In a Rolling Stone Magazine interview on April 10, Lily Allen speaks out about being fed up with the media and how they are making women feel the need to compete with one another.
In the interview by Andy Greene, Allen states, “I think in terms of humanity and evolution. It feels like the reason we play women against each other is because it's the last bit of power that men have. They're like, 'Let's make them feel s--t about each other.'”
Allen argues that being a female celebrity is a difficult burden because the media always fabricate fake brawls between women artists and makes comments about their clothing and sexuality that make women feel the need to compete with one another. In magazines, women are often pitted against each other by being judged for who they date, the “who wore it betters” and their general persona.
Allen feels it’s very important to have women come together and support each other for their success and happiness. In her new album, titled "Sheezus," she talks about how she wants other celebrities like Katy Perry, Rihanna and Lady Gaga to succeed despite the criticism from the media.
She wants women artists to be able to rise above the media and rise and support each other. In her interview, Allen states, “I don't like being compared to other people, because I'm quite aware that there are people who are far more talented and have better singing voices than me. I don't like being put in the same category as people because we have the same genitals and boobs.”
There is definitely a need to stop pitting women against each other in the media. It sets a bad example for women and teaches them that we need to compete with each other in our daily lives, jobs and relationships. Women need to learn to be on the same team and love and support each other’s decisions without judgment.
Nico Lang writes in an article for The Huffington Post about being afraid for his stepsister because of the media. He writes, “I'm worried she will be taught that it's not OK to mess up, learn from it and apologize, because no one wants your apology, just your suffering on camera.”
If we want men to look at us as equals, we need to stop calling each other names, stop naming women as sluts and judging them for their clothing choices. We criticize female artists for every choice, scandal and mistake they make. We do this through following their every move and judging every action. It easily sends a message to younger girls that it’s not OK to make mistakes or do what makes you happy.
Reach the columnist at Kassidy.McDonald@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @kassmcdonald
Editor’s note: The opinions presented in this column are the author’s and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
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