Dua Lipa: The Levitating Ideal of Modern Femininity
My first introduction to Dua Lipa’s ‘Levitating’, a single from her second album, aptly titled ‘Future Nostalgia’ came in a YouTube video in which part of her song was excerpted as a background audio.
The few seconds that I listened to the tune was catchy. So much so, that I was impelled to play that segment of the video (which was about the then-newly released ‘souls game’ Elden Ring) back to discern few of the lyrics. Which I did. Following the usual Google search I found a relevant link to the song and listened to it.
There appears to be a few versions of the song, but I eventually landed on a music video on the said singer’s YouTube channel, which featured a version (presumably the official one) with a rapper named ‘Da-baby’. It was awesome.
It’s one of those rare tracks that I liked it the first time listened to it. And with Levitating, once I did, my mind wouldn’t let it go. This happened sometime in early June 2022, and I recall on the day I did, I had the music video on loop for around 3 hours straight! The song (nor the artist) has left my mind since. Hence this essay.
‘Levitating’ seemed to have everything I like about pop music (my favorite genre). A catchy tune, an awesome beat, the rap interlude, uplifting lyrics, and all topped off with hot music video that made me want to get up dance.
The track reminded me of the early 2000s, the (according to yours truly) the glory days of “good music”. A time before the present dominance of streaming services and YouTube. When MTV (along with VH1) was the thing. A time (before Miley Cyrus) when music videos combined an optimal level of beat, youth and sexiness, without verging into the extremes.
Dua Lipa’s ‘Levitating’ is a track that I found, in addition to stimulating and accelerating, also uplifting. Not the kind of word I would generally associate with music that falls under pop/techno-pop or even hip-hop. A a number of things stood out about her track, which I think are worth getting into.
For starters, the fact that this is a song that I can listen virtually non-stop for hours-a novelty in my 30 + years of listening to music-can be seen an invitation to deconstruct the song from an artistic (musicological) standpoint. Since I am not musician my analysis of ‘Levitating’ would delve into the social philosophy of the song, what it tells us about the artist, and what it can tells us about the role of young women in the modern world. But before we get there, a small detour on a related subject: gender.
My ‘Experience’ with Albanian Women
In my final at the University of Greenwich, I got acquainted with an Albanian girl. This was in 2014. She in her late teens-early twenties, and was doing her undergrad in, I think it was sociology and politics. My interest in her was fueled by a friend of hers, a Kurdish girl who I was into.
My first encounter with the Albanian girl, who I later learned was from Kosovo, was during a fire alarm “break” at the University library. The interruption emptied the whole building out, with inhabitants, mainly students who working on their dessertion, into garden-like area outside the vestibule. The students, inlcuding yours trule, around 150 or so, were waiting for the security staff to check the location, and clear it for any sources of flame.
Having seen her a chatting with some girl, I approached her and proceed to introduce myself. I observed that she looked like Melanie Laurent, which I stated. She warned me if the actress (as she was Googling the name) did turn out to be a looker (She is). This led to a conversation about her origins. She said she was from Kosovo, which I took to mean that she was Albanian. For which she responded (rather strongly) on how being Kosovan was different from just being Albanian.
This was kinda funny-and this is one of the best things about living in London-because it brought to mind certain conversations I had with a Serbian friend of mine on a similar subject. A Yugoslavian nationalist, and a staunch anti-Kosovan. A proud, tough bloke who regrets the disintegration of the Slavic union (SFR Yugoslavia), following Yugoslav wars. And his opinions of Kosovo are unmentionable here.
As a twenty something, one of the subjects that my conversations with my male friends tends to converge on is women (naturally). But with my Serbian friend, in context of the time and place (modern, cosmopolitan, (pre-Brexit) London, England) it was on on how women are today, vs how they were or ought to be (Radical stuff).
The Serbian chap is a traditionalist, and views that women’s place ideally should be at home, who should (ideally) live their lives in support of men. Such views, needless to say, are quite alien in the world today. Whilst there are a number of points I differed on, I did connect with one underlying point he was making: which is that women as carers and homemakers, was one that would aid and strengthen the work that men would do in the world. That women to be a source of strength in the lives of men, aiding the goals and pursuits of men. As we seek after wealth, power, and glory and honor, as we work to shape this world into a better place.
