Florence Given

northernspaces · Jun 29, 2020

I loved Florence and still like her message but after seeing those tweets...

Her book was good but she is not the best writer. The style was jumbled and confused, with little sources so it was like she was just spouting her opinions because she likes the sound of her own voice. The illustrations are really cool though and I think it is a good book for younger teenage girls or people not versed in feminist theory as a beginner thing. Kind of disappointing for a follower like me though, because I thought she was a really informed activist but her opinions are all kind of basic and not researched? Like she has just formed most of them herself without reading the canon. She definitely does good work concerning BIPOC though.

HinchythetwattyGrinchy · Jun 29, 2020

northernspaces said:
I loved Florence and still like her message but after seeing those tweets...

Exactly the same as me! She is an influencer though and the most important thing to remember about these people are that they are NOT your friend. They only survive off making money off their followers. As you said, her illustrations were cool and I thoroughly loved them. As I said earlier, I wish I had this book years back as it’d have saved me going through so much shit mentally, physically & emotionally. I’ll definitely be saving this book aside for my daughter when she’s in her teens.

northernspaces · Jun 29, 2020

HinchythetwattyGrinchy said:
Exactly the same as me! She is an influencer though and the most important thing to remember about these people are that they are NOT your friend. They only survive off making money off their followers. As you said, her illustrations were cool and I thoroughly loved them. As I said earlier, I wish I had this book years back as it’d have saved me going through so much shit mentally, physically & emotionally. I’ll definitely be saving this book aside for my daughter when she’s in her teens.

Yes! We definitely have a culture of expecting celebrities and influencers to be exactly how they portrays themselves online/in interviews. It’s disappointing when that’s not the case. I’ll still follow her but I’ll just start taking what she says with a pinch of salt.

oczymlody · Jun 30, 2020

Tintin93 said:
I knew it. She is so obviously full of shit and she’s so narcissistic it’s not even empowering. Everyone who worships her are mugs.

I can’t stand her. Never have been able to. Telling women who are triple her age ‘dump him hun’... based on what? I have no idea.

Kellbert_ob · Jul 4, 2020

Women don't owe you pretty, but here's multiple pictures of me looking perfectly groomed and conventionally attractive with my 'right/left tit' out.

Unfollowed her after 2 days - obviously as narcissist as all the other influencers she claims to be so radically different from. Sick of seeing this self obsessed crap wrapped in a 'feminism' bow.

lushstudent · Jul 4, 2020

I actually really like Florence and enjoy her content, but I can see why she isn't people's cup of tea. I think those tweets definitely show a side to her that she hasn't really spoken about, but then why would she? I don't think it's impossible to change, I know I hated the person I was at school but I'm working on changing and becoming a better person. She does talk about how she is conventionally attractive and I think that's important - she's gained recognition because her opinions are more digestible than a fat, trans, black woman and Florence recognises this. Her book is great as an introduction to self-reflection and the very basics of feminism, but there are far greater books that are genuine introductions to feminism and I don't think she or others should promote her book as a 'feminist book' more of a guide to changing your behaviour and thoughts.

oczymlody · Jul 4, 2020

Kellbert_ob said:
Women don't owe you pretty, but here's multiple pictures of me looking perfectly groomed and conventionally attractive with my 'right/left tit' out.

Unfollowed her after 2 days - obviously as narcissist as all the other influencers she claims to be so radically different from. Sick of seeing this self obsessed crap wrapped in a 'feminism' bow.

Just have no words her her level of narcissism veiled in feminism. I feel like she’s very immature and young, and it shows.

elliealien · Jul 17, 2020

lushstudent said:
I actually really like Florence and enjoy her content, but I can see why she isn't people's cup of tea. I think those tweets definitely show a side to her that she hasn't really spoken about, but then why would she? I don't think it's impossible to change, I know I hated the person I was at school but I'm working on changing and becoming a better person. She does talk about how she is conventionally attractive and I think that's important - she's gained recognition because her opinions are more digestible than a fat, trans, black woman and Florence recognises this. Her book is great as an introduction to self-reflection and the very basics of feminism, but there are far greater books that are genuine introductions to feminism and I don't think she or others should promote her book as a 'feminist book' more of a guide to changing your behaviour and thoughts.

This! I listened to a podcast with her as a guest and she admits to the toxic group of girls she was friends with. She recognised that it was toxic and horrible, and she challenges it now. I haven't read the book and being honest, I hadn't heard of her until this week. I am a few years older and fuck me I went through horrendous plutonic relationships with other girls/women and I also acted in a way that was expressed from internal misogyny and I hold myself accountable now. Growing up, I felt like I was in competition with other girls and the older I've gotten, the more I see how damaging it was to myself, and others. I would love the awareness that women in their early 20's seem to have now when I was that age! I consider myself someone who is constantly trying to learn.

lmcn23 · Jul 22, 2020

elliealien said:
This! I listened to a podcast with her as a guest and she admits to the toxic group of girls she was friends with. She recognised that it was toxic and horrible, and she challenges it now. I haven't read the book and being honest, I hadn't heard of her until this week. I am a few years older and fuck me I went through horrendous plutonic relationships with other girls/women and I also acted in a way that was expressed from internal misogyny and I hold myself accountable now. Growing up, I felt like I was in competition with other girls and the older I've gotten, the more I see how damaging it was to myself, and others. I would love the awareness that women in their early 20's seem to have now when I was that age! I consider myself someone who is constantly trying to learn.

