The Trio That’s Taken  Over the Media This Summer

OCT–6–2023






Words by: Mia Jones
Graphic by: Julia David


Last summer, the whole world felt the impact of Roe v. Wade being overturned by SCOTUS. For women and allies all around, this felt like a giant blow, as if we were returning to the 1910s or worse. We got tired of having to explain to people why women needed to be able to freely make decisions on their own bodies, and tired of what feels like a century long protest in the streets. We were yet again reminded that as soon as strides of progression were made for women in this country, they quickly took a swift blow due to men (and sometimes fellow women) with sticks up their ass in government. 

However, this summer has felt like a comeback moment. Major pop culture hits like Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour, and the Barbie movie have helped string millions of women together in the name of joy, celebration, and pondering of womanhood, girlhood, and female sexuality. Multiple different aspects of these pop culture moments, ranging from the music/soundtrack, the clothing and outfits worn to said events, and the merchandise are pushing for women and those who identify as women to embrace what it’s like to be female and even all of the hard parts about it. 

The themes of the Barbie movie as well as Taylor Swift’s and Beyonce’s music and performances are helping women to get in touch with themselves and not be ashamed of flaws, because women aren’t cookie-cutter perfect and can’t be expected to always have it together. Even Harry Styles’ Love on Tour tour allowed women all over the world to embrace their inner child and step into their sexuality with Styles’ positive messages and playful performances. 

Especially when one considers the flamboyant outfits worn to the Barbie movie and all of these different concerts, it is so evident that this is a huge summer for women embracing confidence, femininity, and whimsical joy via bright palettes of color, feathers, and even cowgirl boots. 

The same goes for the upbeat and yet heartfelt discographies of these artists as well as the Barbie soundtrack, provoking a summer of identifying as unapologetically female, and embracing all of the parts of womanhood and girlhood. 

In a time where our world and country has been feeling evermore anti-women and anti-women’s rights, having a media that pushes women to come together and celebrate and uplift each other gives a beautiful glimpse of what we will always have: each other.