In a country where women are constantly over-sexualized by Men, Women and Children, Rihanna fires back with her feminist manifesto “Bitch Better Have My Money”. Since the world still isn’t ready for badass women in 2015, the internet is freaking out! But, Why?
Why is it so difficult to imagine women as badasses that will viciously rip a man to pieces for wronging her? Because the patriarchy doesn’t want women to realize just how much they have been designed and controlled by men for centuries in the Western world. In America specifically, women have always been deemed as meek, quiet and demure from conception. Those women who don’t fall into that construct get labeled as loud, bossy and whores. However, those in power will never release it; Power must be taken! Adding to the increasing volume of the feminist movement, Rihanna gives no fucks as she chases her money in the song, and newly released video, BBHMM.
In the song, Rihanna drifts away from the soft melodies of her two previous releases and goes for hard-hitting Hip-Hop. An aggressive sound with lyrics that remind you who’s in charge: “Don't act like you forgot, I call the shots” - Rihanna. While this style of feminism is not new, Rihanna keeps it going with a video that shows her carrying out a job, not being paid for it and getting her revenge and her money! Such art is bigger than lyrics and images, but speaks to what is necessary for women to gain the respect that they deserve.
All Hail Queen Rihanna for developing her own brand of feminism and ignoring the demure, white-washed, mainstream feminist movement that have left so many women of color behind.
Why is it so difficult to imagine women as badasses that will viciously rip a man to pieces for wronging her? Because the patriarchy doesn’t want women to realize just how much they have been designed and controlled by men for centuries in the Western world. In America specifically, women have always been deemed as meek, quiet and demure from conception. Those women who don’t fall into that construct get labeled as loud, bossy and whores. However, those in power will never release it; Power must be taken! Adding to the increasing volume of the feminist movement, Rihanna gives no fucks as she chases her money in the song, and newly released video, BBHMM.
In the song, Rihanna drifts away from the soft melodies of her two previous releases and goes for hard-hitting Hip-Hop. An aggressive sound with lyrics that remind you who’s in charge: “Don't act like you forgot, I call the shots” - Rihanna. While this style of feminism is not new, Rihanna keeps it going with a video that shows her carrying out a job, not being paid for it and getting her revenge and her money! Such art is bigger than lyrics and images, but speaks to what is necessary for women to gain the respect that they deserve.
All Hail Queen Rihanna for developing her own brand of feminism and ignoring the demure, white-washed, mainstream feminist movement that have left so many women of color behind.