It’s been ten years since Gwyneth Paltrow naturopathically brewed and water-birthed the expensive wellness brand, Goop.
In that decade, poking fun at Goop’s expense has become something of an international pastime on social media – a pastime that I am not above partaking in with glee.
It’s not that I’m against flogging overpriced sex dust to squillionaires, or that I feel that the bourgeoisie should stymie their desires for $15,000 vibrators. No, I like ragging on Goop because, well, it’s just so damn fun to talk about these whimsical products, their lofty therapeutical claims, and their mythical buyers!
My imaginary Goop target demographic.
However, not everyone is happy for Gwyneth and her organic chums to make up potentially harmful, health advice for the masses.
Of course, they’re not all harmful (aside from causing minor injury to the pride of the user). Some of Goop’s claims have been simply plain ridiculous.
For example, last year, after offering their subscribers a unique chance to part with $120 for some “Bio-Charged Healing Stickers” which they claimed used NASA technology to “rebalance the energy frequency in our bodies.”
Stickers, people – stickers.
NASA wasn’t all too keen to have their brand nestled against the healing herb pedalling Goop. In fact, Mark Shelhamer, a former chief scientist at NASA’s human research division, told Gizmodo: “Wow … what a load of BS this is.”
The Goblin King knows what’s what.
So, to avoid Goop being accused of possibly duping the public, Gwyneth and her Goop crew are now on the hunt for an experienced fact-checker.
In an interview with Taffy Brodesser-Akner at New York Times Magazine, Gwyneth explained this move as a “necessary growing pain.”
So, naturally, Goop’s advice of swapping out your sriracha sauce with turmeric or ginger to combat pain doesn’t also cover the pain of having false claims called out in the media.
Mark it zero!
Jokes about “shamanic energy medicine practitioners,” “the benefits of coffee enemas,” and “jade eggs for your yoni” aside; it’s rad to see GP and her Goop crew taking a positive step towards better informing their readers.
Here in Australia, ABC’s Fact Check department was nearly shut down as part of recent budget cuts… which would have left Aussie pollies wide open to make any claims they want, with no one in the media armed-enough to fact check said claims – just in time for election season.
So, you can see why fact-checkers are important, which is why – while I’m still happy to poke fun at expensive dildos, snake oil and sex dust – it’s great to see someone placing (some) importance on the facts.
I can only hope it catches on as quickly as the next fad diet, and the rest of the wellness industry is watching.
Just the facts, please, just the facts.