idea of womanhood.

Megan Fox, someone who is often typecast as the stereotypical hot girl, played Mikaela Banes for her acting debut in the first two Transformers movies. A supporting role to Shia LeBeouf, Megan is the love interest who happens to be good with cars. Although she seems important to the plot, we find out she’s easily replaceable in the eyes

of Hollywood when she’s cut in the third movie only to be followed by blonde bombshell Rosie Huntington. Megan’s career has never diverged from that first stereotypical hot girl, an issue she has spoken about in several interviews.

Scarlett Johanson was cast as the Black Widow in the Marvel Universe, appearing in all of the Avengers movies and many other plot lines. Despite being in seven Marvel films, Scarlett’s own movie has only just been slated for release this year.1 Her character is flirty and seductive but quickly turns deadly in handto-hand combat: the ultimate femme fatale. Have her enormous contributions to the Marvel universe and fan base been duly rewarded? Only time, and the box office sales from her upcoming movie, will let us know.

1 “List of Scarlett Johansson Disney, Marvel Movies.” Disney Movies List, 23 Jan. 2018.

One case of bombshell success is Margot Robbie. She first became a household name when she played a trophy wife in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” but this initial role didn’t limit her in her career. Quite the opposite, given that she has starred in numerous movies and has been nominated for several Oscars since. Consider her role as Harley Quinn in “Suicide Squad:” she was a bombshell who still had her own strong plot line. This plot line was so popular that she was given the lead in a spinoff, “Birds of Prey.” Although Robbie’s career has flourished since “Wolf of Wall Street,” her success may be constrained by the expectations Hollywood has from her as an attractive blonde woman to fulfill the trope that gave her her beginning.

The list of women in film who don’t make it past roles relying on their sex appeal is longer than

the list of success stories. Action movies follow a fairly predictable story arc involving violence, fighting, a suave male lead, and an uber hot love interest. The lack of deviation from this oldas-time plotline, and the lack of complex roles for women are limiting the quality of films produced in the action genre.

Perhaps token hot girl roles are so prevalent because they’re needed to attract male audiences to the film industry. Being cast as a “bombshell” may be a right of passage, where actresses are expected to pay their dues in these demeaning roles in order to get to play a femme fatale, or even eventually their own leading roles. However, the concept of the interchangeable “bombshell” is outdated and holding action films back from reaching their full empowered potential.

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Sexy or Sexist?

THE SHIFTS OF BODY TRENDS NEED TO END

By Elizabeth Karnowski, Culture Staff Writer

Hollywood is the hottest place for trends to live and die. From the slender legs to sumptuous curves popularized by stars in their prime, famous people have always impacted the body trends of the general public. Men have been influenced to want them and women have been influenced to want to be them.

Quite possibly the most iconic sex symbol to this day, the undeniable image of Marilyn Monroe’s blonde hair, red lip and iconic mole above her lip will live on forever. Even after her death, her looks are sought after and so is her body. In fact, disgustingly, the man in the grave above Monroe’s was buried face down, per his request, so that he would be hypothetically on top of her.1 Hugh Hefner is buried right next to her, saying the symbolism in spending eternity next to her was “too sweet to pass up.”2 These men are still objectifying her post-death. Body trends throughout the decades have led to the over-sexualization of women and their bodies. These trends provide further proof that there’s no reason anyone should be treated differently because of their body composition.

In the 1950s, Monroe set the body trends of the decade from her hourglass curves to her larger bust. Having a cinched waist with proportionate breasts and hips was desired by everyone, and was further made popular by Elizabeth Taylor. Monroe’s unique figure in a time of smaller waists and breasts3 helped set her apart from other stars in the industry, ultimately making her look more elusive and sought after. Monroe’s own confidence in her body and sensuality translated into an inspiration for other women working to embrace their looks. Even in 2021, the popularity of her look is a testament to the influence the actress and singer had on the world.

In the 60s Lesley Hornby, also known as Twiggy, was the body trend icon of the era. She was a British fashion model and actress and is widely considered to have been one of the world’s first supermodels.4 Her nickname sprouts from her thin frame which quickly became sought after by many women.

Hornby’s look wasn’t marked by curves, making her different compared to those of the last decade which made her stand out

1 Ina Jaffe, “Bid for Crypt Above Marilyn Monroe Falls Through”, National Public Radio, August 27, 2009.

2 Laurel Wamsley, “Hugh Hefner’s Final Resting Place? The Plot He Bought Next to Marilyn Mon roe”, National Public Radio, September 29, 2017.

3 Linda Rodgers, “This Was the Average Body in the 1950s”, Woman’s World, April 30, 2018.

4 Jeannette L. Nolen, “Twiggy”, Britannica, 2021.

amongst others. Other figures like Jacquelin Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn ushered in a new look of sleekness. Everyone in the public eye looked similar to each other and the slim figure took over.

