Exploring Morality through a Tale of a Lone Mother on OnlyFans: What Defines 'Decent'?
In a narrative penned by Rufi Thorpe entitled "Margo's Financial Struggles" featured in her latest novel, we meet Margo Millet, a woman finding herself in dire financial straits following a brief fling with her English professor. Her solution? She opts to create adult content on OnlyFans to sustain herself.
This intriguing piece, set for an upcoming Apple TV+ series, delves into the complexities of morality and self-perception. Can we determine right from wrong, or is this decision up to the individual? As readers follow Margo's journey, they witness herbold choices as she struggles to survive in her predicament.
Thorpe shared her thoughts on these topics in an interview with CNN, questioning "How do you determine if you're a good person when you've begun exhibiting behaviors like showing explicit content online that may disapprove of you by many?" She emphasizes this as an assertion of personal autonomy in one's life.
The reader is left to ponder if Margo's decisions make her a morally questionable individual. As CNN explored these themes with Thorpe, they discussed the blurred lines of internet fame, sex work, and societal norms.
The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
With the current cultural discourse revolving around internet popularity and sex work, what prompted you to spotlight this subject in your writing?
The prevalent cultural stigma surrounding sex work in our society intrigued me. Combined with the romanticized image of motherhood, I pondered how I could sensibly portray a sex worker mother character.
During the pandemic, several comedians I followed on social media started OnlyFans accounts due to the loss of their live performances. The platform surged in popularity with a remarkable rise in user count, from 20 million to 120 million, during that first year. People seemed less judgmental about the platform.
This period offered an opportunity to scrutinize the origin of the stigma and have an open discussion about it.
Part of it also stems from the ease of online content sharing. There's less personal risk involved.
The absence of physical risk plays a significant role in reducing the stigma. Much of the discrimination against sex work is due to fear that personal safety could be compromised. However, when the risk is reduced or nonexistent, it raises questions about the basis for the stigma. Some argue that if the work was legal and safer, the stigma would disappear.
In the book, there's a dialogue between Margo and the baby's father, who accuses her of being a porn star. Margo responds, "Is that so bad?" Do you believe that this form of work is becoming more accepted or normalized?
I do think that our culture is becoming more sexually open-minded, both in terms of tolerance for sexual behavior and the positive impact it has on individual liberation, safety, and freedom.
Mark, the father, raised concerns about Margo's association with people in the sex industry, suggesting a tarnished reputation that nearly borders on Victorian morality. As sex work becomes more common, it becomes increasingly evident that such arguments are antiquated and vague.
The exponential growth of people, especially young women, participating in OnlyFans makes it hard to imagine that they'll face long-term employment repercussions for their past involvement in this realm. As these prejudices fade, it will naturally lead to greater acceptance and normalization.
The boundary between traditional forms of sex work and more mainstream activities on platforms like OnlyFans is increasingly blurred. Selling intimate photos, for example, could be considered sex work, but some may argue otherwise.
There's a wide array of content on OnlyFans, from intense workout videos to accounts featuring people making smoothies while naked. It's not always as straightforward as labeling it as pornography.
At the same time, there are independent porn performers who create content just with their partners, abiding by their own set of rules and standards, shattering traditional stereotypes. There are also unusual cases, such as individuals who represent themselves as Sims, accepting virtual fruits as payment.
Transitioning to a different topic, I felt a recurring theme in the book was the notion that people are not always what they seem to be. Would you agree that everyone has the potential to be a good person and deserve good things?
I absolutely agree that beneath the surface, people can be more complex than they initially appear. The book underscores the idea that everyone deserves kindness and compassion, regardless of their circumstances or past choices. The barometer for goodness lies within each individual, and it's crucial to recognize that people can change and grow, capable of embracing positive attributes and making better decisions for themselves and others.
Initially, my motivation for writing was to explore and grasp the logic behind moral judgments. I'm intrigued by individuals who perform good and bad acts, possessing both commendable and questionable traits. This theme forms the basis of my work.
The book is heavily emphasizes asserting control over one's own narrative, specifically addressing female empowerment. I aimed to present a story about a woman who realizes that she has a wider spectrum of choices beyond the binary of good girl and bad girl. Each choice might not offer enough flexibility to live life fully. One must make independent decisions and safeguard their interests.
