When it comes to the feminist movement, art and music have always reflected the fight towards equality. Many music videos have been iconic in representing the importance of feminism while also empowering and uplifting women. Here are some of our favorite music videos that will make you feel like a girl boss.
The Man by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift directed the music video for The Man, which highlights the double standard between women and men. In the video, she dresses up as “Tyler Swift”, a character reminiscent of Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street. In the video, Tyler plays the role of asshole boss, douchebag dad and scumbag man. This video was a response to Scooter Braun, who she slammed for “toxic male privilege” due to their feud about ownership of Swift’s music. Not only are the lyrics of the song extremely applicable to women everywhere, but the song’s upbeat and catchy tune is sure to get you up and dancing in the name of feminism.
Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé
Run the World, which has been a staple of every girls’ night playlist for the last decade, is sure to bring out the bad bitch aura in any room. While Queen Bey is iconic in all of her music videos, the choreography and energy in this video is unmatched. While the song is a bop on its own, the music video elevates the music with a celebration of strong women.
Woman by Kesha
Woman by Kesha celebrates independence and is an anthem to single girls everywhere. This song was one of the iconic bops on her album Rainbow, which marked her comeback in 2017. This song is powerfully potent when you consider Kesha’s 3-year-long legal battle with former producer Dr. Luke, who Kesha said “sexually, physically, verbally, and emotionally abused” her. This song is a call for freedom and a reclamation of power told by a badass woman. Lifehack: Woman is especially meaningful if you scream-sing the lyrics after a breakup.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cydni Lauper
It would be an understatement to say this classic bop has made its imprint on society, as the hit has won the hearts of multiple generations of women. A song both my mother and I can belt all the way through, it’s clear this song isn’t going anywhere. The nostalgia of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun will transport you straight back to the electric ‘80s, making you wish you were in a dance club while wearing leg warmers.
BO$$ by Fifth Harmony
While Fifth Harmony may have split up, BO$$ will forever have a special place in my heart. Not only do I adore the nod to Michelle Obama, but this song also embraces female success and confidence in your own skin. “The whole point of this song is for girls who are our age to turn it on and feel confident and empowered because at this age being insecure is such a normal, common thing,” Fifth harmony told MTV.
Confident by Demi Lovato
Demi’s strong vocals and strong production makes the powerful anthem embracing self-love a road-trip must listen. The badass music video only intensifies the message, as Demi flaunts her acting skills with action-packed fight scenes. Considering Lovato’s long-time struggle with self-image, this beloved bop also acts as a landmark as to how far the singer’s come in terms of confidence and self-love.
