Kate-Book, the website for Kates, by Kates, and about Kates

By Caitlin Abber

On Sunday night’s “Girls,” the main character, Hannah, was faced with the news no woman wants to hear—that she has acquired an STI. As she wrestles with the source of the problem (like, who gave it to her), and what it means for future partners, she seeks advice and comfort from her friends. One friend in particular, the precocious but virginal Shoshanna, tells Hannah that she shouldn’t worry about it so much, because you know what? All Adventurous Women Do (have an STI).

This particular line got me thinking about a lot of prominent female characters in books, television, and even real life, and the similarities they have in regards to the experiences they must go through in order to be considered “adventurous.” A couple marriages, a DUI, a bad tattoo, telling their boss to shove it, even a sex tape—none of these are terribly shocking as they now represent a frequent coming of age tale for many young women. Things that used to be considered taboo—like Peggy of “Mad Men” moving in with her boyfriend before marriage, are now pretty standard for the modern girl. That isn’t to say that these experiences are universal—not all of us are cut out for or interested in racking up exes or body art, but we recognize them for what they are the minute we see them. “Oh,” we say, as we look at the cover of People Magazine or US Weekly, “She is going through her wild phase.”
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