Though Twiggy was the face of the 60s, her desired figure faced criticism for promoting an unhealthy body image. The reason why her figure was unhealthy wasn’t discussed, mainly because Twiggy said she was naturally thin and didn’t do much to achieve her figure.5 This is just further proof that body shaming can happen to any woman for just existing.

By the time the 1970s came around Farrah Fawcett, most popularly known as Jill Munroe in Charlie’s Angels, became well known for her natural athleticism and easy smile. She was toned and glowy and coined the title “Sex Goddess of the Seventies.”6 She loved working out and being athletic in order to live her version of a healthy lifestyle.

In the era of at-home workout videos and muscle tees, the 80s were all about big muscles and even bigger hair. Cindy Crawford followed after Fawcett’s trend and strong and athletic women continued to be desired.7

Grace Jones, a Jamaican-born model raised in New York, was another poster woman of the 80s. She was a prominent Black model with an athletic figure and a sultry aura. Her look was detected as traditionally unconventional, yet, in Paris, her look was applauded.8 Her body composition wasn’t her main feature, and neither was the color of her skin. She was successful due more to her work ethic as opposed to being objectified because of her appearance.

Some say Kate Moss was the next generation’s Twiggy. Her look was popular in the grunge era of the 90s, but her thin frame was the icing on top of the cake. Her body trend was referred to as “heroin chic,” pointing on angular bone structures and pale skin. As described in The New York Times, this is the look that just can’t seem to go away.9 Tom Ford described this trend as

5 Sheryle Cruse, “‘Naturally Twiggy?’ Confronting the Toxic Nature of Body Shaming.”, Elephant Journal, September 25, 2019.

6 Laura Regensdorf, “Farrah Fawcett’s 1977 Fitness Guide Can Make a Charlie’s Angel Out of You, Too”, Vogue, February 2, 2018.

7 Alexandra Tunell, “The 2015 Body Ideal is More Unattainable Than Ever”, Harper’s Bazaar, June 19, 2015.

8 Lauren Valenti, “Happy Birthday, Grace Jones!

18 Times the Fearless Pop Icon Broke the Beauty Mold”, Vogue, May 19, 2020.

9 Amy M. Spindler, “The 90’s Version of the Deca dent Look”, The New York Times, May 7, 1996.

people who seemed used-up and worn out.10 This is problematic in itself because models had to work hard in order to obtain their figures to stay relevant and being referred to as “used-up” is extremely detrimental to someone’s self-esteem.

Britney Spears has been a pop icon since the rise of her popularity in the 2000s. She had toned, washboard abs that became the trend of the decade.11 With her low-rise jeans and crop tops, her body was almost an accessory. Spears became a sex icon after her “Baby One More Time” music video and her MTV Music Video Award performance of “I’m a Slave 4 U,” and her body became a main topic of discussion in the media.

Today, Kim Kardashian’s rise to celebrity status led to her high influence on body trends. With her curvy features, Kim has the “slim thick” body that’s desired by so many teenage and adult women today. A small waist and round hips became the hottest trend of the decade. Her curves are a staple to her brand, becoming an iconic look recognizable by everyone.12 Her sisters, sporting similar looks, remain further agents of the current body trends motivating many to grow their backside and flaunt their curves.

These social switches of body trends mark the ways that bodies and body shapes are actually a device of capitalism. Different bodies are marketed to women every generation, convincing them they need to change and mold into whatever is desirable and trendy at the time.

You may have the body of a 50s bombshell or a 2000s pop icon, but if it doesn’t fit the current mold of expectation you are convinced through ads, media and other forms of conversation that you are not good enough.

There’s still a problem with society having an ideal at all. Women shouldn’t feel the need to fit any norm, any construction and any ideal ever. The constant change of body standards is a construction meant to keep women feeling less than. There should really be no ideal body type ever. Women should be able to exist as is, not by the standards of men or society.

■

10 Ibid.

11 Rebecca Flood, “What body shape is most desirable? From Marilyn Monroe to Kim K here’s how the ideal size has changed over the years”, The Sun, March 11, 2018.

12 Us Weekly Staff, “Hello, Curves! Take a Look Back at Kim Kardashian’s Body Evolution Through the Years”, Us Weekly, February 19, 2021.

WICKED

Directed by Sam Starks, Creative Director with assistance from Emily Fleming, Assistant Creative Director and Marina Scerpella, Creative Team

Photographed by Audrey O’Neill, Assistant Photography Director, and Hunter Kiehl, Staff Photographer Modeled by Camila Trimberger-Ruiz Makeup by Riley August Design by Annika Ide, Photography Director

“They Tried

THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY’S ADDICTION By Rachel Hale, Culture Editorial Assistant

ThisOctober will mark 15 years since Amy Winehouse’s landmark “Back to Black’’ multi-platinum, recordshattering album won over the hearts of American music fans. But on a more somber note, 2021 will also mark a decade since the star was tragically found dead of alcohol poisoning in her London flat. Beneath the glamour of the entertainment industry, a history of wronging female performers puts on a show darker than any of Winehouse’s soulful ballads.