Was this the episode of adulting she was on? I really enjoyed it and I can definitely relate to being within a group of girls considered “popular” but constantly being the odd one out and doing anything you can to please them, including singling out others to take the heat off yourself. I think she has (hopefully) genuinely acknowledged and apologised for her mistakes in the past and is a different person now, as she is still v young and I think most people change a massive amount between their teens and twenties when you realise your toxic behaviours. Saying that, even if she is a fake, the message she puts out is still amazing and defo will be very helpful to young girls struggling to find their voice/realise that others’ actions are wrong!

elliealien · Jul 23, 2020

lmcn23 said:
Was this the episode of adulting she was on? I really enjoyed it and I can definitely relate to being within a group of girls considered “popular” but constantly being the odd one out and doing anything you can to please them, including singling out others to take the heat off yourself. I think she has (hopefully) genuinely acknowledged and apologised for her mistakes in the past and is a different person now, as she is still v young and I think most people change a massive amount between their teens and twenties when you realise your toxic behaviours. Saying that, even if she is a fake, the message she puts out is still amazing and defo will be very helpful to young girls struggling to find their voice/realise that others’ actions are wrong!

Totally agree, she is still so young and there is such a difference in every year of your life in my opinion. And yeah, the message she's putting out is great, but I really hope she doesn't get lost in reality under fame and worship and keeps evaluating and evolving herself.

oczymlody · Jul 23, 2020

elliealien said:
Totally agree, she is still so young and there is such a difference in every year of your life in my opinion. And yeah, the message she's putting out is great, but I really hope she doesn't get lost in reality under fame and worship and keeps evaluating and evolving herself.

Very young indeed.

Theplantmum · Jul 27, 2020

I have replied to a few of her questions recently (the ones on stories that can then been shared on her stories) and she NEVER shares them. I know that that sounds petty but I have a feeling that my opinion/POV isn't something she wants to share; as a straight, married mum in her 30s. I just don't find her inclusive.

hanbelle89 · Aug 3, 2020

Theplantmum said:
I have replied to a few of her questions recently (the ones on stories that can then been shared on her stories) and she NEVER shares them. I know that that sounds petty but I have a feeling that my opinion/POV isn't something she wants to share; as a straight, married mum in her 30s. I just don't find her inclusive.

I agree with this. I have read through most of her book and thought "Yeah, some of it is good", but it doesn't really sit at all well with me that she is basically using her past misdemeanours to basically say "Look at me; I'm a feminist!"

I appreciate that feminism isn't a one size fits all brand; I'm an Adidas trackie wearing bisexual femme in my 30s; but I don't find it comfortable watching Florence use feminism as a mouthpiece for her ill behaviour. I had to overcome years of school bullying to get through my education, and in that respect I don't really feel that her feminism speaks for me.

Theplantmum · Aug 4, 2020

hanbelle89 said:
I agree with this. I have read through most of her book and thought "Yeah, some of it is good", but it doesn't really sit at all well with me that she is basically using her past misdemeanours to basically say "Look at me; I'm a feminist!"

I appreciate that feminism isn't a one size fits all brand; I'm an Adidas trackie wearing bisexual femme in my 30s; but I don't find it comfortable watching Florence use feminism as a mouthpiece for her ill behaviour. I had to overcome years of school bullying to get through my education, and in that respect I don't really feel that her feminism speaks for me.

I'm sorry to hear that you were bullied. Such a horrible experience to go through x
Yeah, I find it bizarre that she doesn't want to share a wide range of opinions from different people. Surely it's important to have a variety of voices? Obviously not. She only seems interested in sharing the views that speak to her. I don't think it's fair representation. Maybe I'm too sensitive?

hanbelle89 · Aug 6, 2020

Theplantmum said:
I'm sorry to hear that you were bullied. Such a horrible experience to go through x
Yeah, I find it bizarre that she doesn't want to share a wide range of opinions from different people. Surely it's important to have a variety of voices? Obviously not. She only seems interested in sharing the views that speak to her. I don't think it's fair representation. Maybe I'm too sensitive?

You aren't sensitive at all

My feminism is very much class and politics based; I grew up going to an all girls' school myself until I was 14. I can only assume that FG's background is white middle class, a lot like most of the girls in my peer group back in the early 00s. Money = get away with what you want. No money (my parents were both nurses as opposed to doctors) = outcast.