Of course the question is does that necessarily mean that women would/should be relegated to the household? My answer is no. Women should be free do whatever they want with their lives. However the point remains on the ‘ought’ question of this equation on gender roles. Especially as it pertains to the role of women in the modern world. In terms of what is ideal role for women with respect to her status as being biologically female.
Returning to our Albanian (or Kosovan) politics major: A smart girl, who pretty much like any politics or sociology student I have run into, was quite opinionated on the working of society. Particularly on the role of women in the modern world. It only took a few exchange of viewpoints on societa question, that she stated (again quite firmly) that she was a ‘feminist’. And that she absolutely believed in the importance of equality between men and women.
Oh No! Feminism
It goes without saying that women today are a different bunch than what the precious generation of men had to deal with. Specifically women in the Western and more specifically in the Anglo-American (English speaking) world, women today, in addition to being more financially independent, they are more knowledgeable, outgoing, and socially calibrated in their dealing with men. In contrast to most men, especially when it comes to dealing with the opposite sex.
Girls these days for the most part just know what they want, when they want it, and are able to go for it with greater degree zeal and purpose. Arguably more so than the average guy. The performance of women and girls in higher academia is notable in this regard. And this new found ‘social-self-confidence’ as I would like to call it, among girls is most evident (unsurprisingly) in their dealings with the opposite sex.
During my time in England I used to work part time as a server at The Hurlingham Club: a private social and sports club in West London. If you take the District line south (marked Green on the Map) it is a few stops ahead of Wimbledon. The job was tough depending on the day, but was interesting. You basically had to serve food and drinks to (usually) posh British people. I liked the place. West London being the among the wealthiest and safest parts of the British capital. And was very European or I guess in the post-Brexit era ‘British’. Well besides some of the folk who worked there.
The best part about the was the opportunity it gave me to meet new people. For depending on the shift, there were a dozen or more temporary staff that would be brought in, in addition to those who were stationed at the Club. I liked it. Made a few friends there. And as a guy in my early twenties the most interesting part about the job were the girls on shift. There was invariably a few girls that I found attractive, and at least one that was interesting conversationally.
This time around there were a number of new faces, a few more than usual-along with myself-at the Club. It was a late shift. With a number of staff choosing to stay on after the main event that usually consists of drinks, starter, entree, and dessert comes to an end around an hour before midnight.
One of them was this Albanian girl, who was around 19. She was bold, talkative, and had a ring on her finger. You better believe it. But she was pretty, raven-haired, and the fact that she wasn’t getting too much attention from the guys, indicated that the coast was clear.
She was obnoxious!
She didn’t find me that funny, was dismissive of my observations about her, and even started to get in my way during the shift. At one point she inserted herself between me and the filter, as was I about to fill the glass-water jug for the guests, provoking a somewhat angry (but not loud) reaction on my part.
As things calmed down, the staff had a few moments for themselves (this usually takes place between dinner and a late coffee). We took this time as we usually do, to seat ourselves on the metal pantries away from chefs, and proceed to ‘hit things off’ with interested parties. Of course, the conversations would begin a lot sooner, usually when we are standing in line, waiting for the chefs to hand over the plates for us to serve via the snake service.
In my case on that particular day, the interactions that I had so far with my female Albanian ‘friend’-who was also the only girl I had properly spoken to-had been pretty sour. Sour to a point where it left a bad feeling, in that I was unable to move on to someone else.
As I was sitting there, somewhat apart from the rest of the crew, and admittedly a bit pissed with the Albanian girl. Who should make my way, than our raven-haired friend. Apparently bored with rest of the guys, she had finally come around, and now proceed to take a seat next to me. Head down, but with a relaxed ‘I am interested but, I don’t want to make it too apparent’ kind a way. This was not the first time a girl has given me hard time early on, only to later turn out to be interested. Come to think of it, that probably happens every time.
Feminism is a complex thing. I still haven’t fully come to terms with it. Despite having researched the subject for the past few years, and having written a book delving into certain aspects of movement (along with Climate Change and Immigration). I am still not sure if this just a social/political movement driven by ideologically motivated activists with an agenda, or the manifestation of a deeper spirit that stems from the heart of women. The outburst of the collective psyche of womankind, driving them forward to think and act in a certain (confrontational) way. To have their way! It’s impossible to say.
However there are a few things that standout about this movement which our worth mentioning in this context.
- One: Feminism as a social movement has made women more self-aware, and hence more (though not completely) knowledgeable about who they are and what they want out of life. In relative terms, things appear to have gone backwards for men in the West.