Winehouse’s innate charisma, iconic winged eyeliner and colorful mix of jazz, rock, pop and soul made her an instant it girl on the music scene in Britain and America. Yet tracks like “Rehab” foreshadowed the demons that would eventually overcome her. Throughout her career, Winehouse’s team denied she had a drug problem,1 but the singer’s final performance in Belgrade showed the signs of her decline: she showed up over an hour late, slurred the words of songs she’d sung hundreds of times and left the stage multiple times midperformance. The death of the star was heartbreaking, but not surprising — as is the case with many performers, the industry broadcasted her signs of struggle to the world instead of considering the implications behind them, failing to provide the help Winehouse desperately needed.

While Winehouse’s story is well known, she is not the first or last to fall victim to a vicious cycle of fame. Perhaps the earliest known is Judy Garland. The child star signed her first record deal at just thirteen2 and faced significant criticism of her image throughout her career, sometimes referred to by producers as the “fat little pig with pigtails.”3 She had her teeth capped and wore rubber discs to change the shape of her nose,4 and was directed to limit her diet to black coffee, chicken soup and cigarettes. By the time she filmed

“The Wizard of Oz,” Garland was on a well-balanced diet of amphetamines

1 Gil Kaufman, “Amy Winehouse Cancels More Shows Due To ‘Health Issues,’ De nies Serious Drug Problems,” MTV News, August 16, 2007

2 Colin Bertram, “Judy Garland Was Put on a Strict Diet and Encouraged to Take ‘Pep Pills’ While Filming ‘The Wizard of Oz’,” Biography.com (A&E Networks Tele vision, December 10, 2020)

3 Ibid.

4 Ibid.

Tried to Make Me Go to Rehab”

ADDICTION TO PERFORMERS’ DOWNFALLS MUST CEASE

Assistant • Graphic by Jade Christensen, Social Media and Marketing Director

and barbiturates. Her performance put her on the yellow brick road to fame, but beneath the heartfelt story of a girl from Kansas was a reliance on drugs and an eating disorder that would impact Garland for the entirety of her career, eventually leading to a fatal drug overdose just a few weeks after her 47th birthday.5

Unfortunately, Garland’s story is far from uncommon. Once youthful talent is discovered, casting directors and producers are quick to push stars into the limelight of movie previews, night show interviews and commercial deals galore. Yet once they succumb to the pressures brought about by paparazzi, relentless press and critics, they are ousted from the spotlight as quickly as they were ushered in. The allure of fame and adoration is enough to keep young stars coming, but at what cost? At some point, we must question whether these stars’ tragic falls from grace are more inevitable than avoidable in an industry that makes a profit from their downfall.

Some victims of the industry’s game are receiving renewed attention through social media campaigns and documentaries, as is the case with pop sensation Britney Spears. The New York Times documentary “Framing Britney Spears” delves into the conservatorship that has controlled Spears’ finances and estate since 2007 and covers the #FreeBritney movement that arose as a result. The sweetheart of the early 2000s burst onto the scene with the hit track “...Baby One More Time,” offering a presence equally innocent and sensual in an era otherwise ruled by boy bands. At the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, Spears appeared to be on top of the world — her sophomore album had sold over 20 million copies, she was dating ‘NSync frontman Justin Timberlake and had already graced the covers of magazines like Rolling Stone and People. But when pressure from constant performing and incessant paparazzi led to a decline in her mental and physical health, the cameras were ready to watch her downfall. In February of 2007, she famously shaved her head in an act of defiance and was seen days later using an umbrella to attack a photographer’s car and then speeding away from the gas station. Her publicized inner turmoil became 5 Josh Mapes, “Judy Garland: Troubles From the End of the Rainbow,” Biography. com (A&E Networks Television, Septem ber 30, 2020).

a punchline for talk show hosts, nightlife TV and tabloid publications; at the peak of her breakdown, pictures of Spears sold for upwards of a million dollars.

During vulnerable moments when Spears and others clearly needed compassion and guidance, the industry instead brought them scrutiny. In articles like Newsweek’s “The Girls Gone Wild Effect,”6 stars like Spears, Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton were hounded as being less-than-admirable by parents concerned about their children “being bombarded by images of oversexed, underdressed celebrities who can’t seem to step out of a car without displaying their well-waxed private parts to photographers.”7

Yet these images and a sex-oriented culture existed long before Spears’ dance moves headlined tours and Lohan’s ginger locks graced film screens, indicating that the problem is less transparent than articles about Spears walking around pantiless would suggest.8 These female stars are expected to simultaneously be ground-breaking artists and downto-earth role models for America’s youth in a celebrity culture that finances and feeds off the sexual and risqué, creating a paradox unfeasible to navigate.

