About this episode
In this episode, Ellie and David explore the cultural and evolutionary significance of butts, discussing various historical and contemporary perspectives.
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit overthinkpod.substack.com Bottom, rump, booty, fanny, tush, and derriere! In episode 171 of Overthink, Ellie and David talk about butts. Why do humans have bigger rear ends than other animals? Why are butts often seen as a site of aversion? And is anal sex a metaphor for the universe? They discuss the evolutionary history of butts, how the music industry helped normalize bigger butts, and how the exploitation of Sara Baartman in the 19th century is part of a larger story about the sexualization of black women. In the Substack bonus segment, your hosts talk about Marquis de Sade’s discussion of anal sex and appeals to nature in justifications of human sexual practices. Works Discussed: Georges Bataille, “The Solar Anus” Leo Bersani, “Is the Rectum a Grave?” Janell Hobson, “Venus in the Dark: Blackness and Beauty in Popular Culture” Dinah Holtzman, “Ass You Lick It: Bey and Jay Eat Cake” Sadiah Qureshi, “Displaying Sara Baartman, the ‘Hottentot Venus’.” Heather Radke, Butts: A Backstory Christopher Wallner et al, “Interethnic Influencing Factors Regarding Buttocks Body Image in Women from Nigeria, Germany, USA and Japan”
People in this episode
Hosts: Ellie, David
Topics covered
- evolutionary history
- body image
- sexualization
- cultural perceptions
- music industry influence
- historical exploitation
Keywords
- butts
- evolution
- sexuality
- cultural history
- body image
- Sara Baartman
- music industry
- anal sex
- philosophy
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: The Solar Anus, Is the Rectum a Grave?, Venus in the Dark: Blackness and Beauty in Popular Culture, Ass You Lick It: Bey and Jay Eat Cake, Displaying Sara Baartman, the ‘Hottentot Venus’, Butts: A Backstory, Interethnic Influencing Factors Regarding Buttocks Body Image in Women from Nigeria, Germany, USA and Japan
More episodes of Overthink
- 176. Attention (Extended) · June 2, 2026 · 1 min
- 175. Coolness (Extended) · May 26, 2026 · 1 min
- 174. Climate Action with Kyle Whyte (Extended) · May 19, 2026 · 1 min
- Chat with Overthink & Dr. Laura Basu · May 14, 2026 · 58 min
- 173. Theft (Extended) · May 12, 2026 · 1 min
- 172. Closer Look: Fanon, Wretched of the Earth (extended) · May 5, 2026 · 4 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Overthink podcast page.