- Two: It has made women assertive (or more assertive) as social creatures notably in relation to, but also in contrast to men. Possible most. Women today, knowing their social and legal status are not afraid to confront men on their own turf (the social space) and stand their ground, and communicate their wants.
- Three: In a potentially positive development (at least for some), feminism has made modern women more sexually assertive. Women are not afraid to put themselves (and their sexuality) out there. Which means there is more opportunity for men who are willing to play the game. Though it is debateable if the sexually liberated female is a product of feminism (ideology) or the secondary effect brought on by socio-economic changes.
But this state of affairs of the newly empowered, liberated ‘I can take on the world’ modern woman, has come, at least in the Anglo-American world, at the cost of their femininity. That is to say, the greater the level of feminism in a woman (if that makes sense), the less desirable she is likely to be for the average (straight) guy. Though paradoxically, this has also, in a rather curious way, having empowered women to be more bold (bullet point number three), sexually desirable and given their liberated state (i.e. contraception) accessible. A function of women now increasingly occupy historically male-only spaces workplace, universities etc.
Women in the West today, irrespective of their ethnicity are more, for the lack of a better word, available. Though paradoxically, from the standpoint of gender polarity, they have also become less desirable. Especially for guys who are looking for old school lady-like femininity in the women they approach.
Problematically, it has made women, young women, at a deeper level, paradoxically more distrustful of the opposite sex, despite the greater proximity. This is partly a function of women entering the academia and now the workforce effectively compeiting for jobs that men used to do. And in the process having to taken on a more masculinized personality. But there is more going on.
More negatives that underpin the socio-political agenda of feminism. One that has continued to provoke a confrontational mindset towards men and masculinity in general, despite having paradoxically affirmed these very same aspects of life as women to aspire after. Which brings us again to our female political sociology stundent from Kosovo.
Feminism ≠ Femininity = Unsexy
During our short conversation on the subject of women and men in the modern world, outside the (now old) Greenwich Library, I inquired as to what she meant by the term ‘feminism’. Her response was somewhat confusing, but also on point. For her feminism meant that men and women are equal, and that this point (or truth) was beyond dispute. And that the pursuit of the social outcome (or good) of ‘equality’ between men and women (presumably via social activism and politically change) at (persumably) all levels, was important.
I argued that men and women whilst equal are different. Meaning that (the girl was patient enough to listen to my views) that men and women are better at, or are better suited to do specific things. I went on to say that women are in fact better than men at certain things, and that men are better than women at certain other things. The obvious point is childbirth. Which goes without saying. A point that I will return to.
When I stated the first part (that women are better than men…), I remember her eyes lighting up. Almost as if to say that feminism (the apparent pursuit of equality for women) when fully embraced was actually about unleashing the hidden power of women, which had hitherto been curtailed/restrained by a world ‘dominated by men’ (i.e. the patriarchy).
As this conversation went on, the security and library staff were getting the ‘fire’ in the building sorted. And there appeared to be some kind of chemistry between us, despite the fact that she had blonde hair, and was politically on a different spectrum.
On the topic of gender equality I made the added point on why gender differences matter in practice, by citing the fact that women (in the US) were not allowed to join the special forces. (This changed in 2016). And that this was proof that some social roles are just better suited for males, just as-though I did not provide examples, since it was obvious-women were better at doing other things.
She was not having any of it.
And stated that it was due to fear or insecurity on what women could do (i.e. potentially perform well or better than men) if given the choice that such limitations exist. I responded by stating that in war, it is men who risk life and limb by fighting, so the females (and the young) can survive to live another day. As our conversation continued-she wasn’t letting up. At this point I made the speculation that there seems to be a connection between homosexuality and feminism: in that women who become feminists, or who were disposed to support feminist causes (it took me a few tries to get this point across diplomatically) are likely to have stronger predilection towards lesbianism.
Of course the lesbianism I was referring to is the suit-wearing, I never stopped being a tom boy, with a straitlaced demeanor (at least as far as interactions with men are concerned). And NOT the fantasy ‘lesbianism’ that has made its mark in the pornographic world: One that is aimed primarily for the titillation of heterosexual male audiences. The sort that plays out in the recent female empowerment movie Benedetta (2021).
Her response to this was… Not clear, for our conversation was cut short at this point, as we both spotted her Kurdish friend-the babe I wanted to get cozy with. At which point the Kosovan girl ran off to meet her friend.
