Let’s Hear it for the GIRLS
Published: Friday, March 1, 2013
Updated: Friday, March 1, 2013 14:03
I hate when people talk about TV. Seriously people, stop doing it. But I will make an exception for one little show that I obsess over just as much as I obsess over Inhouse Coffee and Main Reading Room tables in Dinand (sidebar: people, leave them open for the big girls, please). Meet Lena Dunham. Just a year ago, she was a stringy-haired aspiring writer freshly cranked out of a small liberal arts college (sound familiar yet?). But, then entered GIRLS, her HBO show that as an overwhelming overnight success, snagged her a slew of big awards, and a Rolling Stone cover hot off the presses. Dunham is rewriting the book of what it means to be a 20 something, and that’s the truth. Sure, most girls on this campus don’t wear ill-fitting rompers or have a mural of fairy tale illustrations across their back, but Dunham and her characters are undeniably relatable. Let’s digress (and if you haven’t seen the show, put down this paper, go do it, and then get back to me because you just won’t understand).
Lena Dunham’s character, Hana, is a dumpling-like, oblivious dreamer. She simply wants to feel it all and will show you everything until she does so. She is played by the writer and creator of the show so she is undeniably played to a t. Next is Marnie, I would argue there are a lot of Marnies at this school, so listen up! She is driven, has good hair, doesn’t need no man, and wants to run the show… always. I’m still warming up to Marnie because she’s so freaking skinny though. Shoshanna is the lackey of the bunch, she’s young, still at NYU. She is wound up so tight it hurts, but is painfully funny to watch. And last is Jessa. My fave. Sorry ladies and gents, dibs on this girl to be my crack spirit guide. She’s the coolest and worldliest, she is like a mermaid but with a better vocabulary for curse words.
And, hopefully I haven’t lost you by now guys, but this is a message to the boys. It’s not just for GIRLS. I’m not saying go watch this with your dad anytime soon. Seriously, don’t. But, men should be open to Dunham’s world of selfish chaos and funky outfits that encompass a true girl. Some have equated this as a 20-something Sex and the City, which I can see; great clothes, great music, New York, and a lot of sex.
But, I would say that (especially in this season) we see extremely complex characters that anyone can relate to in this existential crisis we call life. And don’t think you can escape; the Girls are slowly coming to Holy Cross. Professor Theresa McBride tactfully cited Dunham at this year’s Aptissimi Leadership conference in her keynote speech (props Professor McBride!) and there are more mumblings around campus about the show every week. Every girl (and boy) at this school needs to know that sometimes it’s fine to dance on your own a little bit, and that everyone has baggage, and GIRLS helps us come to grips with that (or just gives us guy characters to love-hate and parties to salivate over). But, you be the judge and check it out next Sunday because when you love somebody you don’t have to be nice all the time.
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