Moreover, the general misogyny of the entertainment industry undoubtedly contributed to the unraveling of many performers. In the case of Spears, Timberlake poured gasoline on the fire of the singer’s downfall, publically putting the failure of their fouryear relationship on her through his track “Cry Me a River.” Timberlake’s treatment points to the industry’s widespread acceptance of sexism that allowed stars like him to continue causing damage (lest we forget the 2004 Super Bowl outfit mishap that devastated Janet Jackson’s career but barely made a dent on Timberlake’s reputation.)

While male stars experience harsh press scrutiny and pressure from the entertainment industry, they are not subject to the same kind of up-the-skirt photos taken by a

6 Kathleen Deveny, Frederick M. Hess, and Pedro A. Noguera, “Girls Gone Bad: Celebs and Kids,” Newsweek, February 11, 2007

7 Ibid.

8 Serjeant, Jill. 2007. “Britney Ditches Her Panties, Raises Eyebrows.” Reuters. Thomson Reuters. January 20.

male-dominated paparazzi business or held to the same unreachable standards of an industry that profits off sex appeal yet shames women for expressing sensuality on their own terms.

Yet, as invasive as paparazzi and tabloids are, they wouldn’t continue publishing if people weren’t buying their work. Behind the entertainment industry are consumers themselves, who pay for gossip-laden publications and yellow-journalism headlines, neatly compiled behind glossy magazine covers. After the death of such entertainers, many are quick to express outrage at the same paparazzi and tabloid companies from which they themselves subscribed; the general public plays a role in these stars’ demise every time they send a link to a rash headline or unsightly photo, only further encouraging the media to continue.

Asif Kapadia, director of the 2015 documentary “Amy” detailing the singer’s life, pointed out that the industry requires the support of fans to continue on with its treatment of stars, explaining that, “it’s the industry, and it’s the consumer, and I think that’s the thing. It’s the fans who were buying tickets to see her when she was not well. It’s the people egging her on and buying her a drink in a pub in Camden, so they could say, ‘I had a drink with Amy Winehouse.’”9

While Spears rebounded, other stars were more ill-fated, such as Anna Nicole Smith, Janis Joplin and Whitney Houston. Many more, including Amanda Bynes, Demi Lovato and Lindsey Lohan endured the industry’s dark side. Though we see these stars as ours for the taking, they are more than just a presence on stage — they’re a mother, daughter, sister or friend. When recounting these complex stories, it is crucial to consider the role both the industry and the general public plays, and to hold each accountable. Winehouse made a great impact during her time on earth, but it’s impossible not to wonder how much more she could’ve done had she received the proper resources she needed. While performers like her may be remembered in their glory, it would be better to have them still here on earth — whether or not their art continued. ■

9 Collin Brennan, “Amy Winehouse: Where Should the Media Have Drawn the Line?,” Consequence of Sound, July 6, 2015

OF

By Gabrielle Gronewold, Culture Editor Graphic by Mac Gale

Siri,

now a household name, is the Apple Inc. virtual assistant that emerged in 2011 with the Apple iPhone 4’s release. Founded by a group in Norway and named after a co-founders co-worker, Siri means “beautiful woman who leads you to victory.”1

Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant announced in 2014, was inspired by the computer voice and conversational system voiced by Majel Barrett Roddenberry in the science fiction Startrek TV and film series.2

In fact, most media depictions of AI and robots, like that found in Startrek, are gendered female. The troupe is so popular that female gendered humanoid robots have a name — gynoids. From Eve in Wall-E,3 Samantha in Her, The Fembots from Austin Powers the Buffybot from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there is an overwhelming presence of gynoids — in both the technologies we view and use.

But why?

Clifford Naas, a professor at Stanford University and humanmachine response researcher, has shown that there is a preference for female voices within humans, “It’s a wellestablished phenomenon that the human brain is developed to like female voices.” Also present is a slight gender bias in which each gender also prefers their own gender’s voice, but overwhelmingly a gendered female voice is perceived well.4

This explains in part why companies like Apple and

1 Yoni Heisler, “Steve Jobs wasn’t a fan of the Siri name,” Network World, March 8, 2012.

2 Penelope Green, “Alexa, Where Have You Been All My Life?” The New York TImes, July 11, 2018.

3 Brittany Long, “Creating Gender in Disney/Pixar’s WALL-E” East Tennessee State University, May, 2011.

4 Brandon Griggs, ‘Why computer voices are mostly female,” CNN, October 21, 2011.

Amazon may choose depicted female voices for their AI, yet the reasoning behind the deep societal troupes of sexualized and feminized AI is rooted in sexism and misogyny.

Historically speaking, machines have often been referred to as females. Think of Forrest’s boat named Jenny in Forrest Gump. Referencing “toys” like cars and boats as ‘she’ is nothing new, so when moving into more technological advancements like AI, gendering does not come as a surprise.