I think having been a perpetrator of privileged behaviour FG tries to absolve herself of the guilt. I knew the Head Girl of my school, very arrogant, one of those drama school types. She came to me years later and told me that she had an ED. In fact so did another; but she did genuinely say sorry as she came from a very broken home. The thing is that FG imho has a lot of privilege. It took me years to unpack my own as a feminist; but most of it was down to the people around me having not looked at theirs first, or not wanting to at all...

As for the bullying - yes, it has impacted on me in life a fair bit, but I try and look at myself a lot more kindly now

kinderbuen0 · Oct 23, 2020

Finally read a sample of her book and was interested in buying but decided to listen to her on a few podcasts first. Does anyone else think she sounds exactly like gracefit? Not just the actual voice but the way she talks and the words she uses. Tbh even a lot of the sentences as a whole. Sounded exactly like grace giving an interview about her career. Where everything is already rehearsed in her head (cos she’s done so many interviews) and constantly interrupts/nods in agreement. Sounds bad but it’s put me off a bit. Assumed she was posh and privileged but now I just think of grace.
It was the lalalaletmeexplain podcast btw. Never listened to Layla before so I dunno her either but was more interested in hearing what she had to say. Felt a bit weird with 21 yo Florence butting in all the time with her experience. Seemed kind of full of herself and like she knows everything.
Would anyone say it’s still worth the read? Or got any better recommendations.

oczymlody · Oct 23, 2020

kinderbuen0 said:
Finally read a sample of her book and was interested in buying but decided to listen to her on a few podcasts first. Does anyone else think she sounds exactly like gracefit? Not just the actual voice but the way she talks and the words she uses. Tbh even a lot of the sentences as a whole. Sounded exactly like grace giving an interview about her career. Where everything is already rehearsed in her head (cos she’s done so many interviews) and constantly interrupts/nods in agreement. Sounds bad but it’s put me off a bit. Assumed she was posh and privileged but now I just think of grace.
It was the lalalaletmeexplain podcast btw. Never listened to Layla before so I dunno her either but was more interested in hearing what she had to say. Felt a bit weird with 21 yo Florence butting in all the time with her experience. Seemed kind of full of herself and like she knows everything.
Would anyone say it’s still worth the read? Or got any better recommendations.

Sorry not being ageist, but you simply DO NOT have the life of experience at 21 for all this. Is she even 21?? My issue has always been that she acts so self assured and doesn’t even really know herself, and all the ‘get rid of your fella’ just because she doesn’t want that? It all screams of immaturity.

sugarytea · Oct 26, 2020

Tbh, I'm not a fan of hers. I get the impression she's well up her own butt.

I used to follow her but when she posted about copyrighting the font she uses for her art as 100% hers, that just pissed me off. That font is well known everywhere as derived from the 70s hippy era, like flo hon you were born in the 90s, thats not yours to claim

Also I find her whole attitude around not removing hair to be arrogant. Ive come across this new age of feminism before that implies you're a "better" feminist if you choose not to shave. Like hair removal is a personal choice, no one is better than anyone for having hairy armpits. Hell, you're certainly not a better feminist.

Edit: I forgot she's only 21 so late 90s/early 00s?

oczymlody · Oct 26, 2020

sugarytea said:
Tbh, I'm not a fan of hers. I get the impression she's well up her own butt.

I used to follow her but when she posted about copyrighting the font she uses for her art as 100% hers, that just pissed me off. That font is well known everywhere as derived from the 70s hippy era, like flo hon you were born in the 90s, thats not yours to claim

Also I find her whole attitude around not removing hair to be arrogant. Ive come across this new age of feminism before that implies you're a "better" feminist if you choose not to shave. Like hair removal is a personal choice, no one is better than anyone for having hairy armpits. Hell, you're certainly not a better feminist.

Edit: I forgot she's only 21 so late 90s/early 00s?

Totally agree. It is personal choice to shave / not shave. Just as many women see it as their choice to cover up for religious reasons or not cover up.
Haha I didn’t know she’d tried to copyright that font. How pathetic. I think Flo misses that feminism is CHOICE, if you choose to do something you shouldn’t be berated by some ‘woke’ online influencer.

northernspaces · Oct 26, 2020

sugarytea said:
Tbh, I'm not a fan of hers. I get the impression she's well up her own butt.

I used to follow her but when she posted about copyrighting the font she uses for her art as 100% hers, that just pissed me off. That font is well known everywhere as derived from the 70s hippy era, like flo hon you were born in the 90s, thats not yours to claim

Also I find her whole attitude around not removing hair to be arrogant. Ive come across this new age of feminism before that implies you're a "better" feminist if you choose not to shave. Like hair removal is a personal choice, no one is better than anyone for having hairy armpits. Hell, you're certainly not a better feminist.

Edit: I forgot she's only 21 so late 90s/early 00s?

Erm... have you read her book?? She has a whole section dedicated to not judging women on how good a feminist they are based on what they do. She specifically says dont judge other women for shaving/getting surgery etc.... Surprised to see someone agree with your take when thats what she speaks against in her book.

Florence Given

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