Butts: A Backstory

We all have one, whether we hate it or not. Women especially are judged by their butts. While some consider theirs too big, and others too small, for the most part, the subject of butts has been taboo. In this delightful listen, Radke (contributing editor and reporter at WNYC’s Radiolab) delves into the history and changing significance of backsides. Over the span of nearly 200 years, the butt has gone from something to be ogled to something to celebrate, at least as far as celebrity culture is concerned. Emily Tremaine brings sincerity and humor to her narration of Radke’s exploration of butts, which includes scientific information as well as social commentary. Radke examines the ways in which race has played into the large butt’s acceptance and rejection, helping to shape cultural norms. She also looks at the ways in which butts have been reclaimed by society in recent years, starting first with Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” and continuing through the mid-2010s with the Kardashians and Miley Cyrus.