So what are we to make of this?
I will standby my view that there is an inverse relationship between femininity and feminism. This phenomenon is a predominant in the English speaking world (Western), and one that is operative irrespective of ethnicity. The weakening of ladylike qualities in women, does not necessarily mean their complete negation. Women who are feminists are no doubt capable of getting in touch with their feminine selves and projecting it outward. However it is a greatly diminished one, and one that has to be purposefully (if not artificially) revived, and expressed, often with the lack of intensity, if not sincerity.
This state of affairs is sensible to men. For all the social progress, economic empowerment and sexual freedom women bring with them today, there seems to be something quite guarded, distant, a sense of being ‘closed off’ to the world (of men). A defensive aura that females as a sex in the modern world carry with them in their relations with men. A sensibility (or vulnerability) that manifests negatively; for the main consequence of this underlying divide, is the lack of trust that permeates relations between the sexes.
The aura of frigidness that permeates women who chooses to identify as a feminists-which is one of the reason why one could say traditional, masculine men, or men who ‘love women’ don’t wished to be called feminists. And are generally uneasy with the movement’s goals in general and what it represents. Added to this the correlation between feminism and lesbianism (proper) is an intuition that is worth looking into further. One that potentially points to a deeper, underlying connection between women who embrace the movement for gender equality, which paradoxically points to their disaffinity with their (female) sexuality. Trust, or the lack thereof between the sexes is once again is a key factor.
Returning to our Albanian/Kosovan politics and sociology undergrad. During the final weeks of the final year, with the exam season well under way; in one of the study sessions, I, noticed the girl at the group work room in the library. She was chatting with, as I would later learn a central Asian girl. Our last conversation was still fresh in my mind, so I decided to tease her. Just tease her. To that end I wrote a note with the message that read: ‘I am convinced that all feminists are lesbians’. I got in trouble for that. Not too much trouble, but it taught me one thing:
When it comes to modern women, particularly the activist (and generally non-feminine) types, as a guy you are better off trying to bang them than debate them. A way to a modern woman’s mind is by engaging her ‘heart’ and stimulating her senses, not by provoking or confronting her intellect. Especially if she’s into politics and sociology.
Feminism has not only made modern women more assertive and confrontational as a sex, but it has also, paradoxically made them mentally weaker.
Feminism = Anti-Masculinity
Thanks to feminism, women are less trusting of men and critically of masculinity: where men put themselves out there as fearless, assertive being who are not afraid of confrontation. Including that with (the contructive kind) with women.
This unease or distaste towards masculine men, modern women (thanks to feminism) carry with them, is born of a their incapacity to reciprocate masculine power, and by extension, I suspect a free flowing sexuality. And by ‘sexuality’ it is not the capacity to have intercourse. Rather that masculine energy that men naturally exhibit, espeically in the presence of a young attractive woman.
A feature one stands out, I would conjecture, among virtually all women who identify as feminists, is a lack of femininity. Whilst not always noticeable (attire, presentation, persona); it manifests at a deeper, contradictory levels. One that is dare I say, characteristic of (female) homosexuality: which besides being closed off to the reality of intimacy, also manifests, a inexplicable unease around men. (Correct me if I am wrong, but lesbians having a lot of straight guys as friends is not a thing, unlike the other way around).
More specifically on the subject of trust, and proximity, these are aspects of our nature which works into areas like friendship, and preceding that, on being relatable as a human being. It goes without saying that if you are not comfortable relating to a man’s sexuality, you are going to have trouble relating to him as a person. This follows logically and cuts both ways. I mean, when was the last time a straight guy went out of his way to befriend an openly gay female (i.e. a short haired, I only wear pants type who is allergic to men).
Modern feminism in its advance of women’s rights has logically functioned as a female centered movement. Unless when the aims of the movement is best served by co-opting the support of men to the feminist cause (e.g. Emma Watson’s ‘He for She’). Modern feminism that, quite naturally leaves little room for the goals and aspirations (and by extension the sexuality) of men to an operative force in the social and cultural sphere.
The demonisation of traditional masulinty under the heading of ‘Toxic masculinity’, coupled with the growing sexlessness of modern female cultural representations; most notable in the world movies and TV, and best captured in the perpetuation of the ‘strong female character’ archetype. These changes have perceptable feminist undercurrent. A worldview of male-female relations that have specific male viewpoint.
