Today, Explained · Podcast summary
Miss Piggy, feminist diva
Angelica Jade Bastién, a critic at New York Magazine and Vulture, discusses the enduring appeal of Miss Piggy and how she reflects changing perceptions of women in media, particularly those in middle age and later life.
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Miss Piggy, the iconic Muppet character, has captivated audiences for decades with her unique blend of aggression, glamour, and unwavering self-confidence. Angelica Jade Bastién, a critic at New York Magazine and Vulture, delves into Miss Piggy's evolution and what her enduring popularity reveals about American culture's views on women, especially those who are "larger than life."
The Enigma of Miss Piggy's Age and Appeal
Bastién begins by pondering Miss Piggy's age, noting the conflicting signals she sends. Her "yearning girlishness" and relationship with Kermit suggest a younger woman, yet her "empowered rage" and "over-the-top stylings" point to a woman in her prime, perhaps in her 40s or 50s. This ambiguity highlights a broader cultural shift: on-screen depictions of middle-aged and older women are becoming more three-dimensional and unapologetic than ever before. Miss Piggy, in her own unique way, embodies this shift.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 4-minute article, 7 more sections, and every new episode from Today, Explained and the creators you follow.
- Miss Piggy: A Window into American Culture
- From Chorus Pig to Formidable Figure
- The Evolution of Miss Piggy: From Punchline to Powerhouse
- The Impact of Eric Jacobson and a New Era of Femininity
- Miss Piggy and the Wisdom of Older Women
- The Real Housewives and the Changing Landscape of Midlife
- The Ongoing Debate: Problematic or Empowering?
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