Considering this with the sentiment that female voices are considered more trustworthy and less threatening, characters like Siri and Alexa were stable picks. But, some researchers claim there might be alternative motives towards picking inviting voices.

Heather Woods, a researcher and professor at Kansas State pointed out that choosing a feminine and trustable voice is intended to cause a trusting relationship between consumers and their devices, an aspect companies can utilize and commodify.5 Data collection companies can track and store your voice commands, searches and all other personal data. Devices like Google Homes and Amazon Echos are even known to listen in and store audio data 24/7, even when the AI technology is not in usage.6

This data can then be used, like all other forms of big data, to sell, interpret and commodify for other brands and businesses.

Alexa has 80,000 apps with companies like Nike and Tide giving brands a direct ‘in’ to consumers in their daily lives.7

5 Heather Suzanne Woods, “Asking more of Siri and Alexa: feminine persona in service of surveillance capitalism,” Taylor & Francis Online, January 2, 2018.

6 Matt Day, “You’re Home Alone with Al exa. Are Your Secrets Safe?” Bloomberg, December 20, 2019.

7 Matt Day. “Amazon Alexa Has 80,000

Just like traditional, human female bodies, the bodies of robots and other mechanical beings are hyper-sexualized.

Building a strong relationship with your friendly Alexa is one way Amazon can track you down and sell you off in their capitalistic practices.

But this still doesn’t answer why gendered technologies are the default. Just like traditional, human female bodies, the bodies of robots and other mechanical beings are hyper-sexualized.

In 2016 Sophia by Hanson Robotics, a life-like female humanoid robot gained recognition by appearing on 60 Minutes, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, going on a date with Will Smith and other various forms of media coverage.8 When googling Sophia, the first video that pops-up deems her “hot,” followed by various headlines covering a story from when Sophia announced she did not engage in sexual activity.9

Another notable humanoid robot, Erica by Hiroshi Ishiguro, was made with the intention of being the most beautiful woman, ranging in versions from “demurely conservative” to “sassy and stylish.” When men went on a date with the robot they were Apps—and No Runaway Hit,” Bloomberg, March 11, 2019.

8 Pascale Fung, “This is why AI has a gen der problem,” World Economic Forum, June 20, 2019.

9 Google, Sophia the Robot Search, March 12, 2021.

said to have blushed while flirting even though they were totally aware she wasn’t real.10

This sexual obsession and peculiar sexual intentions can be explained through the root term technosexual, a sexual and/or intimate desire for technological humanoid bodies.11 Although not all who create or adhere to feminine humanoids or feminine AI in general may identify with this term, the concept of technosexuality can lead to why technology is feminized.

Humanoids can be altered and manipulated to act, look and behave in any desired way. When people alter these technologies to an ideal female body or character they are perpetuating traditional gender norms and creating a reallife impossible in mechanical form. This is especially harmful when done through the male gaze, which is the act depicting women through a heterosexual male persepctive. Humanoides created with this idealized, picturesque intentions hurt women who don’t look like that, don’t act like and don’t need to. →

10 Pascale Fung, “This is why AI has a gen der problem,” World Economic Forum, June 20, 2019.

11 Ann-Renee Clark, ‘Love From the Ma chine: Technosexualities and the Desire of Mechanic Bodies,” FIU Digital Commons, June 25, 2019.

This is not to stigmatize the technosexual identity, but rather to point out the ways in which feminized mechanical bodies and beings are created in a way that upholds and inspires female idealism as real femaleidentifying people move and grow away from traditional gender norms and expectations. This is especially harmful at a time of heightened photoshopping, plastic surgery and other forms of manipulation that may inspire women to alter themselves in ways they may not truly desire. To be frank, we don’t need more images and depictions of male idealized females because women don’t need to be ideal for men.

Media depictions of female humanoids further this technosexuality and the ways in which men desire to alter and change women. The Fembots in the Austin Powers film series sport pastel, feather lingerie, blonde locks and guns hidden in their breasts acting as sexual devices meant to distract their enemy.12 These humanoids embody idealized feminine shapes and act in sexualized ways, all while being controlled by male figures.

12 Austin Powers Fandom.com, “Fembots.”

In the film “Ex Machina,” directed by Alex Garland, the gynoids are both constrained and constructed as “object of spectacle.”13 The characters are constantly fetisishized and many of the film’s shots focus on the gynoids body and shape. Moreover, the feminized humanoids in this film are subject to the control of humans, they are held captive and their behavior and appearance falls under the manipulation of their creator.14 The depictions of these gynoids emulate what can be done with feminized robots. When created in a feminine and sexualized fashion, gynoids are subject to the conditions and ideals of their male creators serving the possibility for men to do whatever they want with a feminized being.