Female empowerment today, in terms of its social and relational aspirations has become devoid or antithetical to a masculine perspective. Case in point is the politicized notion of: ‘The future is female’, or its pop cultural variant: ‘The Force is female’. All of these leave no room for, if not hostile towards that which is straight, male, and anything that elevates the complementary of the sexes. Into this oppressive mix of gender affairs enters ‘Levitating’.
The Idealism of ‘Levitating’
Right. So back to Dua Lipa. The Kosovon-British singer and her single ‘Levitating’.
There is a lot to like about ‘Levitating’. Being her first track that I have actively listened to (sure I have heard of ‘New Rules’ somewhere), a number of things standout about the song and equally importantly, the video. Now I’m not an expert when it comes to the science underlying the character and evolution of modern music, but this song, speaking of its visual character and tone, felt something like a throw back to a different more uplifting and sensual era.
Not only in terms of the setup and sound, and also in terms of its message. ‘Levitating’, at a deeper level is a track that seems to affirm the reality of sex differences in a subtle but artistically uplifting way, and at the same time advances an idealism of a man centered future: One in which human progress towards the stars (and underlying it the advance of civilization) are viewed as good.
A humanistic goal that the female-half of the species are happy to support and be a part of for it suits their designs equally well. A world where women function as an inspiring, uplifting and stimulating source of energy for men, who, empowered by the power of the feminine are drive to move forward in life and do great things.
Sci-Fi Lipa
For fans of science fiction (or speculative fiction) one of the main standouts of the music video were a number of-for now-science fiction-concepts that are explored in the video.
Dua Lipa really hit the ball out of the park when it came to the visual design choices, and how she integrated them into it varous segements of teh track. As the song artistically and enthusiastically presents a picture of the future that is, well futuristic; but unlike the usual sci-fi prognostications of the future, which verge on the dystopian, it is one that is joyful and hopeful. A future that is worth looking forward to.
As a fan of science fiction: from books, video games, movies (the very few good ones-which does not included present day Star Wars and Star Trek), and other media, the presentation of a number of sci-fi concepts in a well produced music video, with an addictive tune, performed by a sexy artist was kinda unbeatable.
From space elevators, a concept I was familiar with through the works of Alistair Reynolds. Explored in his Gothic cyberpunk novel Chasm City (2001): A story set in his famous Inhibitor universe. To my favorite part of the video: zero-gravity environments, the final part of the Levitating. Zero-gravity enviroments is a concept that was eerily explored in the horror-action-Sci-fi shooter Dead Space (2008) by Visceral games. In Lipa’s music video this concept is showcased via a dancing, levitating party. As the dancing rave now having hit the top ‘floor’ of space elevator truly let loose. In controlled space. In absence of gravity, another kind of Earthly control of the human spirit has been negated. Quite the converse to the survival-horror environs of the USG Ishimura.
In Lipa’s imagination these concepts manifest as platforms for joy, revelry and self-expression. The positivity of Levitating, one that is to be expected in a pop-music video, however carries a deeper message, with respect to the relations between the sexes. And, if one is to extrapolate further, the character and trajectory of male-female relations going forward.
At the surface level, the conceptual basis of the music video-via its engagement of science fiction and experimental sciences-augments the quality of the song, and of Dua Lipa as a person. As a student of popular science (and to whatever extent, real science), a thrall fantasy, and a fan science/speculative fiction, it is, I don’t know, uplifting to hear and see these concepts being engaged in feminine way. Before social activists come out of the woodwork crying about sexism, what I see in Dua Lipa’s levitating is something empowering in an artistic way. A young, raven-haired woman of beauty and talent: that together symbolizes health, artistry, the power to captivate, and inspire.
Her words: ‘My love is like a rocket, watch it blast off’ signifies the joy and power of love. Love is a powerful state. To be in love with a lovely young woman, who in turn is in love with you, is a great feeling. Heck it is one of the best feelings in life. One of the things that makes life worth living. For that connection gives you something. Driving you to strive for greater things. Power is important for men. And the power that comes from uniting with a wonderful woman who wants what is best for you, and is ambitious herself for great things is unbeatable.
The idea that women are a source of inspiration and a source of strength for men is true on so many levels. Any guy who has been in a relationship with a lovely, smart, capable, young woman (not ‘Strong’ thank you), and better, if she happens to have an artistic side (i.e. the less politically inclined tend to be), then the connection that would form is joyful, productive and uplifting. The idea that 1 +1 = 3 or more is best realized in mutually empowering relationship with a uplifting woman.
