Sophie Gilbert's 'Girl on Girl' Explores How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves

In her thought-provoking book 'Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves', Sophie Gilbert investigates the societal influences embedded in Anglo-American pop culture that, according to her, have undermined the progress of feminism over recent decades. Gilbert, a staff writer for The Atlantic, argues that despite significant advancements for women's rights, a resurgence of patriarchal narratives has emerged, pushing women back into traditional roles. Through an in-depth critique that encompasses various media forms such as music, film, and fashion from the 1990s to the 2000s, she contends that these cultural products have often centered on male perspectives and desires, objectifying women and perpetuating detrimental stereotypes. Gilbert scrutinizes the shift from the defiant voices of the 'riot grrrls' movement to the commercialization of girl bands like the Spice Girls, ultimately linking this cultural backtracking to issues such as the normalization of misogyny in music and literature. She highlights how our contemporary culture seems increasingly saturated with harmful imagery, exacerbated by the rise of internet pornography that trains viewers to see women as mere objects. Through her exploration, she connects the dots to the rise of incel culture, traditional relationship models showcased on TikTok, and the alarming political landscape surrounding women's rights, exemplified by the reversal of Roe v. Wade. In her analysis, Gilbert raises essential questions about the societal messaging directed at women, especially regarding self-worth and identity. She calls for a 'reappraisal,' encouraging readers to critically engage with the media they consume and recognize its impact on self-perception and inter-female relationships. Gilbert’s work not only highlights the struggles women face against systemic and cultural oppression but also points towards a glimmer of hope as she notes that younger generations have better tools for understanding and resisting these narratives. Overall, her book serves as a timely reminder of the complexities of women's representation in popular culture and the urgent need for feminist discourse to evolve with the changing media landscape.