Katy Perry’s new single, “Woman’s World,” has brought on an unexpected controversy due to its feminist themes and collaboration with producer Dr. Luke. It seems Perry’s attempt at creating a feminist anthem has been received more as tone-deaf and outdated.
Falling Short of Feminism
While Katy Perry is far from the first female artist to embrace feminism in her work, there are a few key factors as to why this particular attempt has fallen so short.
Controversial Collaboration
The largest factor in the controversy is Katy Perry’s collaboration with Dr. Luke for “Woman’s World,” after he was recently accused of sexual assault by Kesha, another iconic female singer-songwriter.
Separating the Music
Dr. Luke’s involvement in “Woman’s World” has tainted the song’s release, as it has made it difficult for audiences to separate the music from the producer’s past.
Widespread Criticism
Katie Perry’s decision to work with a producer accused of sexual assault by another female singer on a song promoting feminism has unsurprisingly led to widespread criticism.
Bad Timing, Bad Son
Highlighting the dissonance between Perry’s feminist message and Dr. Luke’s controversial past, an article from Consequence notes, “The timing is bad, and so is the song.”
Feminist Message Critique
Critics are also arguing that “Woman’s World” presents a superficial take on feminism that simply focuses on women in “men’s spaces” rather than celebrating unique aspects of womanhood.
Falling Flat
According to an article from NewsBreak, “This release falls as flat as the bottom of that anvil crushing Perry midway through the video.”
Missing the Point
In the music video for “Woman’s World,” Perry takes on a traditionally masculine role as a construction worker, which some see as missing the point of modern feminism.
Lack of Depth
Criticizing the lack of depth in the song’s feminist themes, Mary Siroky wrote in Consequence, “What’s so head-scratching about this set of visuals, which Perry never fully commits to as satire, is that this is not how feminism should ever feel.”
Visuals and Satire
The music video for “Woman’s World” also includes scenes of Perry and her dancers standing at urinals and drinking whiskey, an attempt at satire that has been seen as poorly executed and lacking substance.
Public and Critical Reception
Despite Perry’s intentions, many fans and critics feel the song fails to resonate, with visual and lyrical content that has been described as outdated and unoriginal.
Too Late to Be Interesting
An article from The Music notes, “Everything about the focus of the track feels 15 years too late to be interesting.”
Public Reaction
In the comments of the music video, one viewer said, “This is what a feminist video clip would look like if made by a guy,” while another pointed out, “Just for context FOUR of the SIX writers of this song were men…”
Lucky to Be Livin’
These writers included the lines: “Celebrate! ‘Cause, baby, we ain’t goin’ away/ It’s a woman’s world and you’re lucky to be livin’ in it,” which continue to receive criticism for lack of depth.
New Appreciation
Perry explained on Apple Music that this song was inspired by her newfound appreciation for femininity and meant to celebrate her newfound views on womanhood.
Connected to the Feminine Devine
Perry told Apple Music, “This is the first contribution I have given since becoming a mother and since feeling really connected to my feminine divine.”
Perry’s Response to Criticism
In response to the backlash, Katy Perry has defended “Woman’s World” as a satire highlighting feminist issues. However, this explanation has not satisfied many critics who find the execution lacking.
Masculine Spaces
Trying to clarify her artistic choices, Perry addressed the criticism by stating, “Connecting with the feminine divine doesn’t mean co-opting traditionally masculine spaces.”
Feminist Themes and Execution
Ultimately, the song’s attempt to empower women through reclaiming male-dominated spaces has been seen as a misstep, as critics argue that true empowerment should not center around women in traditionally male roles.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / A.PAES.
