we’re entering a new era of pop star, clearly, and the 2015 VMAs may represent some sort of demarcation line. Swift’s declaration that it was “unlike” Minaj to “pit women against each other” elided the possibility of healthy competition between talented and hard-working professionals. Perry’s sticking up for herself is a feminist act of the sort that’s seen too little in pop. Swift has made money and earned credibility off of a narrative in which she’s, without ever explicitly saying as much, winkingly cast Perry as the villain, which is her right; it ought to be expected that Perry would stick up for herself. That only hadn’t happened yet because to be that direct and frank is outside the courtly, well-established rules of pop.
Perry and Minaj are talking about their careers from two different angles: Perry is sticking up for her right not to be endlessly talked about in a negative light, while Minaj wants recognition for her ability to move the culture. But both ought to be heard, beyond the endlessly tempting angle of a perceived anti-Swift “backlash.”
Although I agree Nicki was wrong for starting this mess, judging by the artist(s) in your siggy Nicki could cure cancer and you still would find a way to shade her.
