Radical Feminism on Lana Del Rey

“The conduct and manners of women, in fact, evidently prove that their minds are not in a healthy state; for, like the flowers which are planted in too rich a soil, strength and usefulness are sacrificed to beauty; and the flaunting leaves, after having pleased a fastidious eye, fade, disregarded on the stalk, long before the season when they ought to have arrived at maturity” (Wollstonecraft 7). This is a view in which several feminists abide with and can relate to; the idea that women have the wrong intentions and goals for their lives, that they are treated like children and are predestined to act like children, instead of adults. Although the Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft was written in 1972, this perception of woman still exists all around the world and is a major topic of debate among feminists. Several aspects of life in modern western society degrade and belittle woman, and although equality is the law in countries such as Canada and the United States of America, TV shows, movies and music tell different. Lana Del Rey is a popular female artist in North America and Europe, she recently released a new album called Born to Die. This album is very controversial among Radical feminists because many aspects of it, such as the lyrics contribute to the belittlement of women.

Radical Feminism comes from second wave feminism, it was created due to the failure of social and liberal feminism to strongly address the position of women in society (Heywood 242). This form of feminism began its dominance in the 1960's and 1970's, unlike other forms of feminism, it seeks to un dress patriarchy and to observe how it affects women in politics, the economy and most importantly social life (Heywood 242). In rad...

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...tion either way for women.

In conclusion, radical feminists are looking to overcome patriarchy in the family structure, which will eventually lead to the change of how women are perceived and treated, they will then be treated as true equals. The gender roles assigned to not only women, but men too need to disappear for it is possible for both men and women to have the same characteristics and skills. The sexual roles of women, with males being the dominant character will also disappear with the abolishment of patriarchy. This cannot happen if artists such as Lana Del Rey continue to produce music and video's that make women look so weak and vulnerable and music that encourages the sexual and social dominance of males over females. The album Born to die, as well as several other musical albums and videos, is a step back to the journey Radical feminists are on.