In the film “Her,” directed by Spike Jonze, a man, named Theodroe, falls in love and develops a connection with a virtual assistant, named Samantha who does not occupy a humanoid body. The basis of this connection starts when Theodore confides in Samantha

13 Poppy Johns, “”More Human than Hu man”: The Performativity of Humanness in Fembots Films,” University of Otago, 2019.

14 Ibid.

about the end of his marriage.15 Feminist theory points out the ways in which human women are already subject to the emotional needs of men as they are not conditioned by society to process these emotions the same way women are. If media depictions of technosexual relationships reflect this it’s safe to say that feminized humanoids are fitting gendered norms, but through the control and desires of males, not females.

The far-out possibilities of dating a robot are growing closer as we develop and progress artificial intelligence. Although many of the millions of virtual assistant AI users won’t develop deep set emotional connections with their devices the feminized caricature of technology is an important point of conversation.

The simple choices of companies to develop artificial intelligence as females goes far beyond the desire to build trust and establish a friendly personality. The decision of feminized AI runs deep into the way we view women and the way we want to control women.

In traditional gender norms, women are set to serve men, to take care of them, to tend to the house, the children, to cook, to clean. Beings like Siri and Alexa are also built to serve, to answer questions, to be there when needed. When female AI get it wrong or miss something, they are just a silly woman, messing up again. When technology is feminized we start to treat it like we treat real women and although that may seem harmless as they are not real beings it speaks loudly to the ways we continuously hold women back and perpetuate traditional gender norms. We simply cannot find gender equality or gender neutrality if we continue to gender technology.

I find it alarming that robots are continuously being depicted as feminized sexual characters, built to serve men. In one way, having a robot do this means I don’t have to, but in another way, men controlling feminized robots is only a substitute for the control of feminized living beings.

■

15 Ibid.

Lets Talk About Sex (Toys)!

A GUIDE TO SPICING UP YOUR SEX LIFE.

By Maya Greenberg, Contributing Writer Illustrated by Riley August

he mention of the phrase “sex toys” is enough for the blood to rush to plenty of women’s cheeks. We keep our cute pink dildos in the very back of our drawers, hidden behind all of our undies because we are embarrassed

But it’s time to own the fact that women want and deserve to feel sexually-fulfilled on their own terms. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, sex toys allow you to become more in touch with you body. You can learn to be more demanding of your pleasure!

For the single ladies, or the taken ladies with some alone time, using sex toys can be a great opportunity to learn about your body, without the pressure of having a partner present.1 Everyone has different tastes, and exploring with sex toys may help you realize that you have a sweet spot for a new sweet spot.

If you are intimate with someone, don’t feel like you have to drop the toys. Talking to your partner about incorporating toys into your sex life can enhance communication and confidence. This conversation may be uncomfortable, but a study conducted by the Gottman Institute only 9% of couples who don’t talk about sex reported having satisfying sex lives.”2 There is no right or wrong time to bring this up, so just sit down with your partner when you feel comfortable, and initiate an open conversation.

So, where do you start?

The whole point of using sex toys is to increase pleasure, so figure out what you want, and equally as important, what you don’t want. Purchasing sex toys is not about trying to push you out of your comfort zone, but rather exploring your comfort zone in the best way possible.

Polk, Jazmine. “The 8 Best Sex Toys to Use When You’re Masturbating.” Health, May 28, Benoit, Sophia. “How to Incorporate Sex Toys and Lube Into Your Sex Life”. GQ, March 13,

You don’t have to dive into anything crazy, or crazy expensive, right off the bat. Lovehoney has a huge variety of basic toys for any budget, including plenty of options that are under 30$. For students, they even offer a 20% discount.3

If you do want to dive into something that’s more erotic, that’s great too! Adam and Eve has just about every toy for every fantasy. They offer different toys for individuals and for couples, sex guides and how-to’s for their products and discreet shipping, so your roommates and families won’t know what you ordered.

RodeoH is another great shop that is queer and trans-friendly.4 They offer their products in all different sizes, and most of their dildos are made so that they can be used in a harness as well. If you are shopping online, this is a great site that caters to a range of sexual interests.

While these websites may be overwhelming at first, buying sex toys just comes down to preference. What size you want, what shape you want and what type of stimulation you want. 70% of women require clitoral stimulation to orgasm, so vibrators are always a good place to start your search.

It’s time that we stop hiding our sex toys in the back of our drawers and in the back of our minds. With over 50% of women having used or owned a vibrator, toys are no longer a taboo.6 And female sexuality isn’t a taboo either.

Take this as a sign to start looking into sex toys, and start demanding your pleasure.

■

3 Gilmour, Paisley. “Sex Toys for Beginners-13 of the best beginners sex toys”. Cosmopolitan, December 2, 2020.

4 Hendrickson, Harper. “15 Of The Best Places To Buy Sex Toys Online.” BuzzFeed, January 6, 2021.

5 Divine, Jo. “How to chose your first sex toy.” Jo Divine, May 31, 2017.

6 Ibid.

Allyson Konz, Editor in Chief

By Allyson Konz, Editor in Chief

Too often the work of student journalism is brushed aside. For our March issue, I wanted to interview two women that inspire me and the work I produce. I (virtually) sat down with Chelsea Hylton and Molly Kehoe to ask them what the role of campus journalism and their respective publications mean to them. Chelsea Hylton (she/her) is the co-editor in chief of the Black Voice and a communications intern for the UW-Madison’s Communications Department. She is also a senior studying journalism, spanish and gender and women’s studies. Molly Kehoe (she/ her) is the editor in chief of Bell Magazine and the Madison hub coordinator for the Sunrise Movement. She is a junior studying political science, journalism and history.

