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Ariana Grande, Kurt Cobain and other famous feminists

Ariana Grande does not want you to call her Big Sean's ex, or anyone's ex for that matter.

The 21-year-old made it very clear that she will not stand for sexism in a lengthy essay she posted on Twitter to address the media's coverage of her split from the rapper.

"What I meant when I said what I said about not being Sean's ex is that I am tired of living in a world where women are mostly referred to as a man's past, present, future PROPERTY/POSSESSION," she wrote.

"I... do not. belong. to anyone. but myself. and neither do you."

To Grande, the whole saga serves as a reminder that we're still a long way from achieving gender equality and this doesn't sit well with her.

The singer felt the urge to open up about the issue that has been "bothering her personally for so long".

 "If a woman even TALKS about sex openly... she is shamed!" she wrote about the treatment of women in society.

"But if a man even talks or RAPS freely about all the women (or more commonly used "b**ches/hoes"... how lovely) he's had... he is regaled."

If there's anything Grande has learnt from the split, it's that she's a strong, independent woman who doesn't need a man to make her happy.

"I'm saying this after literally 8 years of constantly feeling that I had to have a boy by my side. After being on my own now for a few months, I'm realizing that that's just not the case..."

Sorry Big Sean but she has one less problem without you.


PHOTO: ARIANA GRANDE/TWITTER

Grande's only one of the many artists who have proudly flown the feminist flag. Here are some of the women and men – yes, men can be feminists too – from the music industry who are all for gender equality.

 


Taylor Swift



PHOTO: REUTERS

"A man writing about his feelings from a vulnerable place is brave; a woman writing about her feelings from a vulnerable place is oversharing or whining," the country singer turned pop star told Rolling Stone in an interview.

But Swift is not worried about what others think of her and is continuing to write songs about her love life.

Swift also exudes confidence whether she's shaking off haters or boasting about having a long list of ex lover and this is why Swifties everywhere look up to her as their role model .

 


Idina Menzel



PHOTO: REUTERS

When Frozen was released back in 2013, it became an instant hit, especially with young girls and their parents.

The film's success could be attributed to its focus on not one but two female characters and teaching girls that they don't need princes to live happily ever after.

At the centre of it was Idina Menzel, the voice of Elsa.

The 43-year-old, who has starred in Broadway musicals such as Rent and Wicked, told MSNBC: "I love that I play all of these strong women. But they’re not just strong— they’re women who have a really deep vulnerability and need to go through a journey in order to harness their power.”

She also said that she considers herself a feminist.

 


John Legend



PHOTO: REUTERS

R&B singer John Legend believes in gender equality and thinks that everyone should embrace it.

Back in 2013, he said at a press conference: "All men should be feminists. If men care about women's rights the world will be a better place."

Thanks John Legend!

 


Lorde



PHOTO: REUTERS

Like Ariana Grande, Lorde doesn't take too well to women being objectified, so much so that she offended Selena Gomez.

The singer from New Zealand incurred the wrath of Gomez when she criticised the former Disney star's song Come and Get It.

"I’m a feminist and the theme of her song (Come & Get It) is, ‘When you’re ready come and get it from me.’ I’m sick of women being portrayed this way," Lorde said about Gomez's hit single.

Gomez responded by calling Lorde's comments anti-feminist as they were meant to tear down another female artist.

But the Royals singer is standing firmly by her comments.

 


Beyonce



PHOTO: AFP

Feminism isn't about one gender hating another or wanting to be superior. As Queen B puts it, a feminist "believes in equality for both men and women".

Beyonce also feels that both genders can be supportive of each other.

"Men and women balance each other out, and we have to get to a point where we are comfortable with appreciating each other," she said in her Yours and Mine short film.

 


Christina Aguilera



PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA

The powerhouse vocalist feels that presenting herself in a sexual way doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing.

In fact, she finds sexuality "very empowering".

She told People that when she behaves in a sexual way, it's for her own appreciation and enjoyment.

Aguilera doesn't want women to be ashamed of their bodies.

And like Beyonce, she sees her husband as a "team mate" who balances her out.

 


Rita Ora



PHOTO: REUTERS

She may be one of the biggest British artists right now but Rita Ora still feels that females in the industry have it tougher.

"Without pulling the whole female card, I think it has always been harder for females in all respects," Ora told Mirror UK

"As a woman in this industry, it has always been a bit about proving yourself." 

Ora has also called for women in the industry to stay together and support each other.

She proclaims herself as a feminist "in the Beyonce mould" and strongly believes that women should have equal power as men.

 


Kurt Cobain


Before his tragic death, the Nirvana frontman was very vocal about rape prevention and gender equality.

Music.Mic reported that Cobain had suggested the solution to rape was to start at the source.

Cobain said that society shouldn't be focusing on teaching women how to protect themselves.

"What really needs to be done is teaching men not to rape. Go to the source and start there," he said.

Cobain also sympathised with the women that were close to him as he felt that they weren't treated with respect.

Looks like there's still a lot to learn from the man.

 

Sources: Mirror UK, People, Music.Mic, E Online, MSNBC

ariana grandeUncategorisedSexismtaylor swiftidina menzelJohn LegendRita OraLordeBeyonce