Media Sexism

Mainstream media has a long history of projecting harmful sexist stereotypes which reverberate across culture, reproducing forms of toxic masculinity, violence and discrimination against women. This shows up in aspects of media like photographs and language that sexualizes women’s bodies or gendered news coverage that diminishes or ignores women’s contributions to society.

Why Do MAGA Women Dress Like That?

No judgment, but the women featured in Evie Magazine, a “conservative Cosmo” for women 18-34, are more likely than not to show off their breasts. In a nod to the tradwife fashion trend, milkmaid dresses with low décolletage are featured on young, voluptuous white women. An article making the case against body positivity and fat acceptance, “The Return of Skinny,” is accompanied by a photo of a busty white woman on a beach wearing a thong bikini. A photo spread of Eva Vlaardingerbroek showcases the Dutch right-wing activist wearing a gold cross necklace—along with her breasts falling out of a low-cut gingham dress.

To people with conservative views, only some women—those who look and act like ‘real women’—get the privilege of being sexy.

‘Bluey’ Is a Feminist Parenting Tool (Missteps and All)

Bluey has been praised for challenging restrictive gender norms and modeling equitable relationships and, in a quite different take, for upholding “traditional” values by promoting respect for parents and marriage. Critics have also questioned whether the show is anti-feminist by pointing to misogynistic storylines and limited diversity. 

For me, Bluey is a tool. The seven-minute episodes often prompt conversation, offer a thoughtful guide for answering complex questions, and inspire creative and engaging play. The show has real value in our house. 

The Fantasy of Underconsumption: Truly Productive or a Tradwife Pipeline?

Since stumbling on “underconsumption-core,” I’ve been deep in a world of no-buy rules, budgeting spreadsheets, and influencers who turn frugality into an aesthetic. What started as a seemingly productive financial reset now feels more like a lifestyle that rewards domesticity and quiet femininity over real economic empowerment. The deeper I looked, the more it felt like a soft return to tradwife ideals.

It’s not that saving money is bad, but when frugality becomes a moral performance, especially for women, it’s worth asking who this trend really serves.

We Heart: Nike Champions Women’s Sports in First Super Bowl Ad in 27 Years

In the middle of the Eagles vs. Chiefs Super Bowl game, Nike’s “So Win” ad encouraged women to take control not just on the playing field but in the narratives that surround women in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as sports.

A voiceover from Grammy-winning rapper Doechii echoes frequent limitations leveled at women in sports and in life (“You can’t be demanding,” “You can’t dominate,” “You can’t be emotional”) before urging women, “Whatever you do, you can’t win … So win.”

Feminist Wins and Firsts at the 2025 Golden Globes

This special edition of Ms.‘ “Keeping Score” highlights the feminist wins and milestones at the 2025 Golden Globes. From Nikki Glaser’s sharp, solo-hosted monologue that tackled sexism in Hollywood, to historic wins by women like Demi Moore, Karla Sofía Gascón and Fernanda Torres, the event marked a notable shift in celebrating diverse and older female talent. With awards for films like Emilia Pérez and Wicked, the night underscored progress in recognizing women’s contributions across genres.

The Digital War on Women: Sexualized Deepfakes, Weaponized Data and Stalkerware That Monitors Victims Online

The 2024 U.S. election is over, but the online abuse of women in politics is set to intensify.

Around the world, a growing number of female candidates have been targeted by manipulated explicit content; and while the harm escalates fast, legal recourse is lengthy. Moreover, nearly any system that collects and shares location data can now be weaponized against its users. Digital surveillance can have a devastating impact on women, especially given the lack of robust legal or social protections against gender-based violence. 

Sexism in Politics: It’s the Same Old Story

Donald Trump—who arguably is not likable to a good many people, who is not respected by a percentage of world leaders (or some of his own former generals and advisers), who doesn’t represent everyone (women who want abortion rights, to name one group), who has danced (or, at least, swayed) publicly, who consistently lies, whose cognitive abilities have come into question and whose behavior is notably unpresidential—has to jump through fewer hoops than Kamala Harris.

Being a man will do that for you.

Hollywood’s Role in Perpetuating the ‘Angry Black Woman’ Trope

After Vice President Kamala Harris recently completed an interview with a combative Fox News host, pundits agreed she “gave a master class on what it means to be a Black woman in politics” by demonstrating cool, calm, effective leadership. The Grio’s Gerren Keith Gaynor noted she avoided the “angry Black woman” trope—a stereotype that not only permeates politics but has deep roots in the entertainment industry. 

In recent years, a more diverse and empowering portrayal of Black women on the big screen has celebrated complexity and identity. For nearly all of its existence, though, Hollywood has been anything but inclusive, often illustrating one-dimensional perspectives of Black women. The history of inadequate representation—and certainly positive representation—helped form the “angry Black woman” stereotype, among other false narratives.