Cowgirl narratives often depict women and horses building a trusting relationship. But though they're about collaboration and trust, in these stories women almost always employ traditional horsemanship techniques that are grounded in domination and submission. So while these narratives are important in that they show women exercising freedom and agency, they still retain some elements of patriarchy. Control of horses and natural is a parallel to the control of women.
Television shows, movies, and other forms of showbiz are crucial parts of conversations about race and sex in our society. But ironically, the dynamics of what happens behind the scenes in the entertainment industry is not so well-known. As a feminist model and writer in eternally sunny Los Angeles, I’ll be exploring issues of race, sexuality, and gender within the entertainment industry over the next two months with this guest blog.
I had this awkward moment at the Paramount Theatre in Austin after the frenzied SXSW premiere of Harmony Korine’s much-hyped Spring Breakers. I liked the film; I was beaming when washing my hands in the ladies room.
“Urgh, that was such an AWFUL movie,” some girl in an expensive dress and platinum badge said behind me.
“It was so gross,” her equally disgusted friend added. I wiped the smile off my face and quickly sidled out.
Before I became a mom at the age of 41, I was many things, including a hip-hop artist. Mostly, I did hip-hop theater, a solo show about fighting sexism in music. But I also rocked many a mic in the club. Little did I know that these skills would come in handy in my new battle against sexism: children’s literature.
I love Stevie Nicks. Who doesn't? However, I came upon her music only within the last couple years—I'm by no means a Stevie expert. So I was excited to see In Your Dreams, the new film Nicks and collaborator Dave Stewart directed, at SXSW this month; the screening was a chance to learn more about Stevie from herself and an opportunity to wear a Stevie-approved ensemble (long flowing skirt obviously).
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