Unfortunately, our society carries a significant amount of sexism, making it challenging for women to achieve true empowerment while adhering to rigid "Good Girl" expectations. Maternal experiences have further proven this, as everyone seems to have an opinion on how a woman should raise her child, leaving her feeling continually criticized.
Breastfeeding is either too long or insufficient, sleep training is either necessary or harmful, and the endless debates known as the Mommy Wars are, frankly, crazy. One cannot satisfy everyone, and constantly reacting to others' opinions won't bring about self-realization. Instead, one must identify their desires and aspirations, accept that not everyone will approve, and take action accordingly.
The book sparked a fierce bidding war even before being released, eventually landing on Apple TV+ with Elle Fanning and Nicole Kidman set to star. This was entirely unprecedented, leaving me in a state of confusion since other endeavors never attracted such attention.
Before the book was out, it triggered a furious bidding war. It'll now be on Apple TV+, starring Elle Fanning and Nicole Kidman. What was that experience like for you?
It was unbelievable, truly overwhelming. I initially found myself wondering what was happening, as a small company was initially interested in optioning the book for a movie adaptation, just like with "Knockout Queen." Being thrust into the spotlight without any industry knowledge was a daunting experience.
I adored Elle for the role, and I couldn't believe she narrated the audiobook. Her performance was outstanding, and I am simply in awe. There's even a scene from "The Great" that inspired some parts of the novel. In the first season, Fanning's character, Catherine the Great, decides she has more options rather than killing herself when faced with difficulties. This moment resonated with me, symbolizing the realization of agency that had previously gone unnoticed.
I had the opportunity to have a Zoom meeting with Elle Fanning. Despite battling a large lip zit, I couldn't hide my excitement as I shared my admiration for her performance and the role she played in inspiring the novel.
What do you think makes this story so captivating in the current climate?
People have pointed out the kindness shown towards the characters in the book. In a world where we often witness rich individuals engaged in grotesque or depraved behavior, such as "White Lotus" or "Succession," this novel offers something unique. While it doesn't shun away from the darkness, the story is heartwarming, and readers develop affection and admiration for the protagonist, Margo.
Our culture occasionally finds pleasure in watching rich people acting immorally. Your book seems to buck that trend.
Indeed, watching the wealthy act improperly is an age-old narrative. However, I believe that people tire of seeing affluent characters behave negatively, and they crave an underdog to support. This creates a shift in taste, and the pendulum may swing back and forth.
Rather than watching the ultra-rich engage in scandalous behavior, we are now cheering for a single mother dealing with financial struggles?
Exactly, the cantankerous underdog.
What are the messages you hoped readers would take from the novel?Empowerment, self-discovery, and the realization of one's potential for agency form the core of the messages I hoped readers would take away from the novel. I want them to understand that they have the power to control their narratives and make meaningful choices in their lives, regardless of societal expectations. With a sense of purpose and self-belief, they can navigate challenges and achieve greatness, much like the book's protagonist, Margo.
Here are my two perspectives: Firstly, there were some films from my childhood that stirred up a sense of empowerment within me, being a woman. I'm talking about a movie that only aired on TV, repeatedly, named "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken," featuring a gal who performs horse stunts into barrels of water as a sideshow act. As a kid, I was utterly captivated by this movie, or also "Bad Girls" with Drew Barrymore - it was a film about female cowboys. By the end, you feel like a boss, thinking, "I'm going to grow up and be a tough, empowered woman." I aimed to stimulate those feelings in the reader.
Secondly, I don't claim to have solutions for humanity or society. My concerns revolve around compassion and understanding in dealing with others. conventional punishment methods seem ineffective. For instance, consider the opioid crisis, where addiction could be in your very own family. It sparks questions about how we perceive those struggling with addiction and whether it's right to punish them.
With the opioid crisis, it's not far-fetched anymore - it's relatable, happening in your neighborhood. Instead of movies like "Trainspotting," where addiction is portrayed as distant and unrelated, addiction could be your aunt's struggle with her shoulder surgery meds.
So, I hope the reader will leave deliberating on these issues freshly, questioning what the best course of action should be. It may not be about judgment or punishment alone. More exploration might be necessary to confront these challenges.
