Female Empowerment In Kesa

These perspectives hinge on intersectionality that seeks to assert Black female experiences as more than story and to interrogate the structures of power that aim to separate these expressions of knowledge from the center. These three texts focus on the experiences of Black women and question how we know these experiences, how we connect them to other experiences, and how structures of power have the ability for erasure or marginalization of this experience. These texts, with women at their core, give us insight into the Black female consciousness and its bearing on 21st-century Black literature and the knowledge surrounding

However, these minor advantages of being female don’t compensate for more significant disadvantages such as being more subject to sexual assault, more likely to live in poverty, and more likely to face job and salary discrimination (Wood & Fixmer-Oraiz, 2017). There is no question that women are devalued and mistreated especially in Western Cultures. Mac Miller has portrayed women to be the motivation of his album. The sole purpose of the album is that he is sharing the experiences he had with women and what it taught him about women. I analyzed that Mac Miller is relating women to the level of a God which he showcases that in the title of the album, The Divine Feminine. Mac Miller constructs the theme of women in his album to be seen as humans and not objects. In the few music videos that he produced for the songs “Cinderella”, “Dang” and “My Favorite Part”, the women that are casted are not dressed provocatively. Other music videos are simply Mac Miller in front of camera singing his music.

Zora Neale Hurston was one of many authors who left an impact on society, particularly black America. Hurston is a remarkable author who reflects her life in most of her writings. She was a writer during the Harlem Renaissance Era. After much success, she was acknowledged as “Queen of the Harlem Renaissance,” yet her literary work was not given proper recognition in the beginning because she chose to write things in a different perspective than the normal political mindset dealing with race. Hurston explored women empowerment and feminism in her writing. She developed very strong, resilient women, but these women were placed in a society where they had to submit, be ladylike, and

Even though it deviates from traditional patriarchal culture, women like men have sexual needs. The traditional sex script shows men as aggressive and women as passive. Yet, although viewed as negative, the Jezebel image shows women expressing their sexual needs and desires. The music group TLC and poet Maya Angelou popular culture expressions positively express women’s sexual needs. In one of their early songs “Ain't Too Proud to Beg”, TLC positively tells the story for African American women who are comfortable with expressing their sexual needs. They see it as natural and a given right to be participants in their sexual experience. In a more subtle tone, Maya Angelou poem, “Phenomenal Woman,” speaks about a women’s ability to attract men. The woman in Angelou’s poem is not hypersexual like the standard depiction of Jezebel; instead, she is confident with herself and her sexual needs. The notion of women’s sexuality is not negative or unholy. TLC and Maya Angelou both manage to express a positive reality of a long-standing negative impression of women’s sexuality in their popular culture

Tricia Rose mentions that female rappers including Salt “N” Pepa are implicitly or explicitly constructed as feminist voices in rap, yet they are, “…uncomfortable with being labeled feminist…” because feminism is a movement associated with white women and adapting an anti-male position (176). Although Salt “N” Pepa are frustrated with a patriarchy society, they do not show direct hate for men. Salt “N” Pepa simply illustrate that they are in command of their life’s. By stating, “…cuz I wear the pants, and you wear the dress…”, Salt “N” Pepa give themselves agency to identify as providers. These lines welcome young females to seek independence and liberate themselves from males who are oppressing them. Salt “N” Pepa continue by stating, “…and I'm gettin' ready for the year 2000/ Independent - yes, I'm housin'/Independent - yeah, now watch me/Independent - no one can stop me…”( Independent). These female rappers suggest that they are getting ready for a new year, which can be interpreted as a movement that welcomes women to part themselves from old ways that belittle their abilities. When Salt “N” Pepa’s lyrics state, “now watch me”, and, “no one can stop me”, they are inspiring women to not allow anyone to see them as objects. Salt “N” Pepa suggest that women do not have power if they do not have financial stability and therefore advocate women to seek jobs. For example, “I make my own money so don't tell me how to spend it/ Cuz you need me, and I don't need you”(Independent). These rappers imply that Independence will ultimately allow women mobility from relationships that do not work, as well as voices in a society dominated by

“In her song “Praying” she publicly forgives her abuser, and prays that he changes in to a better person; the same transformation that she prayed for herself.” (Kesha). In her song praying she is basically explains how she is forgiving her abuser, and she hopes he is somewhere else improving his choices and becoming a better person. Kesha recently came out with a new album that screams feminism. She talks about a lot of different things in each of her songs; most of them which are about staying strong and be the person that you want to be. In her song “Woman”, she talks about how amazing it is to be a women. "I have always been a feminist, but for much of my life I felt like a little girl trying to figure things out," she continued. ‘In the past few years, I have felt like a woman more than ever.’ I just feel the strength and awesomeness and power of being female."(Moniuszko). Kesha is basically saying how you don’t need a man to hold your things or to take care of you, because you are a woman and you can do whatever you

