Mother Tongue, Issue 8

Mother Tongue is a biannual print magazine that interrogates (and celebrates) modern motherhood through inclusive stories about art, sex, pop culture, politics, food and a few things in between. It’s not about kids or how to parent them: it’s about the nuanced lives we are living—as mothers, and much more. The magazine is edited by co-founders Melissa Goldstein and Natalia Rachlin and designed by creative director Vanessa Saba.

In this issue:

In this issue we not only have grand visions for tomorrow, but we also look back: at history, nostalgia and childhood, as we think about what we choose to remember and what we wish we could forget. We look at the way women are treated (in the media, in the justice system, in the culture) and how narratives get twisted or taken over altogether; we revisit the idea of utopias, redefine sluttiness and discuss sex and intimacy in fascist times. Thankfully, we also swim in the Mediterranean, drink martinis and nourish ourselves with so-called blood porridge. We consider freedom (of thought and of personhood) and the domino effect of singular moments and impromptu decisions. We look at genetic engineering in the era of techbros, the myths of adulthood and the correct way to make hummus (according to any hardcore Lebanese grandma). We talk about so-called “women of ill repute” with Amanda Knox, and go down a transcendental meditation rabbit hole with writer Nina St. Pierre. Crucially, we also embrace the power of imagination with author Soraya Chemaly, who shares a feminist manifesto that rages against the male supremacy that shapes our world order.

This issue also features words and work by Tina Berning, Davvon Branker, Veronica Chambers, Sophie Douala, Melissa Febos, Hannah Felt Garner, Jillian Guyette, Kimberly Harrington, Victoria Hely-Hutchinson, Amanda Hess, Hillary Kelly, Amanda Knox, R.O. Kwon, Sheena Meade, Amanda Montei, Andrea Mortson, Annie Marie Musselman, Casey Niccoli, Farah Al Qasimi, Logan Randall, Vanessa Saba, Fenna Schilling, Noor Tagouri, Anja Tyson, Fiorella Valdesolo, Anaïs Wade, Connie Wang, Jessie Kanelos Weiner, Alexandra Welch.