The Substance is steeped in commentary on the relentless societal obsession with women’s appearances. The transformations induced by the substance amplify these pressures, making the characters’ bodies sites of both fascination and horror. Moore’s character struggles with losing control over her body and identity, which reflects the anxiety many women feel about their autonomy in a world that demands physical perfection.

The absence of the divine feminine in Western medicine is a pressing issue that deserves careful consideration. Addressing the demanding work hours, prioritizing the well-being of healthcare providers, and respecting the inner being of medical students are crucial steps toward creating a more holistic and compassionate healthcare system. By acknowledging the toxic elements of the patriarchy that have seeped into medicine and embracing the qualities of the divine feminine, we can move toward a more balanced and nurturing approach to healthcare—one that values both the health of the provider and the well-being of the patient.

One of the most pervasive ways in which the patriarchy fuels envy among women is through the imposition of unattainable beauty standards. The media and advertising industries often present a narrow and idealized image of beauty, leading women to feel envious of those who seemingly conform to these standards. Envy arises when women perceive themselves as falling short, either in terms of physical appearance or the resources required to achieve it, such as access to expensive beauty products or cosmetic procedures.

Over and over again, the patriarchy tries to disenfranchise women and other minorities. Who the minority groups are varies from country to country, but regardless, those in power wish to remain in power and as we’re seeing, they’ll do anything to stay in that position. Including detaining thousands of protestors and executing those who dare to defy their authority.

Frankly, sexy is very much in the eye of the beholder and not preordained, but I digress. For people who hold this belief that they aren’t sexy, there’s often fear and terror around their own sexuality – both exploring it and deepening it. However, that’s exactly what’s required to shift the paradigm of the patriarchy.

Paternity leave is good for everyone and yet when we have a public example of someone doing that in the U.S., he’s criticized for “taking a vacation.” As Buttigieg pointed out to NBC News, “When somebody welcomes a new child into their family and goes on leave to take care of that child, that’s not a vacation; it’s work. It’s joyful, wonderful, fulfilling work. But it is work.”

The behavior is a patriarchal one because the person is doing what society encourages them to do – push through and pay no attention to any feeling. In doing so, the person becomes not only disconnected from themselves, but also from a Higher Power, God, Goddess, Godx, Source, etc. Those divine energies are accessed via a more feminine approach and often through the body.

Teaching children accurate language increases safety and as those children grow they have more agency over their bodies. This can and does lead to more confidence and safety in intimate situations for adults. When safety and confidence are present, pleasure has the possibility of being more present than the feeling of anxiety. Anxiety and pleasure cannot coexist.