If there was an award for worst role model of the year, Meghan Trainor would most definitely get my vote.
But before I address that, it is important to note I, like many others, support what is quoted by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as being the “Social, political and economic equality of the sexes.” In other words, I’m a feminist.
Obviously the support of feminism isn’t for everyone, and everyone most certainly refers to Meghan Trainor, or as I like to call her, the world’s least influential woman. “I don’t consider myself a feminist,” Trainor said in an interview with Billboard. “But I’m down for my first opportunity to say something meaningful.”
Although questionable given the day and age, that’s not what makes Trainor a bad role model. The pop singer most known for “All About That Bass” recently released her new music video for “Dear Future Husband,” a song listing relationship-y things a “man” should do.
Cute concept, right? Sure, until you realize the lyrics detail traditional gender roles and say things like “Don’t forget the flowers every anniversary” and “I’ll be the perfect wife, buying groceries.” Not to mention Trainor is singing portions of the song while scrubbing the kitchen floor and baking in an apron.
The video has been deemed the “most sexist music video ever” by Metro, and for good reason. With society trying so hard to advance the equalities of women, it’s almost as if Meghan Trainor single-handedly decided to take us back a few steps. But the sexist comments aren’t the only thing Trainor has been in hot water for the past months.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Trainor spoke about being one of the larger girls in her school growing up and dismissed the thought of having an eating disorder in a way that made fans and fellow celebrity Demi Lovato stop in their tracks.
“I wasn’t strong enough to have an eating disorder,” Trainor said to ET. “I tried to go anorexic for a good three hours. I ate ice and celery, but that’s not even anorexic. And I quit. I was like, ‘Ma, can you make me a sandwich? Like, immediately.’”
Seriously?
As with any controversial celebrity comment, Twitter was sent into a whirlwind of backlash including Tweets from singer-songwriter Demi Lovato, who has publicly voiced her struggles with an eating disorder to her fans.
“Having an eating disorder doesn’t show ‘strength,’” Lovato said. “Strength is when (you) are able to overcome your demons after being sick and tired for so long ... Let’s be cautious of the words we use when discussing ED’s and other mental illnesses.”
As a woman in today’s society, mental health issues and feminism are two of the most important topics to me. Though some are uneasy about declaring themselves a feminist, informed individuals know the term simply refers to allowing women the same opportunities men have.
As for the eating disorder commentary, Trainor probably wasn’t aware she would spark such a debate. Nevertheless, such a sensitive topic that affects millions of people worldwide should not be joked about or glorified.
If you’re looking for someone to call your idol, just make sure you find someone other than Meghan Trainor.
snvanden@indiana.edu