KICK-ASS WOMEN THAT INSPIRE ME(Chelsea Hylton & Molly Kehoe)

“Campus journalism gives a voice to students. No matter who you are, you can come forward and tell your story, talk about an issue that matters to you, and provide a perspective that is left out of traditional journalism.”

MM: What is the mission of your publication and what does it mean to you?

Chelsea Hylton: The Black Voice was founded after the ‘69 student protests at UW-Madison and was revived in 2016. Since the beginning, the Black Voice has been a means of empowering and uplifting the voices of Black and marginalized voices on campus. Our role is to create content that is both representative of the organization and members of our community, whether in reporting campus news or events. While our staff may be small in numbers, it is just as strong in force and ability as other campus publications.

Molly Kehoe: Bell was founded to focus on women’s issues and topics of intersectionality on campus. Over time, we have shifted our mission to be more inclusive of our gender focus, recognizing that women aren’t the most marginalized gender on campus. We have worked to center the trans and nonbinary communities as much as possible, but the message of intersectionality has persisted since the beginning. We are constantly growing and finding more ways to really live up to our mission, and it’s a really beautiful thing to witness.

CH: My favorite article I have written has to be “Chancellor Blank on meeting frequently with students: “That isn’t my job.” It was a huge milestone for three editors from the Black Voice, including myself, to sit down with the chancellor and not have to put up with scripted answers. It was especially empowering to write our story and share with BIPOC students what the chancellor really had to say. After we published the piece, faculty members reached out to us and congratulated us for our hard work which was rewarding to know our work was being recognized.

MK: “Abolish UW–Madison PHA & IFC” was by far my favorite piece. I co-wrote it with our managing editor and a staff writer, both of whom are close friends of mine. We put in so much work to that piece and the response was absolutely amazing. It was nerve wracking to write about something that is so controversial, especially since we all were complicit members of PHA sororities at one point. But, we all knew how important the message was. While the PHA & IFC members were upset about it, it made us realize how glad we are to have published it. Clearly the conversation needed to be brought up and it hadn’t been in a meaningful way.

MM: What do you hope to accomplish with your publication before graduating?

CH: The role of Black journalism and the work that Black journalists do is critical and pertinent. It’s a powerful and engaging way for students on campus to see the hard work that we put into our craft, making the work we do at the Black Voice all the more important. Campus journalism also gives students the ability to get their foot in the door while still producing great content.

MK: Campus journalism gives a voice to students. No matter who you are, you can come forward and tell your story, talk about an issue that matters to you, and provide a perspective that is left out of traditional journalism.

MM: What’s your favorite article that you’ve ever written and why?

CH: My main goal is continuing to amplify the presence of the Black Voice on campus while also supporting BIPOC and marginalized students. We want the Black Voice to be a platform that serves them, through and through.

MK: Bell started in the fall of 2018, so we have really been growing and changing the whole time I’ve been with the magazine. Since I started as editor in-chief, we have increased our story publication flow and membership from around 10 to 15 dedicated members to closer to 2530. We have never done a print issue, but last spring it got postponed because of COVID-19, so I would love to do that next fall. I would also love to create more partnerships with orgs on campus and do some collaborative projects that may supersede journalism and have a broader impact. ■

MM: What do you think the role of campus journalism is?

The Greatest Goth Girls of Cartoons

WHO THEY ARE AND WHY WE NEED MORE OF THESE DARK HEROINES Written and illustrated by Arella Warren, Arts Editor

If you’ve been down the internet rabbit hole before, you’ve probably come across the Goth GF meme. A figure popularized by Millenials and Gen Zers, the “goth girlfriend” has been championed as the ideal woman amongst many online communities — and understandably so, given the iconic characterization of the goth girl from our childhood cartoons.

Like every other character archetype, goth girls have their stereotypical set of qualities. So then what exactly is it that makes them so unique amongst these archetypes? And why, if you were anything like me and a majority of the Gen Zers growing up, did you either aspire to date one or to be one? Let’s let the girls speak for themselves.

