You know how a book or movie or piece of art rings so true that it feels like it creates a new language and way of talking about something important? To me, that’s Shrill.
I just finished, ok, devoured the first six episodes of Shrill. The characterizations of Annie, a good-natured people-pleaser who stands up for herself, and tells a personal trainer she randomly meets in a coffee shop who offers “to help her to find the small person inside of her” to fuck off. It’s beautiful.
The thing most people (men) will miss about this show is that EVERY WOMAN RELATES TO ANNIE / LINDY because WE’VE ALL HAD IT. We’ve had it. We’ve all had too many messages during our lifetime to be thinner and prettier. And even if we are not 250 lbs, we stand with our sisters who are because it’s not easy being fat in this world. And they are us, and we are them.
This anthem isn’t pro-fat and anti-skinny. It’s pro-truth. It’s pro-Do You. And everyone can find the joy in being themselves.
Before I knew about Shrill, the Hulu show that premiered this weekend, there was the book, Shrill… which I bought and read cover-to-cover (which I very rarely do because: Squirrel! ADD) because before the book, there was a This American Life podcast. For me, that’s how I first learned and instantly loved Lindy West. Have you heard it? Do it. It’s the best This American Life podcast I’ve ever heard. And I’ve heard hundreds. It’s an incredible show from start to finish, not just Lindy’s story. Tune in.
Lindy West is a true feminist. She uses humor and relatable situations (god, a little too relatable — after having sex with a guy who asks her to leave by the back door, to avoid being seen by his total shithead roommates… ugh, the shame of dating someone who isn’t proud to be with you is… sadly, so relatable by me and so many women) to challenge women (and men) to think about they believe when it comes to relationships and being equals. When Lindy worked for Dan Savage at The Stranger, and challenged his regular fat–bashing in his column, Dan was indignant because as a gay man… How dare Lindy ever insinuate that Dan is less than evolved on being totally empathetic/unaware of the underdog? But she did. And Dan was her boss, so she had a good reason to tow the line and accept his ignorance —- but she didn’t. That takes balls. Courage. Chutzpah. Lindy West took big risks and that’s what ‘sheroes’ do. She is the real deal.
Right now, there’s a big ‘Lindy West love fest’ happening everywhere. And she deserves it. She’s tapped into the truth vein and people will follow her into battle because she has proven herself to be a leader who gets it. Who gets us. What more could we ask? Earlier today, my friend Alison posted on Instagram that she planned to watch Shrill this weekend — and I saw lots of other posts from fellow-friend-feminists. Right on, sisters.
Along with her co-founder, Amelia Bonow, Lindy is a paving the way for strong women everywhere with her other mission: legal and safe abortions. Shout Your Abortion is a site they created to help people feel empowered about their decision to have an abortion. Show me what democracy looks like… THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE.
Just do it. Buy Hulu for a month. Binge watch Shrill. And while you’re at it, watch The Handmaid’s Tale and Inside Amy Schumer, too. You won’t be taking any shit from anybody.
This show is gonna inspire a lot of people to stand up for themselves.
And look! While I was writing this… Lindy liked my post on Instagram today!!! Wow! Thank you, Lindy!!!
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