In 1999, the cultural landscape for young women was dominated by media representations of sexuality, showcased through pop figures like Britney Spears and films like American Beauty. These cultural touchstones highlighted a paradox where female empowerment was often conflated with sexual appeal. The teen clothing brand Abercrombie & Fitch exemplified this trend with provocative marketing. The article reflects on the impact of these messages, revealing how they shaped the understanding of power among young women, who were simultaneously influenced by feminist ideologies yet overwhelmed by deeply sexualized popular culture.
In the Spears profile, the interviewer alternates between lust and detached observation that the sexuality of teen idols is just a 'carefully baited' trap.
What was obvious to my friends was that power, for women, was sexual in nature. There was no other kind, or none worth having.
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