--- title: American Culture date: 2023-07-24T16:30:00-04:00 canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/topic/american-culture" section: Blog Categories --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [From the Archives of Our Bodies, Our Blog](/blog)# American Culture [## Our Doctors, Ourselves: Barbara Seaman and Popular Health Feminism in the 1970s](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/our-doctors-ourselves-barbara-seaman-and-popular-health-feminism-in-the-1970s)Read [A journalist who became an activist after covering "women's lib," Barbara Seaman played an huge role in the emerging women’s health movement. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/our-doctors-ourselves-barbara-seaman-and-popular-health-feminism-in-the-1970s) [![Barbara Seaman quote](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/our-doctors-ourselves-barbara-seaman-and-popular-health-feminism-in-the-1970s) [A journalist who became an activist after covering "women's lib," Barbara Seaman played an huge role in the emerging women’s health movement. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/our-doctors-ourselves-barbara-seaman-and-popular-health-feminism-in-the-1970s) [## Sexual Assault: A 21st Century Civil Rights Issue](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/sexual-assault-a-21st-century-civil-rights-issue)Read [As a teen activist, I’m taking on sexual assault because I believe it’s the most pressing civil rights issue my generation faces. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/sexual-assault-a-21st-century-civil-rights-issue) [![Not In Our School Screenshot](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/sexual-assault-a-21st-century-civil-rights-issue) [As a teen activist, I’m taking on sexual assault because I believe it’s the most pressing civil rights issue my generation faces. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/sexual-assault-a-21st-century-civil-rights-issue) [## Fat-Talk Nation: Why Fat Is Still A Feminist Issue](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/fat-talk-nation)Read [The "war on obesity" focuses far too little attention to the harms inflicted on individuals in the name of fighting fat. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/fat-talk-nation) [![C Vf Zo4l VAA Arl0 B](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/fat-talk-nation) [The "war on obesity" focuses far too little attention to the harms inflicted on individuals in the name of fighting fat. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/fat-talk-nation) [## "The Biggest Loser" Study and the Failure of Dieting](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-biggest-loser-and-the-failure-of-dieting)Read [The study confirms what weight researchers have known for a long time: for most people, dieting doesn’t lead to sustained, long-term weight loss. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-biggest-loser-and-the-failure-of-dieting) [![Brain](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-biggest-loser-and-the-failure-of-dieting) [The study confirms what weight researchers have known for a long time: for most people, dieting doesn’t lead to sustained, long-term weight loss. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-biggest-loser-and-the-failure-of-dieting) [## 3 Reasons Why You Should Care About Ditching the “Tampon Tax”](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/3-reasons-why-you-should-care-about-ditching-the-tampon-tax)Read [If you’re wondering why you should care about the "tampon tax" (aside from the absurdity of it all), here are 3 great reasons! ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/3-reasons-why-you-should-care-about-ditching-the-tampon-tax) [![Menstruation tax](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/3-reasons-why-you-should-care-about-ditching-the-tampon-tax) [If you’re wondering why you should care about the "tampon tax" (aside from the absurdity of it all), here are 3 great reasons! ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/3-reasons-why-you-should-care-about-ditching-the-tampon-tax) [## Women's History Makers: "Our Bodies, Ourselves"](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/womens-history-our-bodies-ourselves-featured-in-makers-documentary-on-pbs)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/womens-history-our-bodies-ourselves-featured-in-makers-documentary-on-pbs) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/womens-history-our-bodies-ourselves-featured-in-makers-documentary-on-pbs) [## Gabby Sidibe on What's Missing From Movies, Plus Organizations Making a Difference](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/gabby-sidibe-on-whats-missing-from-movies-plus-organizations-making-a-difference)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/gabby-sidibe-on-whats-missing-from-movies-plus-organizations-making-a-difference) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/gabby-sidibe-on-whats-missing-from-movies-plus-organizations-making-a-difference) [## The Health Cost of Black Women's Hair Products](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-health-cost-of-black-womens-hair-products)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-health-cost-of-black-womens-hair-products) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-health-cost-of-black-womens-hair-products) [## Judy