But empowering in what way?
In the times when the relationship is ‘clicking’ (i.e. when her strengths supplements yours and vice versa) you really can’t help feeling that men and women are meant for each other! (Obviously we are). In context of ‘Levitating’, we encounter a woman who recognizes her power to captivate, motivate and to expand a man’s intellectual and material horizons, sensuously and artistically. As a starting point.
Speaking of space travel, the idea of inspiration is a critical one. For there is a deep urge within the heart of man: A striving spirit to learn, explore and master the unknown. Why does man wish to reach for the stars? Why not just be content with life here on Earth?
Well the same question was probably posed when humans began expanding beyond the seas. To explore (and eventually conquer) the lands that lay beyond the horizon. The force within that impels the human mind to travel to the Moon, and later for Mars (a nod to the founder of SpaceX). One that would eventually (hopefully) feed our desire to master inter-solar. One that could one day make us reach for the stars.
But to do this we men must be (or remain) the engines of progress. It is we who shall build the rockets, space ships and hovercrafts. It is men who would design physical systems and pioneer technologies, and develop breakthroughs and provide the leadership to organize human efforts to reach for the beyond. And let the lovely gift of femininity that stems from womanhood, and youthful beauty be the inspiring light, the titillating presence, the uplifting force. The hopeful, encouraging voice that strengthens our drive and conviction to the impossible.
Dua Lipa: A New Kind of Feminism?
‘What would you be if you weren’t a musician? Absolutely Nothing’ (1)
– Dua Lipa
That was the response the British- Albanian singer gave when the question was posed in an interview with NME. I don’t about you but there is something enchantingly sexy about that answer.
In a time where much has been made of what women can or should do. With great emphasis in present times placed on the need for women to be leaders, activists, ‘socialpreneurs’. Especially to be active in the STEM area where men (continue) to domiante. The ruling zeitgeist on getting women involved in social movements and other forms of activism that helps them shape, or at least affect the trajectory of the world. One that where men and women are… Equal!?
In a time where virtually every female actor is an activist, every female singer is (gender) socialist and virtually every woman in or upon entering showbiz is expected to showcase her commitment to the causes of social justice, environmental preservation, and ‘gender equality’. It is quite refreshing to see a young artist whose identity is built around what she does best, and to be happy about it.
Which is not say that Ms. Lipa doesn’t have a political side of her own. (Being ethnically Albanian, and being a child of immigrants she most likely does. And heck for all I know, Dua Lipa is probably a feminist in her own right. But the not the kind that most (sexless) feminists would welcome). But it is to say that women as women, particularly the artistic and talented ones who do well in their chosen field, be encourage or ’empowered’ to be be good at doing what they do. And if that means being a hot, sexy, lady-like female, who just likes being a girl: thinking, wanting and doing girly stuff for a time in her life (e.g. New Rules), then so be it. And when a girl wishes to embrace the idealism of the empowering feminine, it needs to be elevated. As an ideal. There is no need for women to put on the activist cap, and to become the campaigners and game changers in order to establish or shift to a new basis of identity.
Feminism to my mind appears to be opposed to this. The idea of a man empowering feminity, and underlying pro-heternormative sexuality does not seem to sit well with modern feminism. For all the talk about gender equality, feminism’s strongly pro-abortion position, its antipathy with female sexuality when it pro-heteronormative, and its curious alignment with the increasingly assertive transgender movement; one that is encroaching into the lives of young girls and affecting their development into young women, implies a paradoxical opposition to the women as sexually distinct beings whose sexuallilty and being is complementary to that of men.
Now I don’t, and nor do I claim to know what kind of person the Albanian born singer is. Rather what I am positing here is, admittedly, is an idealistic image of who she is and what she could or ought to represent for girls, vis a vie the messages contained within her song. My argument is that the appeal of Dua Lipa as a feminine and in a paradoxically sense ‘feminist’ icon, is one that celebrates the feminine. Which in its authentic character, complements the power and drive of man, who works to win the attention and love of a woman, viewing her femininity and beauty as an ideal.
