Pop Culture: Lana Del Ray & The Feminist Movement [@LanaDelRay] + [@Beyoncé] +[@NickiMinaj] & More

Lana Del Ray Believes That Feminism Is Not For Women Like Her.

Lana Del Rey had a “question to the culture” early last week. In an Instagram post, the pop singer wrote: “Now that Doja Cat, Ariana, Camila, Cardi B, Kehlani and Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé have had number ones with songs about being sexy, wearing no clothes, f\*cking, cheating, etc. — can I please go back to singing about being embodied, feeling beautiful by being in love even if the relationship is not perfect, or dancing for money — or whatever I want — without being crucified or saying that I’m glamorizing abuse??????” 

Her statement came at a time where Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, and Megan Thee Stallion made Billboard 100 history by becoming the first Black women to hold the No. 1 and 2 spots. This introduction to her statement immediately sparked outrage and the court of public opinion called for the pop singers’ immediate cancellation.

The Grammy-nominated singer who has been lauded for her old Hollywood nostalgia aesthetic seems to wonder why she can’t get any recognition for her work. She continues to say in her post, “ “I’m just fed up with female writers and alt singers saying that I glamorize abuse when in reality I’m just a glamorous person just singing about the realities of what we are all now seeing are all very prevalent emotionally-abusive relationships all over the world”. She says. “I’m not not a feminist — but there has to be a place in feminism for women who look and act like me.” And here is where the problem is. 

Lana says that she is one of many women like her who are “slated mercilessly for being their authentic, delicate selves”. Which isn’t very true, is it?  Since, society has made plenty of space for white women like Lana to be “delicate” and “vulnerable” and it is why among women, they are the most protected in society. From media to popular culture, the very representation of white women has constantly been on the opposite spectrum of black women. Whilst white women are presented as ‘soft’ and ‘delicate’. Black women have been ‘tough’ and ‘aggressive’. Whilst both stereotypes are damaging to both groups, Lana has the ability to profit from one. Whilst black women suffer for the other. 

Part of the ongoing fight in feminism today is to free ourselves from gender expectations, whilst also ensuring that all the intersectional groups of feminism are also liberated. Whilst white women are fighting for gender rights, Black women are fighting for black and gender rights. So whilst Lana may not feel included in this new wave of feminism, it’s the women she used as an example in her post who are really doing the work to create spaces for women. Unlike Lana, they have not had the same privilege that she has and have been criticised much harsher than she. Although feminism is a movement that must continue to be questioned and challenged in order for it to progress. Lana Del Ray did not have to compare herself with black women to make her point.

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