Annie Lennox is calling out pop stars like Beyoncé who say they are feminists but trade on their sexuality for popularity.
Much debate has been had over whether or not Beyoncé is a feminist — does shaking one’s bootilicous curves in front of a giant light reading “FEMINISM” count for anything anymore? One person you can count squarely on the no side is Annie Lennox.
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The Eurythmics singer says that while she’s definitely a fan of Mrs. Carter, she doesn’t believe for one minute that Beyoncé even knows what the word feminism really means.
In an interview with the website PrideSource, Lennox said, “I would call that ‘feminist lite.’ L-I-T-E. I’m sorry. It’s tokenistic to me. I mean, I think she’s a phenomenal artist — I just love her performances — but I’d like to sit down [with her]. I think I’d like to sit down with quite a few artists and talk to them. I’d like to listen to them. I’d like to hear what they truly think.”
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As for Beyoncé’s contemporaries — the Mileys, Rihannas, Nickys and Iggys of the industry — Lennox doesn’t think much of them trading on their sexuality instead of their talent to further their careers.
“I see a lot of it as them taking the word hostage and using it to promote themselves, but I don’t think they necessarily represent wholeheartedly the depths of feminism — no, I don’t,” she said.
“I think for many it’s very convenient and it looks great and it looks radical, but I have some issues with it. I have issues with it. Of course I do. I think it’s a cheap shot. I think what they do with it is cheap.
“What can I tell you? Sex always sells,” she added. “And there’s nothing wrong with sex selling, but it depends on your audience. If they’re 7-year-old kids, I have issues with it.”
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Beyoncé has not responded directly, but we’re pretty sure this is what she’s thinking:
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