Unexpected Protests Linked to Feminism
It seems like feminists and their supporters have a knack for sparking protests out of nowhere.
In a recent piece, a writer reflects on experiencing “cultural whiplash” this summer, noting the shift in societal attitudes. The author, Madeline Holcomb from CNN, expresses concern over what she perceives as a rise in conservative values.
Holcomb points to the “progress” she has seen in media over the last decade. In her view, films, television shows, books, and advertisements have increasingly highlighted women’s roles in society. Gone were the days of ‘heroin chic’; body positivity gained traction. The narratives shifted from women vying for men’s attention to ones celebrating female camaraderie.
However, there was a noticeable change in the landscape.
Holcomb discusses several key events: Trump’s presidency, the fallout from the Roe vs. Wade decision, and the complexities surrounding the #MeToo movement. She also mentions Ozempic and actor Sidney Sweeney.
The male gaze is literally the instinct responsible for the survival of our entire species Supporting the ugly and ambiguous form of humanity is not “progress”
— Melissa Chen (@MsMelChen) October 12, 2025
Holcomb uses Sweeney’s advertisement as an example of the “male gaze.” In the ad for American Eagle, Sweeney’s allure is prominent. You know the one: great jeans, great looks. It’s sparked discussions, especially around why some feel uncomfortable with it.
The reason behind the backlash towards the “male gaze” is straightforward—women tend to compete with each other. Attractive women often provoke jealousy in those perceived as less so, particularly if men show a preference for them.
Interestingly, attractive women might encourage friends to adopt different styles or remind them that they’re beautiful as they are, trying to downplay competition.
Ultimately, the male gaze revolves around men’s attention towards women, a thought that seems to alarm Holcomb.
She advocates for the “female gaze,” hoping media will portray women as sexual beings without reducing them to mere objects. While her perspective is interesting, Sweeney’s advertising appeals more broadly. Yes, it’s aimed at men, but it also plays into women’s aspirations: If you wear these jeans, maybe men will look at you like they do at me.
The “male gaze” just means that some companies have stopped trying to send virtue signals by forcing scary freaks into every advertising campaign.
— Flappr (@flapprdotnet) October 13, 2025
It’s likely that Holcomb interprets this as an indication of how deeply ingrained the male gaze is in women’s self-perception, and she might be right. It’s a complex issue.
Margaret Atwood’s often-quoted idea about “male fantasy” resonates here. It suggests that all experiences, whether empowering or otherwise, are influenced by male perspectives.
Kind of a downer, right?
If we take Atwood’s view to heart, escaping the male gaze feels futile. This connection between women’s empowerment and some controversial figures is rather humorous in a somber way.
