Female singer Lana Del Rey recently stated in an interview with Fader that the issue of feminism, to her, is “just not an interesting concept.” A suicidal line with a fan base
Female singer Lana Del Rey recently stated in an interview with Fader that the issue of feminism, to her, is “just not an interesting concept.” A suicidal line with a fan base mainly made up of young girls and women, you may think? The quote in full read this:
“For me the issue of feminism is just not an interesting concept. I’m more interested in, you know, SpaceX and Tesla, what’s going to happen with our intergalactic possibilities. Whenever people bring up feminism, I’m like, god. I’m just not really interested.”
Ballsy, to say the least, however she carried on with: “My idea of a true feminist is a woman who feels free enough to do whatever she wants.”
As talented and gorgeous as Lana is, she fails to miss the error of her beliefs. Historically, if you didn’t already know, women were the submissive gender—unable to work or in cases socialise, and given the chores of the house and childcare to keep them entertained.
Not your average tendencies
Some women may believe this is “free enough,” however without the 1960s feminist movements and our Emmeline Pankhurst tying herself to sets of railings, it is pretty likely that this would still be the way now… and something tells me that is not Lana’s idea of “free enough.”
Would she still be worth $8 million (£4.76 million)and touring the world over, if everyone thought feminism was “not an interesting concept?”
Although I personally disagree, I can however, see where Del Rey is coming from. The topic of feminism does have a tendency to bring out the extremist in some, and often you can’t be heard for the protests against pig-headed men and an exploitive society.
For example, radical feminists believe men promote a segregated world, in which men and women should not interact. Now, I as many, are for equal rights and the same pay (absolutely), however this is a bit O.T.T., isn’t it?
They’re trying to get their message across, I get it, but in my view it actually just portrays an image of weakness; unable to combat oppression and inequality on their own, so take the easy option out and remove themselves from any troubles at all. If this was everyone’s life motto we’d all be marooned on tiny islands by ourselves.
If this is what Lana is referring too, I see her viewpoint, however the generalisation of her quote leads me to believe that it isn’t.
Ponder it or shut it
Of course she’s entitled to her own opinion, it is a free country after all, but her flippant rambles should have been addressed just a smidge more carefully because it only really gives us and her fans the idea that, she doesn’t give a toss.
Mind you, is this really so outspoken for Lana Del Rey? Is it that much of a shock? If we look at her numerous top hits such as ‘Summer-time Sadness’ and ‘Born to Die’ they’re full to the brim with ballad like lyrics of having no happiness without her man, and the need for him to tell her she’s his…
Now, I don’t know about you but this does not scream gender equality and each woman for herself at me. If anything, it screams complete overreliance on some tattooed hunk that rides a motorbike and leaves her begging for more each time he leaves her.
Each to their own as the old saying goes, however brashness, in this case, is a definite element that needs revisiting in the future. As a female role model for many young girls the idea to simply brush off feminism, something which is characterising our culture every day, does not seem like an intelligent one.
Next time Lana, think carefully or keep shut.
What do you think? Do you agree? Have your say in the comments section below.
Image: Jaguar Cars MENA – Flickr / Wikimedia Commons
