You could be right. If you think over history, once upon a not so long ago time, adolescent girls were thrust into adulthood very early compared to now. They quickly became dependent on their husbands or had to eek out their own living in what could be described as a hostile labour market environment.
24 is arbitrary. Some young women do not fully grow up until they are in their 30s.
And yeah, I came to this conclusion in the early and mid-1980s when I went back to university after a 9-year absence. As I was finishing my under-grad political science degree (with a de facto minor in Hispanic literature) and was about to start a qualifying year for economics, I became involved. No, that is not quite true. Upon hearing anecdotes of sexual harassment and ultimately sexual assault by a tenured political science professor, I initiated a process that should have lead to the professor losing his job and benefits. Faculty across campus were 200% on side.
There are a number of males, perhaps 15 to 20% who will fuck anything that moves. The old conservative Norse warrior in me says that we should protect young adolescents and young adults from men like this.
Of course, there are wonderful exceptions. Some academics marry their graduate students (typically in their mid- to late 20s), have families and commit to life-long loving relationships.
Interesting age choice. Would you have said that 20 years ago?
As the father of a 24-year-old, she seems infinitely less mature to me than her mother at that age. We were married when my wife was 25.
Our daughter is smarter, more accomplished, and yet there is a certain lack of (I'm not sure how to say this...) "awareness" (?) about the world. She's an amazing kid with an elite college degree, a great job, and an income in the top quarter for the US... but for a man in his 40's or 50's+ to find her interesting on a personal level just feels wrong.
It could be her, or my relationship with her... but I think the age you cite is getting higher over time.
My ex-wife looked just like that when she was in her thirties. God I loved that. I like Eilish much better now than before. And gender "stereotypes" implies there's something wrong with men looking like men and women looking like women. There isn't. Political correctness doesn't trump truth and reality.
I think if you are a celebrity, how could you not be a narcissist? .......
Perhaps largely true that. There are some fine exceptions to that rule. Cannot be easy as the pressure to be fully available is enormous.
There is zero reason here to stop listening to and enjoying the music she and her brother make. To be clear.
Ms. Eilish is still very much a 'young woman'. For me the arbitrary cutoff date is 24 years old.
That explains why a few of us regard male academics in their 50s, 60s and 70s sexually pursuing young female university students as ultra-creepy. Not quite in the same category as incest but getting awfully close.
If some of you only knew my own personal history including that of high stakes activism..... but frankly on a bad day, I throw my hands up in despair.
So often, women, including women political leaders but especially artists do not seem to care about the health, safety and security of other women.
That explains the celebrity narcissism comment.
I think if you are a celebrity, how could you not be a narcissist? The cover could have been considered racy in the 50s, but pretty tame by today's standards. Not sure of Billie's motives/ point she is trying to make, but I also don't understand why people want to sexualize themselves to the masses, other than for the obvious. Regardless, still enjoy her tunes and hope she keeps up the great work.
Well, I suppose as always, the power to seduce is important for young people adolescent women. The old conservative stick in the mud in me is not too impressed but tastes are beyond dispute, right?
I suspect that if Ms. Eilish had spent more time on the 'street' she would not have done this. Celebrity narcissism does all kinds of weird things to all kinds of people.
I heard there was a cover, but hadn't seen it until this minute.
If you haven't seen it, I would recommend you watch the documentary about her on AppleTV. There is a lot going on in her world, and I don't think the cover is about seduction or what others perceive about her, as much as it is a statement by her about control. There will not be any "like a virgin" performance moments from her (I'm guessing). It's not a new look...it's a way to grab your attention in the hopes that you'll listen to her. It's a message to her young fans.
It is amazing to see how quickly and completely the world contracts around talent in the music business. There are some terribly sad moments in the documentary, and you wonder if she can keep it together for a while or if she will implode from the pressure.
The documentary also provides a great deal of insight into the relationship with her brother. It's extraordinarily complicated. I don't know whether to feel he is an amazing support for her or if he's using her to voice his art. The parents are omnipresent.
As a man surrounded by young women ranging in age from 10 to 24 (8 in total..including nieces), it's a really complicated time to be young. We have no reference for the world they interact with, and should encourage them to be comfortable as they are, engaging in things that allow expression and interaction in safe ways.
I don't think there is any narcissism in her posing for Vogue. I think she is uncomfortably exposing herself as a statement about control. I'm guessing she hated doing it, but as I said, I haven't read anything / seen anything about the cover until now.
The power to seduce is important for all young people - not just women. Why young boys spend stupid money on car enhancements - cause they think the chicks dig it. Or jewelry or the myriad other things young men and women do....
I don't blame Billie for wanting to own her own image...whether it is baggie Gucchi or a very modest corset. Go girl. Own your image.
Well, I suppose as always, the power to seduce is important for young people adolescent women. The old conservative stick in the mud in me is not too impressed but tastes are beyond dispute, right?
I suspect that if Ms. Eilish had spent more time on the 'street' she would not have done this. Celebrity narcissism does all kinds of weird things to all kinds of people.