One of the earliest encounters I had with goth subculture was with “Scooby Doo” and its introduction of the Hex Girls, a fictitious, pop-rock, gothic girl band. The Hex Girls made their first appearance in 1999, going down as some of the most iconic and beloved figures by “Scooby Doo” fans and cartoon lovers across the globe.1

The band members, consisting of the vampiric Wiccan vocalist, Thorn, who doubles as lead guitarist, the fiery drummer, Dusk, and the talented keyboardist, bassist and backup singer, Luna, form a truly dynamic trio of femme fatales. Altogether these girls prove just how powerful 1 P. Carboni. “If You Loved the Hex Girls Growing Up, You’re Probably Queer Now.” Pride. Feb. 23, 2019.

young women, even those struggling with how they fit into society, can be when they stand up for what they believe in. In fact, the Hex Girls have been widely embraced by the queer community for this reason.

As zine illustrator Moriah Benton puts it, “They provided many people, but predominantly young femmes, with the first notion that there was an alternative to societal defaults, both in gender presentation and spirituality… They represent so much of what the queer community is about: personal power, found family, the defying of traditional expectations of femininity, and being unabashedly freaky.”2

Not only do the Hex Girls empower women and queer communities, but they use their musical platform to promote environmentalism. Self-describing “eco-goths,” one of the Hex Girls’ greatest hits, “Earth, Wind, Fire and Air,” features brilliant lyrics and boppin’ harmonies which seek to raise awareness for the Earth and spread the Coven’s environmentally-friendly message.3 The Hex Girls taught us that loving and respecting our Mother Earth is not only cool, but admirable — and they rep an underrepresented, matriarchalbased spirituality in the process. Come to think of it, I might owe some of my dabbles with Wicca to this very Coven.

2 “The Hex Girls: How a fictional Scoo by-Doo rock band became cult, queer, girl-power icons.” Independent. Oct. 30, 2019.

3 Ibid.

Speaking of mystical goths, the “Teen Titans” teen psychic, Raven, was a huge obsession of mine in childhood. Given all the mental and emotional turmoil she had to sort out as a young empath, Raven often kept to herself, preferring the company of solitude to that of other people. Despite her quieter personality, she’s not cowardly or timid and she doesn’t go along with others simply because she’s afraid of speaking up.

For a young introvert, it was really important to see another introverted character on TV who wasn’t a shell defined by their shyness, but to see a strong, female protagonist who learns how to be confident in her skin and still enjoys her own company at the end of the day. Of course, there’s also the fact that Raven loves meditation and reading about the occult, drinks herbal teas, makes a killer fashion statement, and uses sarcasm to cope with life that increases her appeal exponentially.

Showing an interest in the quoteon-quote weirder elements of life is something that we’ve seen in every goth gal so far, and Sam from “Danny Phantom” is no exception. But in this case, Sam’s fascination for the supernatural is actually what drives the show.

First aired in 2004, “Danny Phantom” revolves around Danny’s ghost hunting night job.4 Who’s the one who convinces him to pick up on the ghost hunting business in the first 4 “Danny Phantom.” IMDb. 2021.

place? None other than his gothic best friend, Sam. In addition to her netherworldly passions, Sam is an outspoken vegetarian who advocates for animal rights, recycling, and all things environmentalism. Although Sam and Danny entertain feelings for each other, Sam is tough, confident in her views, and offers qualities that actually serve to further the plot and go beyond the traditional confinement of the love interest.

It’s always exciting to see a strong, well-written, leading female who has wants and interests of her own. Perhaps, then, it’s no coincidence that heroines like Raven and Sam just happen to identify more with the gothic side of life, always opting to go against the grain.

At the end of the day, it’s these unique qualities and quirks that make characters interesting and show us that our own idiosyncrasies and oddities are not only acceptable, but loveable. And I’d say it’s goth girls who

embody “quirkiness” more than anyone else in the realm of cartoons and, often, in the arts. The television of our youth was littered with a range of bizarre and experimental characters. Even so, from older animated classics like “Scooby Doo” to more recent takes like Marceline the Vampire Queen in “Adventure Time,” there’s an apparent character type that sticks out: the mysterious, often unpredictable, alluring goth girl, who just so happens to win the heart of the audience time and time again.

As many have speculated, goth girls in the media have been a massive inspiration for contemporary society as well, including the popular E-look, and our generation’s willingness to break from traditional norms and to be more confident in our styles and ourselves. One article exploring the ways that goth characters in cartoons influenced newer generations puts it this way: “These characters, each meant to act as unlikely protagonists and role models for the young

audience, have two important traits in common: a gothic aesthetic with an uninterested exterior and a secret passion for supporting the people and causes they believe in.”5

This eccentric, nonconformist group of goth gals are responsible for inspiring our generation to be true to ourselves even when it’s different from what others expect or it goes against the traditional, an especially important message for young girls and others of lesser represented identities to hear.

The goth girl: she’s inclined toward the darker things, she’s moody, she’s stylish, and she prefers to do her own thing rather than go with the flow. She’s the quintessential “not like other girls” girl, and that is precisely why we love her and why we need to see more of her in the arts.■

5 A. Soller. “Gen Z is going goth and it might be because of our cartoons.” Michi gan Daily. March 16, 2020.