Culture and Media
The media and popular culture are practically inescapable, and all the time they sends us messages about women and men. What does mainstream culture say about men, women, and feminism?
So, you really think we're stupid, do you?
10-year-old Ananya is frustrated by magazines aimed at girls
Published: 4 October 2008 | Written by Ananya
It's only a bloody tampon
Is a tampon soaked in stage blood too shocking for theatre-goers? Gemma Bolwell and Harriet Chandler report
Published: 22 September 2008 | Written by Various Authors
What Not To Wear say to your co-worker
How would you feel if you found out the people around you chat about putting you forward for How to Look Good Naked? Kelly Draper knows all too well
Published: 12 August 2008 | Written by Kelly Draper
Domestic violence and disabled women
Disabled women are twice as likely to experience domestic violence, and can face a range of additional barriers - from inaccessible shelters onwards, Clare Laxton reports
Published: 12 July 2008 | Written by Clare Laxton
Mama's mop and Bachelor's soup
Although women shoulder most of the housework burden, men also vacuum, wash up and do the laundry. Kristine Bergström wonders why TV advertising persists in pretending otherwise?
Published: 9 June 2008 | Written by Kristine Bergström
Are women and girls vulnerable?
Violent men do not attack girls or women because they are 'vulnerable', argues Jennifer Drew, and it deflects attention from the perpetrators to pretend otherwise
Published: 19 May 2008 | Written by Jennifer Drew
The Oxbridge sex workers
Laurie Penny considers why so many Oxbridge students are going into prostitution and stripping, and the impact the media coverage of their stories has on women in less privileged positions
Published: 11 May 2008 | Written by Laurie Penny
Hip hop ladies
Beyond the mainstream of 'gangster pop', Nino argues hip hop can be - and is - feminist
Published: 7 May 2008 | Written by Nino
F.A.T.
Girls and women need to give themselves a break from the endless preoccupation with fat, argues Katie Muller
Published: 7 May 2008 | Written by Katie Muller
The epidemic of male violence against women
A spate of convictions has put femicide into the headlines again. But, as Jennifer Drew reports, the media is still blaming women - and ignoring 'everyday' incidents of male violence against women
Published: 6 April 2008 | Written by Jennifer Drew
Walking on eggshells
Approaching men on the street and asking them to undress and be photographed can be frightening - and highlights the struggle for women to find equality. Alex Brew explains
Published: 2 April 2008 | Written by Alex Brew
UK feminists must address worldwide issues
All over the planet women are denied the most basic rights. Ruthie Samuel asks: where is the outrage?
Published: 4 February 2008 | Written by Ruthie Samuel
Why men should care about gender stereotypes
Alex Gibson considers the harm done by stereotypes of men as beer-swilling, emotionally-stunted brutes
Published: 2 February 2008 | Written by Alex Gibson
Of corset matters
Corsets were bad news for Victorian women, argues Laurie Penny, and modern incarnations are little better
Published: 2 February 2008 | Written by Laurie Penny
Breaking out of the mould
Claire Daly interviews the first editor of pioneering feminist magazine Spare Rib
Published: 31 January 2008 | Written by Claire Daly
The F Word Podcast - episode three!
Episode three of The F Word podcast - on the tricky topic of pornography - is out now!
Published: 14 January 2008 | Written by Jess McCabe
Against censorship
Porn should be reformed, not banned, argues Laurie Penny
Published: 2 January 2008 | Written by Laurie Penny
Glamour models made me sick
Lads' mags are responsible for my eating disorder, says Hannah Whittaker
Published: 2 January 2008 | Written by Hannah Whittaker
Miss LSE or Miss-ogyny?
Antonia Strachey explains why she took part in a protest against a beauty contest for students at the London School of Economics
Published: 2 January 2008 | Written by Antonia Strachey
Filling the hole
The self-hating mindset, if not the medical condition, of anorexia is frighteningly common, argues Katie Muller
Published: 6 December 2007 | Written by Katie Muller
How not to write your policy on transgender rights
A Home Office policy that should help protect transgender civil servants from discrimination? Great news. But, asks Emma Wood, why does it insist that women and men have different brains?
Published: 5 December 2007 | Written by Emma Wood
Does 'gender neutral' language serve to cover up male violence?