Norsigian Joins the "The Body" Discussion at the Chicago Humanities Festival](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/judy-norsigian-chicago-humanities-festival)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/judy-norsigian-chicago-humanities-festival) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/judy-norsigian-chicago-humanities-festival) [## Selling Out Medicine: An Up-Close Look at the Pharmaceutical Industry's Influence on Medical Research](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/selling-out-medicine-an-up-close-look-at-the-pharmaceutical-industrys-influence-on-medical-research)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/selling-out-medicine-an-up-close-look-at-the-pharmaceutical-industrys-influence-on-medical-research) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/selling-out-medicine-an-up-close-look-at-the-pharmaceutical-industrys-influence-on-medical-research) [## The Politics of Fathering](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-politics-of-fathering)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-politics-of-fathering) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-politics-of-fathering) [## Reproductive Health: The Facts on Health Care Reform, Georgia and Lilith Fair (Yes, All of the Above)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/reproductive-health-the-facts-on-health-care-reform-georgia-and-lilith-fair-yes-all-of-the-above)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/reproductive-health-the-facts-on-health-care-reform-georgia-and-lilith-fair-yes-all-of-the-above) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/reproductive-health-the-facts-on-health-care-reform-georgia-and-lilith-fair-yes-all-of-the-above) [## List of Comparative Effectiveness Research Priorities Released](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/list-of-comparative-effectiveness-research-priorities-released)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/list-of-comparative-effectiveness-research-priorities-released) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/list-of-comparative-effectiveness-research-priorities-released) [## Double Dose: NOW to Elect New President; Celebrity Weight Battles & Alternative "Lessons From the Fat-O-Sphere"; "Nurse Jackie" Appalls Some Nurses; Barbara Ehrenreich on the Invisible Poor ...](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-now-to-elect-new-president-and-more)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-now-to-elect-new-president-and-more) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-now-to-elect-new-president-and-more) [## Uncovered: Quilts That Say More Than Sleep Well](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/uncovered-quilts-that-say-more-than-sleep-well)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/uncovered-quilts-that-say-more-than-sleep-well) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/uncovered-quilts-that-say-more-than-sleep-well) [## Yes Means Yes: Q&A With Lisa Jervis & Brad Perry](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/yes-means-yes-qa-with-lisa-jervis-brad-perry)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/yes-means-yes-qa-with-lisa-jervis-brad-perry) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/yes-means-yes-qa-with-lisa-jervis-brad-perry) [## Double Dose: More Proof Virginity Pledges Don't Work; Genetic Testing and Ambiguity; Cut Health Care Costs, Not Care; The Year in Medicine ...](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-more-proof-virginity-pledges-dont-work-genetic-testing-and-ambiguity-cut-health-care-costs-not-care-the-year-in-medicine)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-more-proof-virginity-pledges-dont-work-genetic-testing-and-ambiguity-cut-health-care-costs-not-care-the-year-in-medicine) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-more-proof-virginity-pledges-dont-work-genetic-testing-and-ambiguity-cut-health-care-costs-not-care-the-year-in-medicine) [## What Are You Doing Now That the Election is Over?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/what-are-you-doing-now-that-the-election-is-over)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/what-are-you-doing-now-that-the-election-is-over) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/what-are-you-doing-now-that-the-election-is-over) [## The Best and Worst Moments in Women's Health: What's Your Take?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-best-and-worst-moments-in-womens-health-whats-your-take)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-best-and-worst-moments-in-womens-health-whats-your-take) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-best-and-worst-moments-in-womens-health-whats-your-take) [## Census Bureau Releases New Report on American Women's Fertility](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/census-bureau-releases-new-report-on-american-womens-fertility)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/census-bureau-releases-new-report-on-american-womens-fertility) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/census-bureau-releases-new-report-on-american-womens-fertility) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)