Not denying there's a double standard, but I think the reason Jason Derulo's 'Cono' hasn't been met with the same reaction is because pretty much no one knows of its existence. 'WAP' was accompanied with a huge video that's received a crazy amount of views.

 

As for the likes of D-Block Europe, they've unanimously slaughtered on here, no?

They are, but I don't really think that's with any particular attention paid to the lyrics! I expect most people (myself included!) will only hear D-Block Europe's music on the chart show where the more vulgar lyrics are edited out anyway.

Society profits off of women’s insecurities so god forbid they instead own their looks and bodies with confidence!

 

And that's all there should be to it. :clap:

McFly wouldn't have been saying they did that for empowerment though. Men sell sex and themselves too but at least are brazenly honest about it.

 

So now goal post has moved to the wording has to be 100% correct for you for women selling sex to match up to your expectations?

Wasn't Liam Payne slaughtered for sexual lyrics too both online and in press? But again look at who we are talking about he takes his kit off he sells sex so no one takes him seriously any way. The only positive he has going for him is he does it honestly as he knows it is his main selling point and he has zero musical talent that's how he makes his money. I'm sure he isn't daft enough to say his latest underwear campaign or shirtless video are empowering.

The reason Liam Payne isn't taken seriously is nothing to do with him stripling off, which he mostly had positive comments for from what I've seen. Its that his artistry, lyrics and songs are all mostly really really bad. Nothing to do with his body!

 

If he was releasing good content, I have no doubt he'd be more successful and not seen as a joke.

Cardi is an ex stripper - she still continuously speaks out in support of strippers and sex workers and was in a critically acclaimed movie about strippers. Sexuality is something that she clearly loves to partner with her music. I don't think there's more to it than that?

 

Exactly.

 

Clearly letting women do what they want is an odd concept to some.

 

God forbid women ever link freeing their bodies and owning their sexuality with empowerment after centuries of being repressed and shamed in ways men rarely experience. I don't know why that's so triggering?

They are, but I don't really think that's with any particular attention paid to the lyrics! I expect most people (myself included!) will only hear D-Block Europe's music on the chart show where the more vulgar lyrics are edited out anyway.

I'd say most people here are aware of what they're singing about or can fill in the blanks themselves though. The point you make about only hearing their music via the chart show is true and is perhaps why they don't receive the same amount of debate - Cardi and Megan have a much wider reach and are so much more prominent.

 

As for my own view, I think Cardi and Megan are both very sexual people so it makes sense that it would be reflected in their work. I hear the argument about there often being men behind the scenes marketing things in a specific way and I must admit the "empowering" comments do seem to have lost their meaning (just admit you like being sexual, there's nothing wrong with that) but I don't think either of these artists aren't in control or are dressing their work up to be anything other than what it is.

Wasn't Liam Payne slaughtered for sexual lyrics too both online and in press? But again look at who we are talking about he takes his kit off he sells sex so no one takes him seriously any way. The only positive he has going for him is he does it honestly as he knows it is his main selling point and he has zero musical talent that's how he makes his money. I'm sure he isn't daft enough to say his latest underwear campaign or shirtless video are empowering.

 

Actually, a lot of criticism came from his lyrics fetishising bisexual women and using their sexuality as his own plaything. Of course, that criticism lasted about 20 minutes.

Actually, a lot of criticism came from his lyrics fetishising bisexual women and using their sexuality as his own plaything. Of course, that criticism lasted about 20 minutes.

I think the reason the criticism only last 20 minutes because Liam's album was only relevant for just as long. Again, not denying that there are double standards at play, but I think there's a reason why 'WAP' has received so much debate beyond that.

I'd say most people here are aware of what they're singing about or can fill in the blanks themselves though. The point you make about only hearing their music via the chart show is true and is perhaps why they don't receive the same amount of debate - Cardi and Megan have a much wider reach and are so much more prominent.

 

As for my own view, I think Cardi and Megan are both very sexual people so it makes sense that it would be reflected in their work. I hear the argument about there often being men behind the scenes marketing things in a specific way and I must admit the "empowering" comments do seem to have lost their meaning (just admit you like being sexual, there's nothing wrong with that) but I don't think either of these artists aren't in control or are dressing their work up to be anything other than what it is.

 

I think that is where it is different with men and women. McFly, Peter Andre, Jason, Liam Payne just admit they play to their strength of flashing their abs to entice girls/gays. It's not artistic, it's not empowering it is sexy and it is meant to be.

