THE BOLD TYPE: THE UNCENSORED AND UNAPOLOGETIC SHOW WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR

I had my doubts about Freeform's new show The Bold Type.

I doubted it because the promos kept reassuring me that this show would fill the Pretty Little Liars-shaped hole in not only their scheduling block but also my heart.

Nothing can fill that hole. Sorry, any other show ever.

I doubted it because I found it hard to believe that Freeform, which used to be called ABC Family, could engineer and execute a TV show that efficiently and endearingly addresses sexy and/or controversial topics. 

Especially feminist-y things.

However, I never doubted the faith I had in Katie Stevens, who played Karma on MTV's fantastic dramedy Faking It (RIP), and who now plays Jane on The Bold Type. The former was known for "pushing the envelope" content-wise, and from what I've seen so far the latter might even push it a bit further.

Props to whoever cast Katie, because she's certainly cut out for this kind of stuff.

And by "stuff", I mean trying to invent a new sex position at work and convincing a friend (no, best friend) to stick their hand up all in your nether regions to retrieve a sunken sex toy.

And yes, we're still talking about a show that resides on the channel that's home to "Harry Potter Weekend" every other month.

Most shows, especially shows that are targeted at a teen/young adult audience (not looking at you Sex in the City, even though I watched you when I was like 15 or so...) are slow on the build-up to romance and sex. They introduce concepts and relationships periodically and are heavy-handed when it comes to establishing characters and their personalities before anything (or anyone) goes down. Before we can get to anything "juicy" or remotely relatable, we have to wait at least a handful of episodes.

Well, I am happy to announce that this is not the case with The Bold Type.

In the first two episodes, we saw (and heard) vibrators, orgasms, porn, Yoni eggs, a character questioning her sexuality, fantasies, a hearty amount of swears, and everything in between.

The three main characters in The Bold Type work for a Cosmo-esque magazine called Scarlet. As you can imagine, this premise not only allows for these kinds of discussions and story lines, it promotes and even wholeheartedly embraces them.

I lost count how many times the word "orgasm" was uttered in the second episode alone.

And it was awesome.

Putting the sexiness aside for a second, The Bold Type made me giddy simply because I can see myself in the three main characters. Me, specifically, because I would absolutely love to write for a magazine like Scarlet (cough Cosmo cough). But, I think everyone can find at least a glimmer of themselves in the three girls because they are so relatable and honest.

They're everything we are, hope to be, and strive to become. Which, if you ask me, is pretty freakin' uplifting in the world of today. 

So yeah, I was very pleasantly surprised by The Bold Type and I look forward to more hilarious sexual antics, introspective moments, and empowering bad-assery. 

It's about damn time we got a show that talks and thinks about sex in an unapologetic and uncensored way.

I mean...what other way is there really?

WONDER WOMAN: AN UNDER THE RADAR FEMINIST PIECE FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION

When the credits rolled on Wonder Woman, my mom turned to me and asked,

"Do you think it's a coincidence that this movie came out when it did?"

Taking Literature Into Film last semester taught me two major lessons:

1. Every film/TV show is an adaptation of a book (at least, it seems that way)

2. Every film is made when it's made for a reason (i.e. historical, social, and/or cultural context)

That second lesson in particular is why I was able to reply confidently with a big, fat...

"Hell no!"

Sure, this movie may have been "in the making" for a long time. But there's no doubt in my mind that it finally came to fruition when it did for good reason. In a world where women still have to battle every day to protect the rights and opportunities that we've worked tirelessly to secure, it's only appropriate for a kick ass character to make her glorious return.

And boy, has she ever. 

Before we go any further, here's my disclaimer:

I have no problem admitting that I enjoy superhero movies as much as the next person. Thor, Suicide Squad (though it definitely had its issues), Doctor Strange, The Avengers.

Don't even get me started on Batman vs. Superman though...the best part of the three torturous hours was Wonder Woman's introduction!

What I'm getting at here is that while I've enjoyed the films, I didn't exactly take anything away from them. Good for entertainment, not so good for anything greater than just that. It just always felt like something was missing. 

I'm happy to report that Wonder Woman did so much more than entertain me.

