Podcasts > NPR's Book of the Day > In the new book 'Want,' Gillian Anderson collects other women's sexual fantasies

In the new book 'Want,' Gillian Anderson collects other women's sexual fantasies

By NPR (podcasts@npr.org)

NPR's Book of the Day podcast delves into Gillian Anderson's provocative new book "Want," an exploration of modern female sexuality inspired by the 1970s classic "My Secret Garden." The episode examines how "Want" replicates the anonymous format of its predecessor to capture the diversity of women's sexual fantasies and desires in the digital age, ranging from explicit forms like group sex and BDSM to an inner yearning for tenderness and authentic connection.

Anderson's discussion reveals the lingering shame and societal stigma surrounding female sexuality—a theme underscored by many contributors' admission that they wouldn't share their fantasies with partners. As the episode summary suggests, "Want" provides a revealing glimpse into the complexity of women's inner sexual lives and the courage required to explore such vulnerable terrain.

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In the new book 'Want,' Gillian Anderson collects other women's sexual fantasies

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In the new book 'Want,' Gillian Anderson collects other women's sexual fantasies

1-Page Summary

Origins of "Want" and Comparison to "My Secret Garden"

The book "Want" stemmed from curiosity about how female sexual fantasies have evolved since the 1970s classic "My Secret Garden." According to Gillian Anderson, a key inspiration, "Want" replicated the anonymous letter format of "My Secret Garden" to explore the impact modern media has had on women's inner sexual lives.

Diverse Fantasies and Desires

"Want" features an array of submissions, from group sex to BDSM, showcasing the complexity of female sexuality. Anderson notes many entries also expressed yearning for tenderness and authentic connection amid their explicit desires. To represent this diversity, the editors deliberately gathered perspectives across cultures.

Lingering Shame Around Female Sexuality

Despite aiming for openness, the discussions around "Want" revealed women's deep discomfort discussing their sexuality. Many contributors admitted they wouldn't share their fantasies with partners, underscoring Anderson's point about the persisting societal stigma and shame around female sexuality. Anderson herself found contributing anonymously challenging, highlighting the courage needed for such vulnerability.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The evolution of female sexual fantasies might not solely be attributed to modern media; other factors such as changes in societal norms, education, and increased dialogue about sexuality could also play significant roles.
  • The anonymous letter format, while it allows for privacy and candidness, may also limit the depth of understanding regarding the context and personal experiences that shape individual fantasies.
  • The variety of fantasies presented in "Want" may not be fully representative of the broader female population, as the sample may be self-selecting and biased towards those willing to share their experiences.
  • Expressing a desire for tenderness and authentic connection might not be unique to female sexuality but rather a universal aspect of human sexual experience.
  • While the editors aimed to gather diverse perspectives, there may be inherent biases or gaps in representation due to the methods of collecting these stories or the demographics of the respondents.
  • The discomfort in discussing sexuality openly could be influenced by a variety of cultural, religious, or personal factors, and not solely by societal stigma or shame.
  • The reluctance to share fantasies with partners might reflect individual relationship dynamics or personal boundaries rather than a broad societal issue.
  • The challenge faced by Gillian Anderson in contributing anonymously could be more indicative of personal boundaries or the nature of celebrity rather than the general experience of all women.

Actionables

  • Start a personal journal to explore your own sexual fantasies and feelings about them, using writing prompts that encourage reflection on how media and culture have influenced your perceptions. This can be a private space where you can be honest with yourself without fear of judgment or stigma. For example, write about a fantasy and then delve into where you think it originated from—was it a book, a movie, a conversation? This exercise can help you understand your desires better and recognize any internalized shame or discomfort.
  • Engage in open, non-judgmental conversations with friends about the themes of complexity and diversity in female sexuality, using hypothetical scenarios to ease into the topic. You might say, "I read a story about someone who had this kind of fantasy; what do you think about it?" This approach can create a safe space for discussion, reduce stigma, and foster a sense of community and support.
  • Write a fictional letter to an imaginary confidant where you express your sexual desires and fantasies, as if contributing to a collection like "Want." This can be a liberating exercise that allows you to articulate your thoughts without the pressure of revealing your identity. Imagine the confidant as someone who is completely accepting and non-judgmental to encourage openness and honesty in your writing.

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In the new book 'Want,' Gillian Anderson collects other women's sexual fantasies

The origins and inspiration for the book "Want" and how it compares to a similar 1970s book

The book "Want" arose from a curiosity to explore the evolution of female sexual fantasies and desires since the 1970s, drawing direct inspiration from the classic "My Secret Garden."

