How Porn Rewrote the Script on Power, Desire, and the Female Gaze
By Wim Langedijk for HURS
How Porn Rewrote the Script on Power, Desire, and the Female Gaze
HUR Reads is our definitive shortlist of the most prominent articles from around the web.
By HURS Team
1
What Porn Taught a Generation of Women
Sophie Gilbert discusses the rise of pornography, especially during the "porno-chic" era of the 1990s and 2000s, and how it has deeply shaped millennial women’s self-image and roles in society. Mainstream culture, fueled by media and the internet, normalized female sexualization and framed objectification as empowerment. Women were increasingly seen as spectacles for male pleasure, erasing boundaries between sexual performance and public identity. Gilbert explores the effects—political misogyny, harassment, and shifts in teen sexuality—while also highlighting a growing resistance and push for a more balanced cultural narrative.
THE ATLANTIC
Colleen Allen, a Brooklyn designer and former menswear specialist, brings a subversive, spiritual approach to womenswear. Inspired by the witch as a symbol of female power, her collections mix Victorian tailoring with bold, modern details that challenge norms. Her deeply personal designs reflect social change and emphasize clothing as a tool for identity and strength, establishing her as a fresh voice redefining American femininity.
SSENSE
Paige Bueckers, star guard from UConn, was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings after leading her team to a national championship, solidifying her as a top-tier talent. At the draft event in New York City, she made headlines not only for her selection but also for her striking fashion statement—a custom Coach power suit adorned with 200,000 glass crystals. The draft also spotlighted international talent, with French player Dominique Malonga going second overall to the Seattle Storm, the highest French selection since 1997. The event, broadcast on ESPN and held at The Shed, saw fans paying over $99 to attend, reflecting the surging popularity and cultural significance of women's basketball.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Melinda French Gates's memoir, offers an intimate exploration of her personal and professional journey, delving into her experiences during her marriage to Bill Gates, their subsequent divorce, and her evolution as a philanthropist and advocate for women's empowerment. The memoir provides insights into the challenges she faced, her reflections on partnership and identity, and her commitment to social causes, particularly those affecting women and girls globally. Through candid storytelling, French Gates shares her path to self-discovery and the lessons learned along the way, aiming to inspire others to find their own voices and effect meaningful change.
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
We Are Ona, a culinary collective founded by Luca Pronzato, is redefining the global dining scene by transforming traditional meals into immersive gastronomic events. Operating in cities from Mexico City to Hong Kong, the group collaborates with local chefs and artists to create unique, multi-sensory experiences that blend food, art, and culture. Their approach challenges conventional dining norms, emphasizing creativity, community, and the ephemeral nature of their pop-up events. By doing so, We Are Ona is not only offering memorable meals but also fostering a new appreciation for the intersection of cuisine and contemporary art.