For those not well-versed in real feminism, the version they’re presented in the media can be quite confusing. For example, the ever-overplayed pop tune “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor presented a great, empowering message about body love for the bigger gals, but unfortunately featured a few lines which put down skinnier women in the process. I get that there are some slimmer women that are doing the oppressing- in which a proper “f you” is in order- but with an issue as sensitive as body image, it’s careless to spread the message that only one type of woman is the right type of woman…and that the power and praise and love comes at the expense of women that can’t fit that mold. Unsurprisingly, this isn’t the only song to do it, and it presents a real problem for those figuring out what it really means to be a feminist (for more false feminism by Meghan Trainor, see her video for her song “Dear Future Husband”). Women empowerment, a facet of feminism, means empowering all women, no matter how they look, where they’ve come from, or where they are. And real empowerment- not the kind so carelessly spread by some pop stars- can be such an overwhelmingly beautiful thing. Read on for ten of our favorite bona fide feminist anthems that’ll boost your confidence…and not at the cost of others!
1. Hailee Steinfeld- Love Myself
Favorite line: “I’ll take it nice and slow/ Feeling good on my own, without you”
2. Nicki Minaj ft. Beyonce- Feeling Myself
Favorite line: “I stopped the world/ Male or female it makes no difference”
3. Nicki Minaj & Beyonce- Flawless Remix
Favorite line: “I wake up looking this good/ And I wouldn’t change it if I could”
4. Colbie Caillat- Try
Favorite line: “Look into the mirror, at yourself/ Don’t you like you?/ Cause I like you”
5. Mary Lambert- Secrets
Favorite line: “I know I’m not the only one who spent so long attempting to be someone else/ Well I’m over it”
6. Little Mix- Salute
Favorite line: “Get your killer heels, sneakers, pumps or lace up your boots/ Representing all the women, salute, salute!”
7. Nicki Minaj- Trini Dem Girls
Favorite line: “Them island girls is the baddest/ American girls run the planet/ South African, European, Asian, Australian, and my Canadian Girls”
8. Little Mix- Wings
Favorite line: “And we don’t let nobody bring us down/ No matter what you say – it won’t hurt me/ Don’t matter if I fall from the sky/ These wings are made to fly”
9. Fifth Harmony- Bo$$
Favorite line: “That’s me, I’m confident/ Don’t want yo compliments/ Use common sense/ I’m on my Michelle Obama”
10. Banks- Goddess
Favorite line: “You shoulda crowned her, cause she’s a goddess/ You never got this”