Although, it most definitely did that too!

Yes, the film packed in explosions, fight scenes, and a nefarious villain (or two) like your typical Marvel/DC movie does during its 2-ish hour runtime. The scene where Diana is fighting her way across the front, deflecting bullets and bombs backed by her male counterparts, epitomizes these elements but there's something different about it. 

In fact, there's something different about all of the fight scenes in the film. Diana and her counterparts work together rather than one trying to overpower the other. 

Yes, Diana is more powerful than Steve or his friends (she is a demigod after all...) and that fact is awesomely highlighted. Yeah, she usually goes ahead of the others because she's much better equipped weapon-wise and training-wise.

She did throw an effing TANK, after all.

And honestly, the name of the film is Wonder Woman, so CLEARLY we're all there to watch Wonder Woman to kick some serious booty.

But, Diana, Steve, and their friends are always looking out for each other and doing their best to support the cause in the best way that they can. 

The buzzword/concept surrounding this movie is without a doubt "feminism", and the feminist in me is jumping up and down out of pure happiness!

When it boils down to it, feminism is all about equality for the sexes, not putting women above anyone else. The way that Diana, Steve, and their counterparts function as a successful unit is a perfect example of this. 

Don't get me wrong, the thought of a strong female character like Diana kicking ass 24/7 does make me tear up a bit. But so does the way that Steve and Diana's relationship unfolded.

Personally, I didn't want to see a sex scene between Diana and Steve. And weirdly enough, I'm glad I didn't see one. I love a good sex scene as much as the next gal, and while it was clear plot-wise that their relationship was headed somewhere steamy, it didn't feel right to see that on the big screen. The relationship between the two characters seemed genuine and special (unusual for a superhero movie but much appreciated) and I respect the director's decision to omit whatever happened after the kiss we did get to see. Sometimes not seeing something says more than seeing it, and this was one of those times for sure.

For once, a female superhero was so much more than just eye candy. Gal Gadot is virtually the most beautiful woman on the planet, and we all know this to be true from watching Wonder Woman. Unlike other female superheroes, Diana is coveted for more than just her beauty; her wit, intelligence, and selflessness are what truly make her a desirable character.

A superhero film practically free from the "male gaze" that pervades every other Marvel/DC film, thanks to director Patty Jenkins, the shots focus on impressive leg sweeps and sword-swinging arms rather than jiggling breasts.

Speaking of jiggling, can we talk about the fact that Diana's thigh actually jiggled when she hit the ground?!

#RealThighsJiggle

I could go on and on about Wonder Woman, and I'll probably write more about it when I can cohesively synthesize my thoughts, but for now I'll leave it at that.

I'm so happy we live in a world where girls and women have a role model like Gadot's Wonder Woman to look up to. As a woman, I couldn't help but get misty-eyed watching a film made by a woman that featured some seriously bad-ass women and some bad-ass men as well. There's no doubt in my mind that this movie couldn't have come at a better time. We needed this. We still have a long way to go, but this is definitely a jump and a huge leap in the right direction.

SEX POSITIVE/BODY-POSITIVE SHOPPING IS TOTALLY POSSIBLE AND HERE'S WHY

Shopping in "that aisle" has pretty much always been an awkward experience, but like a fine wine or cheese, it gets better with age.

You know what I mean by "that aisle".

Feminine hygiene products and/or sexual health supplies.

(Okay, depending on the store, sometimes you have to go to two separate aisles. Yeesh.)

I hate the phrase "feminine hygiene" for so many reasons, but for all intents and purposes, it stands.

The spotlight effect is the real deal, and perusing the aisle(s) of your local Target or Walmart for ultra-ribbed condoms and tampons (maybe not in the same trip...or maybe, yes?) can crank that baby up to a blinding brightness you didn't even know was scientifically possible.

So many thoughts running through your head while you stand there and search the shelves...

This would be a fantastic time to see someone I know, especially a male acquaintance or that hot guy from Starbucks with the impeccable man bun.

Whatever you do, DON'T let your eyes stray too far. They're totally going to think you're looking at the pregnancy tests.

Looking at condoms and/or lube? Cool, the entire store thinks you're a slut now.