The book "Want" aimed to explore how female sexual fantasies and desires have evolved since the 1970s classic "My Secret Garden"

The creators of "Want" embarked on an exploration to see if and how female sexual fantasies have changed in the decades since "My Secret Garden" was published. They were particularly curious about the impact of the constant presence of sex in modern media and the burgeoning porn industry on women's inner sexual lives and fantasies.

"My Secret Garden" from 1973 served as a key inspiration for the "Want" project

Gillian Anderson cited "My Secret Garden" as a significant inspiration for the "Want" project. Just as the 1973 book gathered women's sexual fantasies in a letter format, the creators of "Want" sought to replicate this anonymous, ...

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The origins and inspiration for the book "Want" and how it compares to a similar 1970s book

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The assumption that female sexual fantasies and desires have evolved significantly since the 1970s may not account for the possibility that core aspects of human sexuality remain constant over time.
  • The impact of modern media and the porn industry on women's sexual fantasies might be overstated, as individual differences can lead to a wide range of influences beyond just media consumption.
  • The methodology of collecting fantasies through an anonymous portal, while ensuring privacy, may also attract a self-selecting group of participants, which might not be representative of the broader female population.
  • The comparison between "Want" and "My Secret Garden" could be seen as an oversimplification, as the context and societal attitudes regarding female sexuality have changed, potentially affecting the way women articulate their fantasies.
  • The use of an anonymous, letter-based format, while replicating the approach of "My Secret Gar ...

Actionables

  • Start a personal journal to explore and document your own sexual fantasies, using prompts that challenge you to consider the influence of media and societal changes on your desires. This can be a private way to reflect on how external factors may shape your intimate thoughts, similar to how the participants in "Want" shared their experiences. For example, write about how a recent movie or book may have influenced your perception of romance and intimacy.
  • Engage in open, non-judgmental conversations with friends about the evolution of sexual fantasies, using cultural milestones from the 1970s to the present as discussion points. This can help you understand the diversity of sexual fantasies within your social circle and see the broader societal shifts in attitudes towards female sexuality. You might discuss how the portrayal of female characters in media has evolved and how this might relate to sexual fantasies.
  • Create a private, digital scrapb ...

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In the new book 'Want,' Gillian Anderson collects other women's sexual fantasies

The diverse range of sexual fantasies and desires expressed by the women who contributed to the book

The book features a wide array of submissions, including entries about group sex, BDSM, and other explicit scenarios

Anderson highlights the anthology "Want," which encompasses a spectrum of sexual fantasies and desires from its women contributors. The submissions run the gamut from group sex to BDSM, showcasing a breadth of explicit scenarios that evidence the complexity and variety of female sexuality.

Many of the submissions also expressed a strong desire for tenderness, intimacy, and being seen and loved for who the women are

Despite the explicit nature of many entries in "Want," an underlying theme that emerges across the narratives is a profound longing for tenderness, intimacy, and genuine recognition. The women yearn to be seen and loved authentically for who they are, underpinning their desires with a quest for emotional connection.

The book aimed to represe ...

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The diverse range of sexual fantasies and desires expressed by the women who contributed to the book

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The representation of a wide array of sexual fantasies, such as group sex and BDSM, might not be fully inclusive of all female sexual experiences, potentially overlooking more conservative or less common preferences.
  • While the book may aim to represent diverse female sexual experiences, it could still be subject to selection bias based on who chose to contribute and what the editors selected for inclusion.
  • The emphasis on tenderness, intimacy, and authentic love might inadvertently perpetuate the stereotype that women predominantly associate sex with love and emotional connection, which ma ...

Actionables

  • Explore your own desires by journaling to understand your personal spectrum of fantasies. Start by writing down thoughts and feelings about intimacy and desire without judgment or censorship. This can help you identify what you truly find appealing, which may range from the tender to the taboo. Reflect on these journal entries periodically to see if and how your desires evolve over time.
  • Communicate openly with a partner about exploring new facets of intimacy. Use a 'desire menu' where you both write down scenarios or aspects of intimacy you're curious about, then share and discuss them with each other. This can include anything from emotional needs to physical fantasies, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.
  • Educate yourself on the diverse expressions of ...

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In the new book 'Want,' Gillian Anderson collects other women's sexual fantasies

The continued shame, guilt, and reluctance many women feel about openly discussing their sexuality

Despite the advancements toward openness, the discussions around "Want" reflect the persistent discomfort and stigma that surrounds female sexuality in contemporary society. Contributors to the book reveal a deep-seated unease with sharing their sexual desires, even with their intimate partners.

