“The Tyranny of the Ideal Woman” : A Conversation w/ Laura Batstone

We live in a culture of relentless self-optimization.  On the one hand, we are told to be ourselves, that no one is quite like us, that the world needs our unique brand of creativity and self-expression.  But, on the other hand, we are also always being told that we should be the very best, best, best, best version of ourselves--that we can always be better, eat better, exercise better, look better, think better, succeed better, relax better, care for ourselves better.  Better, better, better!  Nowhere is this tyranny of the ideal more obvious and more taxing than in the way our culture views and advertises to women.  On this episode of the pod, I am joined by my friend and colleague, Laura Batstone, to discuss how this relentless pursuit of better is experienced by women inside and outside the church.  Don't miss it. Illustration: Ari Liloan/The Guardian