For the best thing about young women, (most anyway) especially the artistic types, is that they tend to be less political in their character, particularly if they have a lot of good things going on in their life. Unlike the older, and less talented ones, who see politics and preceding that, social activism as their basis for social identity and the pathway towards recognition. Of course certain individuals have tried to merge the two together-activism and artistry (the likes of Rupi Kaur).
When it comes to rockets and star ships and interstellar travel, if I can be excused for a bit sexism, I don’t think that these advances can be realized if the often touted, political slogan ‘The Future is Female’ ever comes to pass. For it logically implies that the future is not only male, but it would feature men in a lessened state socially and politically.
Akin to a lot of these socially engineered efforts to get more women into STEM and leadership positions hasn’t truly produced the kind of outcomes the ideologues behind it would like to see-and even when it does, the sheer artificiality of such an enterprise, often comes at the expense of worthy men. The notion that having more women in leadership positions, as CEO’s and heads of states would be some kind of panacea does not stand the test of empirical scrutiny.
The failed leadership of the likes Kristina Kircher the President of Argentinian, Theresa May as the Prime Minister of Great Britain during the post-Brexit period and more recently Liz Truss; the former President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff; Park Geun-hye the Presidnet of the Republic of Korea who was impeached and arrested (later pardoned). The Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, who despite her long stay, was for the most a peace-time ruler, and when it came to the biggest test of her leadership, the European Immigrant, crisis she failed. As for women in tech, besides Lisa Sue the CEO of AMD, females as heads of tech companies haven’t fared great. In the start up world, and in the venture capital industry it is much worse.
Now this is not to say that women cannot make good leaders in politics, business and technology. But on average there are way too many good, and a lot of great men who can take that place. This is not the place to debate this point, but the whole idea of having more women in positions of power and leadership misses the point that a whole LOT of men (i.e. the majority) simply don’t get anywhere close to it. The women who compete for these top positions are going up against the cream of the crop. In a purely Darwinian sense, these women are facing up against men who have beaten out all of the other guys, and hence stand little chance of succeeding against them. Well unless the rules are deliberately altered in their favour. Such as EU mandated 40 per cent quota for women on boards (2).
My take on women, in line with Lipa’s feminine idealism, is that women in relation to the men, are better off being the source of captivation, desire, inspiration, fascination and letting us do the heavy lifting. As they have always been! Giving us men that impetus, that reason to go out, learn, apply, fight, contribute, achieve and attain, so as to become a success, and to fin fair lady’s heart!
It might sound so romantic and navie but its true. Winning fair maiden’s heart is built on two fold incentive structure.
- One: the obvious, get the girl you want.
- Two: In working to get the girl, you are compelled to grow, and evolve as a person.
In context of Lipa’s Levitating, there is a third factor.
- Three: The idea or ideal of feminine love. One that in itself is oriented towards something higher but for now remains unattainable and seemingly incomprehensible. But upon its conquest by a man (i.e. getting the girl) opens the door to new possibilities.
Men instinctively pursue power: via money and status. By working to succeed in certain field or competitive arena. However women (a source of pleasure, love and inspiration) can in turn also become a new source of power. As a source of new joy, promise and aspiration. Women, especially the artistic, the hopeful, and the imaginative can empower men, to strive towards higher, greater horizons.
Modern women as independent, artistic, visionary and in their own right powerful creatures, are not simply damsels to be rescued, trophies to be won (I wouldn’t dare), but true partners, who can strengthen men, and reap the rewards of greatnes together. So both sexes we can go forward and master the universe as we were meant to.
The ideal of Women who Venerate Men
In the world today the debate on gender, at least for the time being seems to be shifting away from the traditional focal point: the role, function, and status (or future status) of women in the world, to the transgender one.
The positive and negative effects generated by this movement on the status of modern women is yet to be fully comprehended. Though the early signs indicate that the transgender movement, particularly that which concerns the transition of men into women, appears to have an adverse effect on women (e.g. women’s sports).
Whilst the full extent and reach of the gender transition movement is yet to be seen, what is not going to change is the ever strengthening emphasis on women’s empowerment. The now boringly familiar rhetoric on the ‘need to have more women in positions of power, ‘more women on boards’, ‘greater gender parity in key decision making roles’ etc. To the cultural side, where the ‘need for gender equality’, which is often presented under the argument of fighting “sexism” in the film, entertainment and gaming industry.