 

I think, another point I'd like to add on this argument about "men being honest", is that I don't recall Jason, Liam, McFly or any of them outwardly saying "sex sells", they just haven't made the "empowering" statement and I think that's because... they're never asked or asked to defend themselves on it in the same way that women are. I don't recall Piers Morgan doing a GMB wide discussion about Liam Payne's nudity, but Little Mix stripping off was looked at with a magnifying glass. So, it comes back to me saying people don't hold the same standards or ask the same questions of men as they do women.

 

I dare say a lot of the "empowering" statements may well come from these men in white suits you speak about, to try and retain some form of audience that may otherwise be lost by sexualisation.

Cardi has been shamed and vilified for her past in sex-work and it clearly is empowering to turn that on it's head and celebrate her sexuality in an overt way.

 

She's not some demure woman that has been forced into this by management.

I think, another point I'd like to add on this argument about "men being honest", is that I don't recall Jason, Liam, McFly or any of them outwardly saying "sex sells", they just haven't made the "empowering" statement and I think that's because... they're never asked or asked to defend themselves on it in the same way that women are. I don't recall Piers Morgan doing a GMB wide discussion about Liam Payne's nudity, but Little Mix stripping off was looked at with a magnifying glass. So, it comes back to me saying people don't hold the same standards or ask the same questions of men as they do women.

 

I dare say a lot of the "empowering" statements may well come from these men in white suits you speak about, to try and retain some form of audience that may otherwise be lost by sexualisation.

All very true, especially the last part. I imagine people may well feel empowered by taking back control of their sexuality and expressing it how they wish, but it does feel that "empowering" has become a bit of a buzz word and feels quite hollow. I'd rather people were free to say they just enjoy being sexy but I guess it is a way of retaining an audience.

I think, another point I'd like to add on this argument about "men being honest", is that I don't recall Jason, Liam, McFly or any of them outwardly saying "sex sells", they just haven't made the "empowering" statement and I think that's because... they're never asked or asked to defend themselves on it in the same way that women are. I don't recall Piers Morgan doing a GMB wide discussion about Liam Payne's nudity, but Little Mix stripping off was looked at with a magnifying glass. So, it comes back to me saying people don't hold the same standards or ask the same questions of men as they do women.

 

I dare say a lot of the "empowering" statements may well come from these men in white suits you speak about, to try and retain some form of audience that may otherwise be lost by sexualisation.

 

Exactly — and it never will.

I think the reason the criticism only last 20 minutes because Liam's album was only relevant for just as long. Again, not denying that there are double standards at play, but I think there's a reason why 'WAP' has received so much debate beyond that.

 

Well, I am sure we can both agree that a male popstar/rapper just as big as Cardi could release something as sexual tomorrow and it wouldn't cause this much of a reaction.

I think, another point I'd like to add on this argument about "men being honest", is that I don't recall Jason, Liam, McFly or any of them outwardly saying "sex sells", they just haven't made the "empowering" statement and I think that's because... they're never asked or asked to defend themselves on it in the same way that women are. I don't recall Piers Morgan doing a GMB wide discussion about Liam Payne's nudity, but Little Mix stripping off was looked at with a magnifying glass. So, it comes back to me saying people don't hold the same standards or ask the same questions of men as they do women.

 

I dare say a lot of the "empowering" statements may well come from these men in white suits you speak about, to try and retain some form of audience that may otherwise be lost by sexualisation.

 

I've seen loads of interviews where the interviewer has said to Jason how the ladies love his 6 pack or how girls go crazy over the 1D lads. Or how said hot male artists has loads of female fans because of their looks. That instantly demeans their 'artistry' and boils them down to sexual objects but that's ok.

Also Cardi and lots of other artists do just say it's sexy as well?

I've seen loads of interviews where the interviewer has said to Jason how the ladies love his 6 pack or how girls go crazy over the 1D lads. Or how said hot male artists has loads of female fans because of their looks. That instantly demeans their 'artistry' and boils them down to sexual objects but that's ok.

But it's not okay when a female does that???

 

I don't really understand the issue you have with women owning their bodies and sexuality and profiting from it. It really isn't a big deal. It's worrying that of all the issues to take offence to, THIS is the one that is striking s chord with you.

Well, I am sure we can both agree that a male popstar/rapper just as big as Cardi could release something as sexual tomorrow and it wouldn't cause this much of a reaction.

Nah, you're right, it probably wouldn't!