Here are my observations on how hope, sex and consent have been portrayed in books, theatre, film and media.
Hope in the arts
- Kpop Demon Hunters as a masterclass on hope
- Transformation isn’t powered by love, but by a person. A few thoughts on the Holy Spirit (and my favourite Disney movie).
- Does Good Omens promote the Gospel? Not quite, but it comes close
- Does Good Omens promote Satanism? Wow, OK, let’s talk about this.
- Less was more: my (spoiler-free) review of the live-action Beauty and the Beast
- 10 things I hope Disney changes from the 1991 Beauty and the Beast
- Year of Hell, Remember Nothing, & The Wish: lessons on hope
Sex in the arts
- But I’m a Cheerleader: The Musical. Fun, relevant and sex-positive. I’d pay to see it again.
- “Just don’t do it” review: a zany swipe at abstinence culture — but can it find its audience?
- An open letter to my pro-porn friend: ethic impossible?
- 10 uncomfortable realities in Morgan Freeman’s statement on sexual harassment
- Women who’ve never had sex or an orgasm need to know that Ana’s first orgasm is utter fiction
Consent in the arts
- Endless Second: a brilliant and much-needed play about consent and reconciliation
- The lying abusers who pose as victims: lessons from Mr Wickham
- #ThatsHarassment: David Schwimmer makes six short videos showing sexual consent violations
- Love vs Abuse: a drama sketch about Boaz and Ruth, Joseph and Potiphar’s wife
Hope as seen in Fifty Shades of Grey, compared with Beauty and the Beast
Fifty Shades of Grey was intended to be a redemption story. Meanwhile, Disney’s 1991 Beauty and the Beast actually is one. I took a (very) deep dive into each story to compare how they portray hope and redemption. You can read all the posts here.