Why do we do this to ourselves?

Alright, the first one is somewhat rational. It is a possibility....

But that's besides the point. Shopping for things like condoms, tampons, pads, and lube (I could go on and on, really...that's just a sampling of all the cool stuff you can find) feels awkward because we're taught and told so many conflicting things.

Dress scantily, but don't sleep around. (Let alone enjoy sex. Scandalous!)

Be sexy, but not too sexy.

Attend to your body, but keep it under wraps because it's "gross". Periods? Ew.

Well, though I may not be 100% confident myself when it comes to shopping in "that aisle", I do know that it's kind of silly to feel ashamed or embarrassed.

If anything, we should feel empowered, excited, and grateful.

Empowered by the choices we make for ourselves and our partner(s).

Excited, because sex is awesome and so are our bodies!!!

Grateful to have access to things that help us live easier and safer lives. Sadly, not everyone has access to products we think of as necessary!

What I'm trying to say is next time you go shopping and you find yourself in "that aisle", linger a little bit longer than usual.

Take your time, don't rush! There's so much to look at and try.

Chances are no one is looking at you anyways and maybe you'll even discover something new.

Stay safe, kids.

R.I.P. COLLEGE?

So, I graduated from college last Saturday.

As I climbed the stairs to the stage, carefully, I was worried about falling on my face. A totally rational fear, I assure you.

I was also preoccupied by my cap, which kept falling off my head because I wasn't forward-thinking enough to check which side was the "front" before I stared decorating.

I swear I'm smart enough to wield a degree. Promise.

I made it up the stairs and across the stage with little to no problem, but I got tripped up by what the president of my university asked me as we shook hands.

"So, what are you going to do now?"

"Oh, I'm waitressing!"

After the words came out of my mouth, and his face seemed to droop a bit, I started to think I said the wrong thing.

It was a stupid answer, right?

He was expecting me to say something like, "Oh, I got a fabulous position at a magazine!" or "Yes, of course, I'll be working at the world's most renowned publishing company!", right?

I mean, that is the point of going to college after all. To develop the skills and master the tools that will start you on the path to career stardom. And to get that fancy piece of paper that confirms said tools and skills.

The more I thought about my answer, however, the more I realized my answer wasn't "wrong" or "stupid". Not everyone finds the perfect career-boosting job fresh out of college, or even finds a relevant job at all at first, and that's okay.

There's no shame in doing something that you didn't go to school to do, and honestly there isn't any shame in doing something like waitressing at all! It's a really hard job and I am constantly amazed by how effortless many of them make it look!

#Goals

I also admire the people who do get awesome "I-totally-went-to-school for this" jobs right out of college as well. I know I'll find the perfect English-y career sometime soon...for now, I'm going to enjoy rolling around in large piles of cash and serving hungry people all the seafood they can stomach.

THANK YOU, WESTWORLD... [BOOK UPDATE 3]

For once, I feel like the writing gods have smiled upon me.

Or at least they sent me Westworld (and its brilliant soundtrack) to fuel my inspiration/creativity.

Bless.

I'm about 1,000 words in and feeling good.

I had my boyfriend read what I've written so far and he sure had some great insight into how I should proceed...he even got me thinking about things I haven't even thought of yet. He's so smart.

And totally getting a big shout out when this book comes to fruition!

Anyways, these posts make me feel accountable/like I actually might be making process even though no one probably reads them...eh, who cares.

Hopefully someday when this book is published and I'm a roaring success in the realm of YA, I can look back on these and smile.

We'll just have to see, won't we?

SO ABOUT THAT BOOK... [BOOK UPDATE 2]

Okay.

It's been an EMBARRASSINGLY long time since I've updated on this whole book-writing process. My apologies.

The lack of updating would be due to the fact that I haven't written anything since July.

While that's extremely sad, I have great news!

I've been making headway with my book in the last few days (and by headway I mean pondering while driving/showering and planning things out in my head) and better yet, I'm taking Fiction Workshop this semester so I'll be forced to write for class.

Yay for being held accountable!

Alright, I'm going back to my Spotify playlist full of Western soundtracks and preliminary/necessary Wikipedia research.