Gender-neutral language applies to male criminals, but not to their female victims, argues Jennifer Drew
Published: 3 December 2007 | Written by Jennifer Drew
High heels with a pointe
A collection of extreme stilettos tells a very uncomfortable story about the high heels many women totter around in every day, says Gloria Dawson
Published: 9 November 2007 | Written by Gloria Dawson
How many lesbians does it take to sell a t-shirt?
Girl-on-girl action may be marketing gold, but has little benefit for actual lesbians, argues Joanna Whitehead
Published: 4 November 2007 | Written by Joanna Whitehead
TV for men
Carrie Dunn asks why the TV executives behind new channel Dave assume that only men are interested in 'witty banter'
Published: 3 November 2007 | Written by Carrie Dunn
The problem with pink
Pink ribbons may raise life-saving funding for breast cancer research. But, Michelle Wright says, October's month of consumer altruism glosses over the reality of the disease - and allows corporations to line their pockets
Published: 31 October 2007 | Written by Michelle Wright
The woman behind Persephone Books
Nicola Beauman makes a living from re-printing the forgotten works of female writers. She talks to Cazz Blase about chick lit, the 'surplus' women of the inter-war years and the book trade
Published: 31 October 2007 | Written by Cazz Blase
Abortion: still a feminist issue
It is 40 years since abortion was legalised in the UK, yet our right to control our own bodies is still under threat. Irina Lester reports
Published: 6 October 2007 | Written by Irina Lester
The media has failed women's football
Football is supposedly a national obsession. But, from the media's coverage of the women's World Cup, it seems we are only interested when the players are men. Carrie Dunn reports
Published: 5 October 2007 | Written by Carrie Dunn
Crinolines and corsets... again
Period drama concentrates almost exclusively on the bonnets and Bennets universe of the 19th century novel, while there are few adaptations of more recent material dealing with gender politics and the sexual revolution. Cazz Blase makes some suggestions
Published: 5 October 2007 | Written by Cazz Blase
No porn is good porn?
Is it possible to reconcile an appreciation for porn with feminism? Searching for answers, Abby O'Reilly interviews Anna Span, the UK's first female porn director
Published: 1 October 2007 | Written by Abby O'Reilly
When did it go so tits up?
Facebook has banned photos of breast-feeding. But such images have graced churches and art galleries for hundreds of years. Ruth Moss explores what went wrong
Published: 1 October 2007 | Written by Ruth Moss
Carmen out swinging: Sally Potter takes on opera's femme fatale
Most productions of the classic opera Carmen would make a feminist wince. Movie director Sally Potter tells Sophie Mayer about her new adaptation
Published: 4 September 2007 | Written by Sophie Mayer
Skinny porn
The size-zero debate is just another excuse for judging women's bodies, argues Abi M
Published: 30 August 2007 | Written by Abi M
What does the politics of hair say about modern Britain?
Racism and sexism are intertwined - so feminism must tackle them both head-on, says Veronica Wood-Querales
Published: 30 August 2007 | Written by Veronica Wood-Querales
Can burlesque be feminist?
Burlesque may set feminist alarm-bells ringing, but it can help cultivate a love of your own body, argues Chloe Emmott
Published: 30 August 2007 | Written by Chloe Emmott
Skirting the issue
From tampons with skirts to silky pads, sanitary product manufacturers will try anything to hawk their goods. Harriet Reuter Hapgood reports
Published: 8 August 2007 | Written by Harriet Reuter Hapgood
Coitophobia: who do you trust?
Maria Roberts explains why she bypassed writing about the experience of domestic violence, to craft a play about two women pulling themselves together after their escape
Published: 8 August 2007 | Written by Maria Roberts
The F Word podcast: episode one!
Welcome to the first ever F Word podcast!
Published: 9 July 2007 | Written by Jess McCabe
Yummy-mummy or pramface?
