Why are Hollywood and the tabloids suddenly so obsessed with stories of older women dating younger men anyway? More to the point, why do all these shows and the tabloids make the idea of an attractive (or not) woman of a certain age dating a younger man so creepy and cringe-inducing? (Btw, for the record, I prefer the term MILF to cougar, even though they are not synonyms.)
The reality is: Women come into their own later in life than men. Women live longer (and men die younger). Middle-aged (and older) women are far more interesting and experienced than younger ones. So what the heck is wrong with a woman dating or marrying a guy a few years younger? Why does the media have to make it so... so... ICKY? Guys date or marry younger women all the time -- often MUCH younger women, young enough to be their daughters or granddaughters. Now THAT is creepy.
So NO, I will not be watching Courteney Cox (who, while I am in catty mode, I would like to note is older than I am, though still looks damn good) in Cougar Town this evening.
Instead, I will be watching Glee, on FOX, which promotes good old American values, such as promiscuity, adultery, and lying -- but (at least currently) does not feature any cougars.
Oh, and that song, "Stacy's Mom"? Totally OFF my playlist.
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I saw a student in the gym with a "cougar bait" t-shirt.
Hmmmm. I can watch older women who like younger men AND high school girls at the SAME TIME on TV???
God, I love America!!!
Hollywood is acknowledging that women are not obsolete at 40, though it is crappy TV.
@Anonymous #1: Similarly, the other day at my gym, I heard a woman telling her trainer he was total cougar bait -- and that her son told his friends that his mom was a cougar. Nice.
@TommyMac71: U.S.A.! U.S.A.! Though London has way more lap dance clubs than New York does.
@Anonymous #2: Women are NOT obsolete at 40, EXCEPT in Hollywood. And from what I've seen of "Cougar Town," it is not about glorifying women of a certain age but making them appear silly and/or desperate.
That was one of the unfunniest trailers I have ever seen. I'll be joining you in NOT watching the show, J!
The positive connotation for MILF and the negative connotation for cougar are, not surprisingly, based on male point of view, especially regarding the "predator/prey" relationship. It's OK if the male is the predator (as spelled out in the acronym) but not OK if the female is the predator.
(puts meerschaum pipe down)
Wonkette famously (and quite early on) referred to Sarah Palin as a GILF (Governor etc.), while MILF Island is a series brainchild of 30 Rock's Jack Donaghy.
I'm a cougar (and will never be a MILF) by demographic. Not interested in having a younger boyfriend. Occasional fling? Sure! Ugh, not looking for someone who is still working on his "potential". It is hard enough to find a well adjusted single guy in his 40's.
@marindenver, thank you for your support! I totally agree.
@Dave S., thank you for that deeply profound comment (and the DWTS update).
@EMM, then you're not really a cougar, by definition. Btw, I had no idea what a MILF was (not having seen American Pie) until someone referred to me as one, MANY years ago, before gravity took over. I was like, "I'm not a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front!" Then I looked it up. ; )
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