We hear about the “toxic masculine” all the time, and directly attribute the Alpha Bro poison to patriarchal society, but we don’t often talk about the toxic feminine unless we’re just flat out making fun of women…which continues to engrain the problem.

In the world of cinema, few films resonate as profoundly as Mean Girls, a comedic exploration of the complexities of high school life and the sneaky dynamics of underdeveloped female relationships. In this blog post, we dissect the feminist themes embedded within the movie, particularly focusing on archetypes of toxic femininity that are ever-present in our society today. Join us as we delve into these characters and their implications on women’s roles and behaviors.

Toxic femininity, much like its male counterpart, can manifest in various ways, often leading women to adopt behaviors that undermine their authenticity and self-worth. In our discussion, we highlight how this concept is underrepresented compared to toxic masculinity, yet it plays a significant role in shaping women’s experiences and interactions.

In our episode, we discussed how some women choose to play along with the patriarchal structures in place, believing they cannot (or should not) change the system. This resignation can manifest in various ways, from over-accommodating behavior to avoiding conflict. The characters discussed here serve as an example of the internal and external conflicts women face when trying to navigate such dynamics.

Join us in the chat or on Instagram to keep talking about this topic. We’d love your insights!

Header image via Letterboxd

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