The Tamesis
“Do you want to have multiple children, or do you want to have one child that goes through the same thing as you, the only child that you can raise and protect?”
That’s the question Jason Bateman posed to Charli XCX on Monday’s episode. Less intelligenta podcast he collaborates with Sean Hayes and Will Arnett. In response, Charli is currently busy promoting her new documentary, nowand her soundtrack album for Emerald Fennell Wuthering Heights–be opposed to.
“I really don’t want to have kids,” she said, going on to explain that while her feelings “might change,” she’s not considering becoming a parent right now. “I like the fantasy of having a child, like naming it – that sounds fun – but I think that’s just a signal to me as to why I shouldn’t have a child, actually. [naming it] This feels like the coolest part. “
The conversation could have started there, but Bateman continued. He tells Charlie that his own wife didn’t always want children and suggests she “might find someone” who will change her mind.
“Well, I’m married,” Charlie replied. latitude!
Do I think Bateman actually cares if Charley ends up having a baby? No, not exactly; I think podcast chatter only brings out the worst in annoying men. But that’s exactly what’s frustrating about this exchange: For many women, family decisions are extremely important and personal, but they can easily become fodder for men, who don’t hesitate to dish out unsolicited advice once they’ve thought of it.
Of course, if Bateman had any familiarity with Charli’s work, he would probably know that she brilliantly tackled issues of growing older and starting a family on her culture-changing 2024 album boy. The song “I Think About It All the Time” describes the unique feeling, but all-too-common experience of seeing your friends step into new roles as parents and begin to question their own life decisions (“I went to my friend’s place and I met their kids for the first time…she was a radiant mother, he was a beautiful father…and now they both know these things that I didn’t know…”)—expressing the uncertainty, longing, and fear surrounding the question of whether to do this. Better to start a family than any podcast bro.
For decades, we have been accustomed to thinking about reproductive autonomy only when it comes to abortion. But the fact is, like the conversation between Charlie and Bateman Less intelligent It illustrates how few decisions women can make about their lives and bodies without a man’s leering gaze. At 32 years old, I have no idea if I want kids, or if I will want them in the future, or how I will organize my life to accommodate them one day. But I definitely know I don’t need a straight, cisgender white man’s condescending take on this topic. Charli and I will figure this out our own way, thank you very much!
