Is Keri Hilson Afraid to Call Herself a Feminist?

February 16, 2011Edward Bowsercelebrity dish, feminism, music1

Late last year Keri Hilson’s “Pretty Girl Rock” became nearly every woman’s anthem as Hilson told us ladies to get it together, to never be jealous of others, and to be confident enough to shake the haters off. In the video for the song Hilson pays tribute to female icons such as Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge, Janet Jackson and TLC. And as raunchy as “The Way You Love Me” may be, it is nonetheless an example of a woman being sexually assertive.

But despite her girl power jams, when asked in a recent interview if she’s a feminist, Hilson said she wasn’t quite sure.

From My Yearbook:

Your album aims to be very empowering to all women. Would you call yourself a feminist?

I don’t know. That word has been tossed around a few times. I absolutely stand for women’s rights – I do. I also believe in empowerment and just owning and controlling your situation – be it your relationships, sexuality or confidence -and then not allowing anyone to take that. If any of that puts me into the feminist box, then I’m proudly there.

But I’m not a Nazi with it. I just feel strongly that women lack the confidence that we need in this day and time. Everyone is seeking validation from expensive things like heels and handbags and hair weaves, or other women and other men. I just feel that I would like to see that over. I do it because it’s my job. I don’t do it because I believe that it makes me who I am. I know that comes from within.

As Jezebel.com’s Dodai Stewart writes, “It’s obvious that she has a feminist outlook on life, and it’s also obvious she is rather reluctant to be called (or call herself) a ‘feminist.'”

And with Hilson’s statement of “I’m not a Nazi with it” it’s obvious why she’s so reluctant. Even in 2011 many people still believe that feminism is all about hating or dominating men and Hilson seems aware of this perception.

It’s time to get with it, people. Feminism is about the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. The end. It’s not about emasculating men or women taking over the world.

Fortunately, Hilson does say that if her support of women’s rights and empowerment put her in “the feminist box, then I’m proudly there.”

Miss Keri, you are a feminist, even if you don’t know it yet. Until then, we’ll be here waiting patiently and doing the Pretty Girl Rock.