A phenomenon is any observable event or occurrence, whether in nature or human activity, that captures attention or can be studied. This is not to be confused with the “Femininomenon”, a musical power anthem by female-empowering artist Chappell Roan. Although just a singular song, it’s message exemplifies a much larger movement for feminine agency within pop music currently.
Femininity has obviously always been present in music, but cultural differences haven’t allowed for a complete reception by the public. Up until now there’s been a general discomfort with female artist embracing themselves through their music Widely hated female characters in music such as Azealia Banks or Miley Cyrus are told by the public on what they can and can’t do, while men have full mobility. Women are heavily watched, and subconsciously plotted against by even some of their female listeners. This inter-sexed discrimination can be seen through the vast community of Taylor Swift-hating women. They don’t hate her music; they hate her success. Some women aren’t comfortable with other women’s successes because of the excessively critical environment that men have built for them.
In the past, female musicians have had to surrender their morality and objectify themselves to be treated seriously in media. Self-subjugation causes them to isolate further and further from who they truly are and lose themselves, their following, and their stability. This tragic tale has been told one too many times for people not to realize that their judgement and censorship is the cause of this. Women such as Amy Winehouse and Frances Farmer were led to their untimely deaths due to the immense pressures of being a female public figure.
Some who were able to withstand the public’s castigation, would still be defined by their male counterparts. Lead singer of girl-rock band Hole, Courtney Love, has never stopped receiving hate for her association with Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. Since his death, the conspiracy of Love being the cause of his passing has permanently altered her reputation as an artist. Yoko Ono, singer-songwriter and former romantic partner of musical legend John Lennon is often credited for being the reason the Beatles split up. This societal pattern of condemning women for men’s mistakes or women attending to men in their art is the exact opposite of the Femininomenon movement which is completely characterized by almost polarizing femininity.
Women have begun making music for themselves, and other women (especially young) have never been more welcoming. Artists like Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Renee Rap, and many others have completely expanded the pop genre into a safe haven for female expression by singing about things girls actually care about. These crusaders have proved how catering to men’s wants only impedes success.