Baby-making has become a high-pressure pursuit, argues Abby O'Reilly. Celebrity 'yummy-mummies' only raise the stakes further and obscure the realities of child-birth and motherhood
Published: 7 July 2007 | Written by Abby O'Reilly
Girls Aloud, beauty secrets and lies
A recent magazine article on Girls Aloud proclaimed to "reveal their beauty secrets". But, Michelle Wright argues, all it really did was expose the effects of subscribing to patriarchal, capitalist beauty standards on women's self-esteem
Published: 3 June 2007 | Written by Michelle Wright
Female commentator kicks off barrage of sexism
A woman commentating on the beautiful game? Whoever heard of such a thing. Katherine confronts the sexist response to Jacqui Oatley's first stint on Match of the Day
Published: 2 June 2007 | Written by Katherine
A feminist guide to ballet
From body image to ultra-femininity, ballet has a bad rap with feminists. Returning to classes for the first time in 15 years, Jess McCabe finds her inner ballerina
Published: 2 June 2007 | Written by Jess McCabe
A hairy dilemma
Women are signed up at puberty for a lifetime of relentless hair removal. But, asks Emma Chaplin, if the alternative is pariah status and the laughter of children, what can a feminist do?
Published: 2 May 2007 | Written by Emma Chaplin
Zines: for when mainstream media lets us down
Feminist blogs are blooming, but many women seeking a creative outlet still turn to hand-made zines. This May, the Women's Library in London will play host to Zine Fest!, showcasing women's zines past and present, as well as providing scissor-and-paper classes for aspiring zinesters. Red Chidgey, who is organising this first-of-a-kind event, explains to Cazz Blase why zines still flourish and picks some of her favourites
Published: 29 March 2007 | Written by Cazz Blase
Jacky Fleming on drawing for feminism
Jacky Fleming is responsible for one of the most iconic images of the feminist movement - plus a stream of widely-distributed cartoons that poke fun at such unlikely subjects as sexual harassment and the male-dominated workplace, as well as men and relationships. Jess McCabe caught up with her by email
Published: 29 March 2007 | Written by Jess McCabe
Could Britney Spears be the feminist icon of our generation?
Britney Spears is a strong, confident, self-made woman - in short, she is a feminist success story. No wonder the tabloid's love affair with her finished so abruptly when she cut off her locks, argues Theadora Jean
Published: 29 March 2007 | Written by Theadora Jean
Hair today, mad tomorrow
Even when baldness is caused by illness, it is taboo because it flouts conventions of femininity, argues Nichi Hodgson. Britney Spears is only the latest in a long line of reviled, bald women - and, worst of all, she chose to shave off her locks
Published: 29 March 2007 | Written by Nichi Hodgson
Lifting the veil on mothers and daughters
Mother's Day is an extravaganza of flowers and cards. But Rosjke Hasseldine asks why no one is paying attention to real mother-daughter relationships
Published: 14 March 2007 | Written by Rosjke Hasseldine
Sex and the Music Video
Like the rest of us, Fay Bound Alberti can't seem to escape the soft-core pornography that's become part of everyday life. She ponders what it all means for women, men, girls, boys, and relationships.
Published: 1 February 2007 | Written by Fay Bound Alberti
Dreaming of a Pink Christmas
As Christmas approaches, the children's toy industry goes into overdrive. Rosalyn Ball looks at how girls and boys toys are still unbelievably segregated along strict gender lines.
Published: 16 December 2006 | Written by Rosalyn Ball
Gifts for Her
It's not only children's gifts that are a problem at Christmas. As Emma Hadfield explains, the options presented as 'gifts for him' and 'gifts for her' are laughably old-fashioned, enforcing traditional roles for women and men. Can't we have gift ideas aimed at individuals with different interests rather two-dimensional stereotypes?
Published: 16 December 2006 | Written by Emma Hadfield
Fairy Tales are Grimm
Ugly sisters? Evil step-mothers? Prince charming and happy ever after? Dina Jose argues that traditional fairy tales can cause more harm than good, and suggests we need to tell children fun, inspiring stories instead that teach them the right messages.
Published: 11 December 2006 | Written by Dina Jose
Uncovering The Internet Art Revolution
It's free, fantastic, and you don't even have to leave your own home! Whilst some campaigners focus on getting more female artists into mainstream galleries and museums, Sarah Parry encourages us to open up to a world of talented new female artists on the internet.
