When we look back at life in the '90s, there's a lot of great things to appreciate, like all the unexpected feminist moments of the '90s. Sure, we often talk about how great '90s TV shows were, or how much we loved all the classic '90s movies, but we rarely talk about how feminism influenced so many of the things we love. It 's there, even if you sometimes have to work harder to see it. Feminism is constantly growing and evolving, but it's really enlightening to look back at the media we knew and loved when we were young and see where feminism suddenly exploded.
Of course, it makes sense to point out that feminism has its shortcomings. For example, I've noticed myself that feminism in the '90s wasn't great at intersectionality, or it tended to only target certain audiences and demographics. It's a good thing and important to point out where feminism is problematic, or when it fails to be inclusive.
Still, it's very interesting to look back and examine feminism in the '90s, regardless of its successes and shortcomings. These moments certainly helped shape the feminists who grew up in the '90s into who we are today.
1. The success of the Spice Girls
Well, we all know and love the Spice Girls, but sometimes we take for granted how powerful their success actually is. Of course, there were all-girl groups in music before them, but until their success in the '90s, our music at the time was dominated by "boy bands" and solo musicians. Seeing a group of young women succeed together sends the message that women can help each other on their own.
2. The Olympics stipulate that all sports include women.
In 1991, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stipulated that all new sports in the Olympics must be bi-sex. Basically, this means that sports must have male and female competitions. Very important, right?
3. Becky ’s pregnancy wisdom
Jesse and Becky are definitely supporting characters on "Full House," but there are some great feminist moments in their relationship. Remember when Becky was pregnant and she made Jesse wear a baby bump so he could understand her point of view? Talk about being ahead of its time.
4. Topanga’s quips in Boy Meets World
Topanga has a lot of feminist quips throughout the series, but she has some particularly feminist quips about self-acceptance and body positivity. These subtle feminist messages are sure to resonate even now.
5. Same-sex parenting among friends
For a TV show from the '90s, it's surprisingly feminist to see positive depictions of same-sex parenting throughout the show. That's right: Ross' ex-boyfriend Carol is raising their children with her partner Susan. While Rose had all kinds of feelings about divorce, no one questioned whether it was "acceptable" or "right" for Ben to have two moms.
6. Female friendship in Clueless
Of course, Clueless is primarily about relationships (and fashion), but it's also a wonderful portrait of supportive female friendship. All the girls support each other, there is no acrimony or backstabbing. It’s so refreshing!
7. Romy and Michelle’s unstoppable dynamic at their high school reunion
While Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion is undoubtedly a comedy, there's a massive feminist message beneath the surface. For example, think about the efforts Romy and Michelle put in to achieve what they wanted. They are extremely driven and focused on the success they want and how they plan to achieve it. And their super-loyal, super-secure female friendship is the icing on the cake.
8. The Glory of Destiny Child
At this point, a lot of the discussion about Destiny's Child uses Beyoncé as a jumping-off point. But when their first album was released in the late '90s, it was pretty important for feminism. Their songs are all about empowerment and girl power (since many of them are still in the midst of their solo careers), and the fact that these girls have been together since they were kids is pretty feminist in itself. It’s all about female empowerment and supporting other women, right?
Image: ABC; Jiffy (8)
