Stories by Mary Elizabeth Williams

Mary Elizabeth Williams is a staff writer for Salon and the author of "Gimme Shelter: My Three Years Searching for the American Dream." Follow her on Twitter: @embeedub.             subscribe to Mary Elizabeth Williams's feed

Hollywood's Real-Life Hunger Games

Posted on: Nov 17, 2012, Source: Salon

Jennifer Lawrence — a "fat actress" — refuses to starve herself, while Anne Hathaway gets even skinnier for a part.

Network Splits With Actress Over Gluten: Is Celiac a Real Malady or a Dietary Choice?

Posted on: Oct 24, 2012, Source: Salon

The reactions to Jennifer Esposito’s story can be neatly divided between those who empathize and those who think this is some spoiled actress’s crazy diet issue.

The War On 12-Year-Old Girls

Posted on: Oct 21, 2012, Source: Salon

An epidemic of high-profile trolling is a testament to how pathological misogyny is — and how early it begins.

Inside the Mind of a Serial Rapist

Posted on: Jul 29, 2012, Source: Salon

A discussion thread on Reddit asked members if any of them had ever committed sexual assault. One response in particular stood out.

Stop Calling it a Sex Scandal

Posted on: Jul 1, 2012, Source: Salon

Dear media: Learn the difference between abuse and sex -- otherwise, you're sensationalizing violence and rape

Exposing "The Invisible War" on Women in the Military

Posted on: Jun 27, 2012, Source: Salon

A new documentary shows how the military has, across the board and in every branch, failed to protect its members from sexual assault.

Bring on the Gay Boy Scouts

Posted on: Jun 10, 2012, Source: Salon

A new challenge sheds light on a horribly outdated policy. It's time for the Scouts' exclusionary rules to end.

No, Bill O'Reilly, Glee Will Not Make Your Kid Transgender. And So What if It Does?

Posted on: Apr 22, 2012, Source: Salon

Transgender people take an overwhelmingly disproportionate amount of abuse and harassment. That's why it's awesome when they're depicted positively on TV.

When Bullies Go To Work

Posted on: Mar 8, 2012, Source: Salon

The hidden epidemic of workplace mistreatment affects over a third of workers -- and is hurting us all.

Ellen Stands Up to Right-Wing Gay Bashing Group

Posted on: Feb 9, 2012, Source: Salon

"One Million Moms" is angry JC Penny is sticking by Ellen, their spokesperson. Ellen had some choice words for them in return.

Son of New York Police Commissioner Accused of Rape, Media Smears Alleged Victim

Posted on: Jan 31, 2012, Source: Salon

A prominent New York TV anchor is accused of rape -- but the tabloids smear the accuser. What's so dismaying about the coverage is how pathetically typical it is.

Should Teens be Screened for Drug Use?

Posted on: Nov 7, 2011, Source: Salon

Pediatricians call for drug screening for teens, but doctors' lectures may be more drug "education" for teens to ignore.

Condomless Sex With Ashton Kutcher? Why Are Young People Becoming So Cavalier About Unsafe Sex?

Posted on: Oct 12, 2011, Source: Salon

A woman's boasts about their condom-free tryst demonstrates a dangerous new attitude about protection.

$39,000 For a Backpack? Luxury Items Flying Off the Shelves

Posted on: Oct 7, 2011, Source: Salon

If you wanted to sum up what people mean when they toss around phrases like “class war” and “the 99 percent” you might put it all down to this: $39,000 backpacks. Sold out.

What's With Fall TV's Vagina Obsession?

Posted on: Sep 26, 2011, Source: Salon

For now, "vagina" is still the Voldemort of prime time, a word that has been unspoken for so long that it has a mystical, fearsome ability to shock.