Many women who contributed to "Want" expressed that they would never share their fantasies with their partners

Gillian Anderson points out that several contributors to "Want" have admitted that they would be unwilling to disclose their sexual fantasies to their partners. This sentiment underscores the ongoing struggle women face not only in their sexual expression but also in articulating their desires and needs more broadly in their lives.

This reveals the persistent societal stigma and shame that still surrounds female sexuality

The shame and guilt associated with women's sexuality, as evidenced by contributions to the book, indicate a societal issue where women's partners are not privy to their authentic sexual thoughts. It's an issue that continues to be pervasive, despite what many would think is an era of sexual openness and liberation, suggesting that many aspects of female sexuality remain under a veil of silence.

The creators of "Want" were ...

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The continued shame, guilt, and reluctance many women feel about openly discussing their sexuality

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While "Want" may reflect the experiences of some women, it may not represent the experiences of all women; there is diversity in how women feel about and discuss their sexuality.
  • The reluctance to share sexual fantasies with partners could also be influenced by personal boundaries or preferences, rather than solely societal stigma.
  • Some cultures and societies may have more progressive attitudes towards female sexuality, and generalizing the issue may overlook these variations.
  • The perception of stigma and shame might be changing with newer generations who may have different attitudes towards sexuality.
  • The challenges faced by public figures like Gillian Anderson in discussing sexuality may be amplified due to their public status, which might not reflect the experiences of women in general.
  • The existence of various platforms and communities that encourage open discussions about female sexuality suggests that there are already supportive spaces for these conversations, though they may not be mainstream.
  • The idea that women's partner ...

Actionables

  • Start a personal journal to explore and articulate your sexual desires in a private, pressure-free environment. Writing down your thoughts can help you understand and acknowledge them without fear of judgment. For example, dedicate a few minutes each evening to reflect on your feelings and desires, using prompts like "What I truly desire is..." or "I feel most connected to my sexuality when..."
  • Use anonymous online forums or apps designed for women to discuss sexuality to share and normalize conversations about sexual desires. Engaging in communities where anonymity is preserved can provide a safe space to express yourself without the fear of stigma. Look for forums that focus on female empowerment and sexual health, and share your experiences or questions to start a dialogue.
  • Practice expressing your desires through creative outlets like storytelling or ...

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In the new book 'Want,' Gillian Anderson collects other women's sexual fantasies

Gillian Anderson's personal role in the project and her own experience of contributing anonymously

Gillian Anderson, while being a well-known advocate for open conversations about sexuality and female pleasure, chose a unique approach in her involvement with the book "Want."

While Gillian Anderson is known for speaking openly about sexuality, she chose to contribute to "Want" anonymously

Anderson opted to contribute anonymously to "Want," a book that compiles the experiences of a diverse group of women regarding their sexuality. Her decision was rooted in the intention not to overshadow the communal aspect of the project. Rather than making the book about her own experiences, she recognized the importance of the collective voice of all women who submitted their stories and experiences for the project.

Anderson found the process of contributing her own anonymous submission to be very challenging, despite her public persona

Despite her outspokenness on the topic, Anderson found writing an anonymous letter to be a challenging endeavor. This difficulty shed light on the complexities ...

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Gillian Anderson's personal role in the project and her own experience of contributing anonymously

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While Anderson's anonymity is intended to prevent overshadowing others' contributions, one could argue that her celebrity status could have brought more attention to the project and highlighted the importance of the issues it addresses.
  • The decision to remain anonymous, though well-intentioned, might be seen as a missed opportunity to use her platform to challenge the stigma directly associated with women speaking out about their sexuality.
  • The difficulty Anderson faced in contributing anonymously could be interpreted as a reflection of the societal pressures that even empowered and outspoken women face, rather than solely the courage it takes to share such stories.
  • The anonymity aspect, while providing safety, might also perpetuate the notion that discussions about female sexuality should be ...

Actionables

  • You can explore the power of anonymity by writing your own personal story without attaching your name to it, then sharing it with a trusted friend or community online. This allows you to experience firsthand the freedom and challenges that come with anonymous expression, and understand the barriers that may prevent individuals from sharing openly under their own names.
  • Start a journal where you document your thoughts and feelings about societal expectations, particularly focusing on areas where you feel your voice is overshadowed. This practice can help you identify personal barriers and the collective voice you resonate with, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of platforms that allow for anonymous contrib ...

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