Aging and Self-Worth: Tyra Banks, Body Image, and Redefining Beauty

Explicit content warning

10/21/24 • 56 min

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

In this episode, Becky and Taina dive into a thought-provoking conversation about aging, beauty standards, and the lasting impacts of media on body image. They reflect on the recent Victoria's Secret fashion show featuring Tyra Banks and unpack the mixed messages around body positivity, age inclusivity, and harmful beauty stereotypes. The discussion highlights the complex journey of self-acceptance and empowerment as women age, while critiquing how media and brands often fail to reflect true diversity. With a feminist lens, they tackle the role of diet culture, the contradictions of beauty ideals, and the experience of finding freedom in aging.

Whether you're navigating the pressures of aging gracefully, rejecting the outdated rules of beauty, or simply trying to find your own place in the world, this episode offers a candid exploration of these important topics.

Discussed in this episode:

Tyra Banks' return to the runway and the Victoria's Secret fashion show controversy
The lasting harm caused by America's Next Top Model and its critique of body image in media
The disconnect between body positivity movement messaging and actual inclusive beauty standards
Struggles with self-acceptance and dealing with body changes as we age
The journey of aging gracefully and embracing it as a form of empowerment
How diet culture and harmful beauty stereotypes have shaped perceptions of beauty and aging
The feminist critique of how media often forces women into narrow beauty categories
Reflections on aging and self-worth and the power of redefining beauty
A deep dive into the idea of embracing middle age and finding freedom outside of societal expectations

Resources mentioned:

Dacy Gillespie’s "Unflattering" Substack: https://dacygillespie.substack.com/p/from-the-vault
Charlotte Palermino (@CharlotteParler on TikTok), skincare expert: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlotteparler
The Chronicon Community: https://www.thechroniconcommunity.com/
“Face: One Square Foot of Skin” by Justine Bateman: https://amzn.to/3BN5pWN

Make sure to subscribe to Messy Liberation on YouTube so you can join us on November 6th for a live post-election discussion!

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LEARN MORE:

Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS

Discussed in this episode:

Tyra Banks' return to the runway and the Victoria's Secret fashion show controversy
The lasting harm caused by America's Next Top Model and its critique of body image in media
The disconnect between body positivity movement messaging and actual inclusive beauty standards
Struggles with self-acceptance and dealing with body changes as we age
The journey of aging gracefully and embracing it as a form of empowerment
How diet culture and harmful beauty stereotypes have shaped perceptions of beauty and aging
The feminist critique of how media often forces women into narrow beauty categories
Reflections on aging and self-worth and the power of redefining beauty
A deep dive into the idea of embracing middle age and finding freedom outside of societal expectations

Resources mentioned:

Dacy Gillespie’s "Unflattering" Substack: https://dacygillespie.substack.com/p/from-the-vault
Charlotte Palermino (@CharlotteParler on TikTok), skincare expert: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlotteparler
The Chronicon Community: https://www.thechroniconcommunity.com/
“Face: One Square Foot of Skin” by Justine Bateman: https://amzn.to/3BN5pWN

Make sure to subscribe to Messy Liberation on YouTube so you can join us on November 6th for a live post-election discussion!

LEARN MORE:

Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS

Previous Episode

Breaking Relationship Myths: Queer Dynamics, Separate Bedrooms, and Parenting Conflicts

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp and guest Taina Brown dive into the complexities of relationships, discussing everything from managing conflict to the dynamics between queer and heteronormative couples. Becky opens up about the ongoing, light-hearted "conflict" she has with her husband about sleeping in separate bedrooms, especially now that perimenopause has made her even more sensitive to comfort during sleep. Taina shares her own experiences in the LGBTQ+ community, shedding light on the challenges of navigating toxic masculinity in same-sex relationships and the harmful stereotypes queer couples face. The conversation also delves into attachment styles, managing differences in introvert-extrovert partnerships, and how political identity shapes both queer and straight relationships. Throughout the episode, Becky and Taina challenge the traditional norms surrounding relationships, especially the unrealistic portrayal of "perfect" relationships on social media. Whether you're curious about the dynamics of same-sex relationships or how to improve communication and conflict resolution in your own marriage, this episode has something for everyone.

Discussed in this episode:

Separate bedrooms for couples: Is it a sign of trouble or a practical solution?
How social media can create unrealistic expectations in relationships
Queer relationships vs heteronormative relationships: Myths and realities
Dynamics in same-sex relationships and how they compare to straight couples
Conflict avoidance in relationships and how to deal with it healthily
The realities of sleeping in separate beds and maintaining intimacy
Parenting style conflicts: Navigating different approaches in co-parenting
Conflict resolution in marriage: Why fighting can lead to growth
Toxic masculinity in queer relationships and its impact on LGBTQ+ partnerships
Toxic relationships in the LGBTQ community and how to avoid them
The pros and cons of separate vacations for couples
Attachment styles in relationships and how they shape conflict
Managing differences in relationships, especially between introverts and extroverts
Parenting challenges and how they affect relationship dynamics
Living with an extroverted partner as a deep introvert
The importance of honoring each person’s individuality in a partnership
The political identity of queerness and how it shapes relationships
Debunking common myths about same-sex relationships
How to handle conflict in marriage without fearing the end

Resource mentioned:

I've Had It podcast

LEARN MORE:

Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS

Next Episode

Finding Liberation in Business: How Core Values Guide Ethical Choices

In this episode of Messy Liberation, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive deep into the complexities of values alignment in business. They discuss how to navigate ethical decision-making when faced with murky opportunities, using the Chief networking group as a focal point. Becky and Taina explore the nuances of white feminism, power dynamics, and how to stay true to core values in spaces that may not be fully aligned with one's beliefs. They also delve into the meaning of true allyship, rejecting performative activism, and how scarcity mindset affects business decisions. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of finding liberation through business choices that honor personal values and discuss strategies for balancing personal beliefs with professional opportunities.

Discussed in this episode:

Navigating values alignment in business decisions
Critiquing white feminism and the “girl boss” mentality
Ethical considerations around the Chief networking group
Power dynamics in feminist spaces
The importance of rejecting corporate feminism
How to be a genuine ally and avoid performative allyship
The dangers of scarcity mindset in business
Finding liberation through values-based decisions
Clarifying personal core values and their role in business and life
Examples of values-aligned decision-making in everyday actions

Resources mentioned:

Anti-racism educator Ashani Mufuko: https://ashanimfuko.com/
Blair Imani’s Smarter in Seconds series: https://www.blairimani.com/
Taina Brown’s free group coaching sessions on getting to the root of your values and manifesting your dream life (October 30th, November 6th, November 8th, November 17th)