Cardi B and Nicki Minaj’s fermenting feud came to a head recently when the two exchanged jabs via social media. The rumored tension between the two was confirmed, however, when reports surfaced that the two emcees had been involved in some sort of altercation during this year’s Met Gala - some of which were accompanied by video footage. This sent social media spiraling. Among the hilarious memes and commentary was a conversation that inevitably follows any public dispute between two women in the industry – feminism and female rap.
It’s no secret that hip-hop is a male dominated field. If I’m honest, I’d love to see more women working together amicably, but that’s not what feminism is about. According to Merriam-Webster, feminism is “the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” So, while it is disheartening that female rap collaborations seem few and far between, the fact that two women in the same industry don’t get along is really irrelevant with regard to feminism.
I’m glad that Nicki and Cardi have patched things up, agreeing to move forward cordially. Truthfully, however, I roll my eyes whenever women are encouraged to get along for the sake of “feminism” – especially when men in the same field are rarely, if ever, held to the same standard. In fact, many men are urged to respond to one another for listeners’ entertainment. Drake and Pusha T, for example, had a very public feud earlier this year, yet everyone pushed them to continue their battle.
As a feminist myself, I’ll admit that this double standard irritates me. I find it ironic that the very reason Nicki and Cardi are even able to dominate in the hip-hop field is now being used against them. Instead of fundamental pillars of equality and support – like they were originally intended - it seems as though feminism has become an argument of convenience used to silence women. What was originally a weapon used to defend ourselves against patriarchy has now become the sword they stab us with.
No comments:
Post a Comment