Summary

Tolentino describes the “ideal woman” in modern day terms as someone who possesses flawless features and a carefully curated aesthetic, showcasing herself mainly at leisure. The author argues that in today’s world, knowing how to brand yourself on social media is a monetizable skill, and the modern day Instagram woman will always be optimizing her worth. Today’s feminism is characterized by a desire to make oneself as visible and desirable to the greatest number of people, emphasizing individual success.

In 2012, Tolentino moved to Ann Arbor and joined a barre class. Barre was invented by Lottie Berk in the 1960s, and was quickly adopted by women with an intense desire to improve their appearances to mirror that of a dancer’s lean and enviable body. Barre has now become popular nationwide form of exercise that has become ideal in the era...