If you still remember Hailee Steinfeld as a 14-year-old girl who rocked twinned braids and got an Oscar nomination for True Grit, prepare yourself for her transformation. The now-legal adult recently released a music video for her first single, “Love Myself,” and it’s packed with some serious sass. While the song ostensibly centers around building self-esteem and dancing like no one is watching, both the lyrics and Steinfeld’s “SELF SERVICE” leotard hint at its real subject matter: female masturbation—and how awesome it is.
Whether you’re thrilled or appalled by pop stars singing about self-pleasure, pop music has tiptoed around—and sometimes outright debated—the practice and politics of female masturbation since Cyndi Lauper sported a Technicolor hairdo. Yet the context, language and intent of the debate has changed dramatically over time. Check out the slideshow below to find out how.
