One of the most nuanced articles I have read on ageing. Yes plenty wrong with SATC and what is interesting for me is that despite all the ways its been called out for the things you mention, many, even those for whom it did not include (woc) still seem to be subscribing to the "girl pack" and " beauty pack" ideas it was based on. I think people should do what they need to feel better but I can't help but thinking a good first option would be to tap in to one's authentic self and cultural heritage first when considering why they are aging the way they are. Different women from differing cultures age differently and the more we subscribe to the same treatments and end up looking the same in older age (ie looking and behaving like the SATC women), the less diversity there is to celebrate and embrace.
Lots of interesting points here. One thing I have noticed is how the aesthetics industry is aiming itself at women of colour now, having tapped the 'white' market. I've seen a few features positioned as 'we're allowed to get injectables too' which strikes me as coming from a marketing campaign of some kind!
I’ve seen an influx of TikToks of women asking “how old do I look” and being sorely disappointed when people guess an age higher than what they are. My question is always “why are women asking this in the first place?” Your insights are so spot on here.
Oh that's so sad :( Part of me also wonders how old they were - I think a lot of gen z are getting fillers etc which do make them look older. But the main issue is that we've conflated beauty and youth in a way that makes us terrified of getting older :(
One of the most nuanced articles I have read on ageing. Yes plenty wrong with SATC and what is interesting for me is that despite all the ways its been called out for the things you mention, many, even those for whom it did not include (woc) still seem to be subscribing to the "girl pack" and " beauty pack" ideas it was based on. I think people should do what they need to feel better but I can't help but thinking a good first option would be to tap in to one's authentic self and cultural heritage first when considering why they are aging the way they are. Different women from differing cultures age differently and the more we subscribe to the same treatments and end up looking the same in older age (ie looking and behaving like the SATC women), the less diversity there is to celebrate and embrace.
Lots of interesting points here. One thing I have noticed is how the aesthetics industry is aiming itself at women of colour now, having tapped the 'white' market. I've seen a few features positioned as 'we're allowed to get injectables too' which strikes me as coming from a marketing campaign of some kind!
I’ve seen an influx of TikToks of women asking “how old do I look” and being sorely disappointed when people guess an age higher than what they are. My question is always “why are women asking this in the first place?” Your insights are so spot on here.
Oh that's so sad :( Part of me also wonders how old they were - I think a lot of gen z are getting fillers etc which do make them look older. But the main issue is that we've conflated beauty and youth in a way that makes us terrified of getting older :(