Allow me to put on my Stephen Colbert glasses and freshly pressed suit for a moment:
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle newsletter and website Goop has gotten a lot of harsh criticism as of late. Whenever I see someone railing about Gwyneth’s over the top hydrotherapy hangover cure or her time saving techniques (multitask- return phone calls in the limo on the way to work! Genius!!!), I have to roll my eyes because you my dears are not her intended audience. Does Ms. Paltrow expect the “unwashed masses” to read, get, or care about her advice for other affluent people? No, I seriously doubt it. *pulls glasses away to look at reader down nose*
And please don’t bother commenting and saying,” I’m affluent and I don’t appreciate it.” You probably have a whole different subset of values at play, and that’s fine. Just like it’s fine for someone to want nice things and advise others where to find them. You might think it reeks of pretension, but it may be music to the ears of some. *whispers* Sweet, sweet violin music played by diapered cherubs.
I see the criticism directed at Gwyneth’s enthusiasm for living well (and by living well I really mean “livin’ large” ) as just another sign of the times. Capitalism is out. And if capitalism is out, then celebrating materialism and being able to treat yourself to a couture wardrobe or give a recommendation for an unconventional spa treatment at the top peak of Mount Kilawhatever to your intended audience (other affluent types) is super out. It is no longer cool or acceptable to proudly proclaim that we are material girls living in a material world. And that makes me a sad, sad capitalist. Capitalism is the new communism. And just like Hollywood types dealt with the fear of being blacklisted as pinkos in the 50s, the new millennium is bringing a set of similar but also not similar in the least concerns for the current generation of superstars.
*Takes Off Stephen Colbert Suit* *Puts on Johnny Was Dress and Sensible Shoes*
Gwyneth has earned her money and affluence. She has also earned how she chooses to spend or share it. Sure she opens herself up to criticism by sharing her wisdom on Goop, but I for one was excited when I first heard about the site. I have always been fascinated by the rich and famous. I want to know where they get the haute couture, who delivers the pre-prepared macrobiotic meals, and what spa treatments they recommend for a hangover. Goop is a fascinating look into a life I may never have. But ya know what? I think it would be pretty cool to walk in her Yves Saint Laurents for a day or two. But only a day or two. Gwyneth’s life seems like it would be a lot of work. I’m too lazy to be that high maintenance.
Wife Life is a column by Mandy aka The Well-Read Wife. She publishes it twice monthly or whenever she feels like ranting about something non book related.
