The news of Jezebel’s upcoming shutdown on November 9 left me unexpectedly heartbroken.
This isn’t the first time a beloved feminist publication has closed, but the impact it had on me was monumental.
Although I never worked for Jezebel, I owe a lot to the website.
It not only influenced my career path, but also transformed the way I think, argue, craft jokes, and even vote.Back in my college days, during the beginning stages of my conservative deprogramming, I stumbled upon Jezebel.
Surprisingly, the site didn’t alienate me as many media analysts assumed it would.
Instead, it was instructive and thought-provoking.
I was drawn in by their hilarious and meticulous dissection of Photoshop Fails, which showcased the absurdity of unrealistic beauty standards.Jezebel covered a range of topics that personally concerned me, including sexual assault, celebrity gossip, and finding body-positive jeans.
It introduced me to basic tenets of feminism that I had never encountered before.
What truly set Jezebel apart was its comments section, where I engaged in lively debates and had my ideas challenged and torn apart.
It was a valuable experience that helped me grow and refine my perspective.In the digital media age, numerous feminist blogs have come and gone, but Jezebel’s influence remains unparalleled.
This is where I discovered talented writers like Jia Tolentino and Lindy West, who tackled important issues such as bullying, abortion, and sexism.
Jezebel was ahead of its time by addressing sexism long before the #MeToo movement gained momentum.Jezebel’s impact goes beyond individual lives.
It has contributed to shaping careers, influencing voting decisions, and even playing a role in the broader social media culture.
As Jezebel prepares to bid farewell, let us acknowledge and appreciate its immense contribution to feminism and society as a whole..
