About a year ago, American singer-songwriter Halsey faced backlash for making a debut appearance for Playboy. Many people argued that Halsey couldn’t consider herself a feminist because of her willingness to pose for semi-nude photos .
They are so wrong.
Halsey responded to these comments saying, “’Yeah it’s crazy. I can show my tits in Playboy, perform at the Nobel Peace, speak at the Planned Parenthood Gala with Hillary Clinton, shake my ass on 300 stages, give a speech at the United Nations, do 150 shots of tequila, get a #1 album, and march in the streets of DC all in just ONE year!”
Halsey’s story is empowering and inspiring. In my opinion, I believe that her ability to pose for Playboy after all of her personal experiences growing up makes her an even stronger woman and role model for young women.
I also believe that the people who argue against Halsey being a feminist must not have listened to her lyrics closely enough. Her music tells stories of sexual assault, love, pain, and independence. Her words are fragile yet powerful. If you don’t believe me, take a look at a few of my personal favorite songs.
Hurricane
“I’m a wanderess, I’m a one night stand. Don’t belong to no city. Don’t belong to no man.”
For Ruby
“Put up your fists. Put on a smile and blow them a kiss. ‘Cause Ruby, you’re nothing but brave. Oh, and I know that you can be saved.”
100 Letters
“But I don’t let him touch me anymore. I said ‘I’m not something to butter up and taste when you get bored’.”
Strange Love
“They think I’m insane, they think my lover is strange. But I don’t have to f*cking tell them anything, anything.”
Now or Never
“I want you to love me now, now, now, now, now, now. Now or never.”