Press Play with Madeleine Brand
California Women in Office, 'Girls and Sex', and a Manson Family Check-In
The number of women in political office in California is going down. But why? Plus, a conversation with author Peggy Orenstein about her new book, Girls and Sex.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenThere are fewer women in office in California now than there were ten years ago. Is the pipeline broken? And the way we talk to teen girls about sex needs an update according to author Peggy Orenstein. Her new book, Girls and Sex talks frankly about the private lives of girls and young women. Then, Manson Family member Leslie Van Houten was recommended for parole this week. A reporter who covered her trial weighs in on whether Van Houten should get out of jail. Finally, our weekly roundup of new releases including The Jungle Book and Barbershop: The Next Cut.
Image: Sen. Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein at Boxer's victory rally on election night, Nov. 2, 2010 (Hillel Aron)
In this episode
4 storiesWomen in Politics
After the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill hearings in the early nineties, an unprecedented number of women ran for public office. Has that enthusiasm waned? Let’s look at California. There are 120 state lawmakers in Sacramento and about a quarter of them are women. But it looks like that number will shrink after the next election.
Read the story13 min'Girls and Sex'
Teenage girls are more empowered today than ever before. They’re told they can do whatever boys can do. They’re encouraged to study science and math, to become designers, athletes, artists or entrepreneurs. They’re told to be proud of who they are and to take control of their own lives. But what about their private lives -- their sex lives?
Read the story15 minShould Leslie Van Houten Go Free?
After nearly a half century in prison, Manson Family murderer Leslie Van Houten may be set free. The parole board recommended freedom yesterday. It was her 20th appearance before the board. Van Houten was convicted of killing Leno and Rosemary LaBianca - a couple who lived in Los Feliz. She, Charles Manson and two others left a grisly scene.
Read the story9 minMovie Reviews: 'The Jungle Book' and a New 'Barbershop' Movie
There’s a remake, a sequel and a musical flick at the movies this weekend. We have reviews of The Jungle Book , Barbershop: The Next Cut and the musical coming-of-age flick Sing Street .
Read the story15 min