Published: 2 October 2006 | Written by Sarah Parry
World Cup WAGs
Sarah Louisa Phythian-Adams argues that the irrational focus on the 'Wives and Girlfriends' of footballers during the World Cup demonstrates a wider dismissal of women's sporting prowess and of women's role in society in general.
Published: 24 July 2006 | Written by Sarah Louisa Phythian-Adams
Sexual Harassment is Not Trivial
Helen Clarke is disappointed with Germaine Greer, whose comments about events on Australian Big Brother seemed to dismiss sexual harassment as "trivial".
Published: 24 July 2006 | Written by Helen Clarke
Don't cha wish pop was more empowering?
As more and more female music artists such as Beyoncé and The Pussycat Dolls declare themselves to be empowered, Kerry-Lynne Doyle analyses asks whether these artists, and the music industry itself, can ever be feminist-friendly.
Published: 2 July 2006 | Written by Kerry-Lynne Doyle
Real Female Heroines
As FHM publishes its '100 sexiest women' list, Maxine Frances goes for an antidote and pays tribute to her own female idols, whilst pondering the effect female heroines can have in inspiring young women and girls.
Published: 29 May 2006 | Written by Maxine Frances
Challenging The 'Sex Sells' Cliche
Everywhere you turn these days there are sexualised images of women's bodies as porn becomes more and more mainsteam. Rachel Bell investigates the growing protest movement against the normalisation of porn in everyday life.
Published: 12 February 2006 | Written by Rachel Bell
Ordinary Ads, Everyday Images
Catherine Redfern takes her camera out and about in London to analyse the imagery shown in ordinary adverts. Do the representations of men and women differ? And if so, how?
Published: 28 November 2005 | Written by Catherine Redfern
Feminism and Popular Culture
Sarah New explains how anti-feminist ideas are utterly pervasive in modern culture today, and calls for a fresh wave of feminism to counter this backlash.
Published: 5 November 2005 | Written by Sarah New
Attention Seeker
The Radio 1 broadcaster Sara Cox recently complained about not getting whistled at and "leched" after by men in the steet. Rosa wonders what affect her example is having on young women and takes issue with Cox's insistence that there is "no such thing as unwanted attention".
Published: 1 August 2005 | Written by Rosa
Subvert the Dominant Pimpiarchy
How did the abusive, exploitative role of Pimp become the epitome of cool? Rachel Bell comments on this outrageous trend in modern culture.
Published: 8 November 2004 | Written by Rachel Bell
Sick of Celebrity
Why is it assumed that all women want to emulate celebrities? Against the suffocating celebrity-worship culture, Nicky Raynor argues in favour of glorious anonymity, individuality, and a greater variety of female role models.
Published: 5 November 2004 | Written by Nicky Raynor
Sports Illustrated
When Maria Sharapova won the women's final at Wimbledon this summer, her success was covered extensively by the press. However, the majority of the coverage focussed excessively on her appearance, as Ealasaid Gilfillan explains.
Published: 10 August 2004 | Written by Ealasaid Gilfillan
Why It's time for the 'battle of the sexes' to end
Lad culture has done nothing more than perpetuate petty hatred between the sexes. Enough is enough, says Laura Baldwin.
Published: 20 July 2004 | Written by Laura Baldwin
Crime and Punishment: Maxine Carr and other 'evil women'
Jo Knowles explains how the media's demonisation of Maxine Carr is symptomatic of stereotypes often attached to women: either Angels or Monsters, not flawed human beings.
Published: 1 June 2004 | Written by Jo Knowles
A Perfect Delusion
What effect are men's magazines having on men's views of women and heterosexual relationships? Samantha Lyster thinks men who fall for the magazines' propaganda about women are setting themselves up for a fall.
Published: 19 April 2004 | Written by Samantha Lyster
Hollywood Women
Lorraine Smith ponders the role of women in film-making. What will it take for women to be accepted behind the camera - and how long will it be before a womans win the Academy Award for Best Director?
Published: 19 March 2004 | Written by Lorraine Smith
Cutting Women Down to Size
Is Michelle's victory in Pop Idol a sign that we're starting to reject the impossible beauty standards imposed on us? As much as she wants to believe, Jo Knowles isn't so sure.
Published: 19 January 2004 | Written by Jo Knowles
Stand Up For Equality
Women can be as witty, confident and funny as men. So why there are so few women in stand up comedy, asks Kadie Armstrong?
