Part 4/9:

The debate taps into broader themes of gender and ageism. Supporters argue that society often scrutinizes women for embracing their sexuality later in life, whereas men's expressions of sexuality rarely face similar judgment. The question arises: would a man of Dolly’s age be expected to dress conservatively? The general consensus appears to be that societal double standards are persistent, and Dolly’s choices are often condemned more harshly because she is a woman.

This theme extends into discussions of Hollywood’s historical conservatism—most celebrities in past generations kept their opinions private to navigate the powerful industry landscape. Today, some believe that openness and self-expression should be normalized, regardless of age or societal expectations.