Since her days in Destiny’s Child, the lyrics Beyoncé has sung are well-known for being emboldening. But perhaps, more importantly, is the fact that many of her songs suggest that “girls now have ultimate control—outspending, outsmarting, and outshining their male counterparts" thus supporting the idea that feminism is outdated (Pomerantz et al. 186). Take for example one of the earliest songs Beyoncé co-wrote while in Destiny’s Child titled “Independent Women Pt. 1.” Through the song, Beyoncé leaves it clear that being an independent woman means being a successful and empowered woman. Notably, it is suggested that a woman is empowered because men can’t control her as she can “Pay [her]…own fun…and bills.” Furthermore, Beyoncé lyrics leave the

In this hip-hop hit, Beyonce goes off of a speech by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie made at a Ted Talk 2 years ago. Throughout the song her lyrics reflect that of a woman in power.There are several different interpretations to this iconic song, one being that it is about the feminist movement that has swept swiftly through all continents of the world. Another interpretation is that this song signifies the confidence or lack thereof in the teen girls around the world. while some might say that it’s just about Beyonce talking about how flawless she is and that everyone should bow down to her.

An outstanding singer who also promotes feminism to new generations throughout her career is Kesha. She came back with Woman, an upbeat, girl power anthem that turned out to be the feminist song of the summer of 2017. The song's country-themed music video featured her as the most stylish cowgirl in town, backed up by the dynamic horns section of the band The Dap-Kings. The song has a confident party vibe with strongly worded feminist lyrics. "Don't buy me a drink, I make my money," she sings in the song's bridge. (Kesha, 2017) "Don't touch my weave, don't call me honey." (Kesha, 2017) Kesha states that it was such a beautiful experience composing a strong female empowerment song. She has always been a feminist, but for most of her life she

Women have had to deal with oppression for centuries. Not being able to speak freely or having the same privileges as men can take a toll. Even in this day and age, women still face these issues, and for years, female poets and music artists have used their creativity to express the emotions they keep bottled up. The writer of the poem “Lady, Lady”, Anne Spencer, was alive during a time where women did not have the social status that they possess today. She was an African American poet, and important figure, during the Harlem Renaissance. Spencer’s poems focused mostly on equality, nature, and women. Both the poem, “Lady, Lady” and the song “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys, an African American song writer, imply resiliency and strength in women who have had to deal with pressures from the world around them.

Many artists are promoting the feminist philosophy; it is a common thing to see female and male artists expressing their views on feminism. This expression of feminism is leaving an impression on the music industry. Feminism and its supporters

Throughout history, the fight for equality among different races, color, gender, sexual orientation, and sexual identity, has been a recurring issue. Specifically, the issue about equality between men and women has been a constant fight in our society and world today. As I identify myself as an Asian women, my future-self may encounter discrimination or gender inequality. Nowadays the word “feminism” is used frequently “with the purpose of promoting their full equality and liberation”, but many people disrespect or oppress anyone who associates with feminism. I believe that men and women, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or sexual identity, should be seen and treated as equals. Every day I hear stereotypes about women including that women are weak, home-oriented, and

We live in a world where social issues are all around us. One social issue I would like to focus on, however, is gender equality. This was a huge issue in the past and has gotten gradually better, but is still something people 'fight' for. Especially for woman, who have come so far in today's society. In the past, many woman were seen as inferior to men and many songs written back then represent this well. Some of those songs from the 1960's include; “You don't own me” by Lesley Gore and “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. Moving into the 2000's; “Run the World” by Beyonce and “Can't hold us down” by Christina Aguilera. These four songs represent the movement for gender equality, from women demanding 'respect' to women promoting feminist rights. This social issue has evolved so much over the years and will keep evolving.

Williams suggests that Lady Gaga’s music portrays a new kind of feminism, “gaga feminism” (Williams 2014). There have been many critiques of this kind of feminism. Gaga herself embodies the figure of a slim, white, affluent female and these aspects of her identity can counteract any suppression she experiences due to her sexuality. (Williams 2014) Another troubling aspect of gaga feminism is that Lady Gaga is in a position of privilege and power to exploit her own sexuality in a safe and profitable way and the encouragement of self-sexualization may be dangerous for women who do not share in the privilege of race and class that Gaga does, thus question the nature of Gaga’s interpretation of sexual agency (Williams

In various occasions, critics have called out Beyoncé’s lack of female empowerment through her clothes and actions. Critics have questioned B’s identification as a feminist due to her sexual approach in the media through her appearance and dependence on tour names. “Turns out booty shaking and stamping your husband’s last name on a product of your own creativity make a lot of folks question your feminist values” (Harris 2). Her seductive dancing, exotic pictures, and love for her husband have made people rethink of Beyoncé’s feminist aspects. As a matter of fact, Beyoncé posed for GQ’s February 2014 issue in various photos wearing minimal clothing, which required many people into questioning her feminist attributes. Her cropped shirt, which showed under boob, and her short shorts did not stop people from directing their attention into this feminist pop queen. As a third wave feminist, a woman’s body is not to be put in display for the attraction of others. In Beyoncé’s case, it seems as if she went against this belief by posing for a well known magazine in few clothing items. Beyoncé later explains that it is her body, and her actions do not define the level of maturity or the level of musical talent she holds. She explains how dramatic and nearly impossible social media has made her actions to become by constantly being judged. Not only is Beyoncé criticised for her sexulization body images, but for her tour being named after her husband’s last name. For someone who wished