Published: 19 December 2003 | Written by Kadie Armstrong
The Feminist Minefield?
Lorraine Smith doesn't think feminism is incompatible with a penchant for pornography. She argues that the industry is finally beginning to benenfit women, both as participants and viewers.
Published: 19 December 2003 | Written by Lorraine Smith
It's rude to point: blame culture's easy way out
New crime statistics show that reports of rape are on the increase - yet the conviction rate remains pitifully low. Why, asks Carter-Ann Mahdavi, are the female victims still being blamed, and the actions of male rapists ignored?
Published: 19 August 2003 | Written by Carter-Ann Mahdavi
Real Men Drink Pints
Andrew Bowden goes searching for a Father's Day gift that doesn't involve socks, football, beer, DIY or Homer Simpson.
Published: 16 June 2003 | Written by Bods
Page 3 - Ban It!
Page 3 is odious - ban it! says Kate Allen
Published: 16 March 2003 | Written by Kate Allen
Body Image
Lorraine Smith explains the pressures the media puts on women to be thin and beautiful.
Published: 16 March 2003 | Written by Lorraine Smith
What's Up Baby?
Missmogga explains why she objects to the commercial sex industry and modern culture's representation of black women.
Published: 16 October 2002 | Written by Missmogga
Diet Grrrl - Feminism and Women's Magazines
Kate Allen looks at women's magazines today - and thinks enough is enough.
Published: 16 August 2002 | Written by Kate Allen
Diet Grrrl: An Example
A reader of The F-Word has kindly allowed us to reproduce the complaint she wrote 'in a moment of anger against Marie Claire magazine'. Be inspired! Grab that pen or send an email and give them a piece of your mind.
Published: 16 August 2002 | Written by Name Supplied
Big Brother, Virgins, and Female Singleness
Kristin Aune looks at society's attitudes to virginity and celibacy.
Published: 16 June 2002 | Written by Kristin Aune
Grrl Activistas - an introduction
Aoife McBride of the campaigning group 'Grrl Activistas' explains the group's aims and how the group started.
Published: 16 May 2002 | Written by Aoife McBride
The Spice Girls
The 'fab' five?
Published: 16 April 2002 | Written by Catherine Redfern
Show Girls: The State of
Marion Beach investigates why the best feminist theatre groups have rejected the 'f' word.
Published: 16 February 2002 | Written by Marion Beach
The UK Press - Time for a change
Lorraine Douglas scans the shelves of WH Smiths but fails to find anything of interest.
Published: 16 January 2002 | Written by Lorraine Douglas
Response to 'The Signs of Ageing'
Lyn Cicada responds to the article The Signs of Ageing.
Published: 16 October 2001 | Written by Lyn Cicada
'Just call me Bob.'
The 1975 Mandy Annual was about as subtle as a sledge hammer in its attempt to stop young girls becoming feminists. The resulting portrayal of a 'women's libber' has got to be seen to be believed.
Published: 16 August 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern
Letters
A simple example of what you can do with a pen, some paper, and envelope and a stamp. Catherine Redfern gets scribbling.
Published: 16 August 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern
Why Irma Kurtz is wrong about rape
In the June 2001 issue of British Cosmopolitan, the agony aunt Irma Kurtz replied to a reader's letter about rape. I think Irma's advice was irresponsible, insensitive, and re-iterates all the old myths about rape that we have tried so hard to break down over 30 years of feminism.
Published: 13 July 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern
'The Eminem defence'?
Eminem's recent and highly publicised visit to the UK promoted a storm of debate and discussion. Were his homophobic, misogynist lyrics offensive, or not? Some claimed he was simply being ironic. So does irony mean we can't be offended?
Published: 16 April 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern
Teenagers and Cosmetic Surgery
Why are more and more young women opting for breast implants? Catherine Redfern offers an explanation.
Published: 16 April 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern
How To Create a Woman's Glossy Magazine in Five Minutes
I've been addicted to magazines since my teenage years, but they are just so, so frustratingly predictable! I reckon you could cobble one together very easily in five minutes, and here's how.
Published: 18 March 2001 | Written by Catherine Redfern