As the argument goes, the lack of a 50/50 ratio when it comes to male-female leads (leaving aside side-characters) which is partly cited as a source of discrimination, and the need for more “positive” representations of women’. The latter being an euphemism for stripping women of their femininity, desirability, likability, relatablility. Or in a word their (hetero) sexuality.
These messages, when married with developments taking place in the real world, to speculate further, can be viewed as a grand effort making trial engineered by the powers that be to reshape the relations between men and women. Whilst ‘gender equality’ is often the buzz term, carried forward by the human representatives of this worldview. Case in point celebrities likes of Emma Watson.
However, a closer (or not so close) inspection of these developments reveal that the whole business of gender equality is less about women attaining equality with men on a legal and political sense (Which happened decades ago in the West). Rather much of the debate now centers around the controversial view on ‘positive’ rights, or the right to something. Like the right to abortion, the right to be elected to high office, or the right for women to hold 50/50 gender ratio on governments and corporate boards. All of this without considering if these changes actually benefits women at an intrinsic or better, a human level.
These developments, particularly those that are taking place in popular culture (which can be viewed as a testing ground for the shape of things to come) are about elevating not women per say, but about keeping men, most men in a subjugated state. Whilst making women desire to be or become (literally) like men. By removing women from their traditional roles as the artistic, beauteous, and yes at times vulnerable creatures that they are. Who would would not only partner men in their conquests, but would one day bear their children.
The very things that draws men to women.
Men thus are robbed of a source of that inspiring light. The levitaing beatuty of the feminie. But so are women.
The narrative that not only are women no long in need of men as heroes, fighters, providers and quite naturally lovers. But men, must be relegated to the position of hindrances at best or adversaries at worst. Sadly what is missed in these mad rush to advance the feminist narrative of strong female characters, is that both sexes end up as losers.
For men, in the pursuit of women, come to discover the hidden power and potential of the feminine. They (we) realize just how amazing women are. Their beauty and captivating power aside, women as sources of inspiration and strength, which empowers men to do better, greater things. What is lost in this ‘new gender equal world’ (not a Brave New One) is what both sexes naturally stand to gain from each other. It just so happens our primary strengths, and greatest affinity are towards different things, but ultimately converge as one.
This is a topic for another time, but I would like to close this essay on the inspiring Dua Lipa, by positing a ‘What if’ scenario. Which is this:
Contrary to what women are being told to believe in the much of the West, if the truth is that women and men work best as partners. In that partnership, women, at a deeper, instinctive level, yearn to be the inspiring, motivating, uplifting force for the men in their lives, who would go onto do great things in other areas of life.
The modern women, who is all about being free, independent, self-directed, at her core wishes for a man with vision, purpose and imagination. His mind grounded in reality but that is set on an ideal future. A future that he wants to shape, and wants to do it hand in hand with a woman.
The girl in this case, a blithe raven-haired belle with (my type) who is full of artistry, femininity and honesty (my ideal type), seeks this prototype of a man. The man who leads with vision, and is looking for inspiration and timely guidance. The men who rise in life will naturally seek (or ought to) an ideal feminine counterpart. A woman who venerates his power to work, produce and shape the world, and elevates him as her ‘Starlight’ and ‘Moonlight’.
This is an ideal. One that emerges as an uplifting, joyful, empowering and a way more sexier alternative to the currently domainant narriave of men and women needing to ‘be equal’. Which in practice translates into ‘women are better than men, they always were, and we just didn’t realize it until now’.
The deeper lesson for society is that it might better to empower girls to be girls. Empower women to be the best they can be, but not by idealizing a state of equality with men. For it only results in the idealization of the mascunline. Rather let girls grow into their artistic, creative, caring, motivating, stimulating feminine versions of themselves.
Let a girl’s youth, beauty, talent and charm be her greatest strengths, for it that which empowers men to do great work. It is time time the stigma that is being cast on the capacity of females to provoke, stimulate, entertain, titillate, energize, inspire and arouse the passions, wants and aspirations of men be negated and replaced with an affirmative spirit.
What modern society really needs is to let us men, do all the heavy lifting in building the ideal future. What we needed in return is that the world starts to believe in men’s power to make it happen, and the priceless aid of our beautiful partners: the ‘bone of our bones, the flesh of our flesh’.
Let this version of reality where the relations between sexes develop, grow and unfold, and manifest in a mutually empowering way. By doing so, humanity’s journey towards a future where zero gravity environments and space elevators, and even intergalactic travel will move from science fiction to science fact, a lot faster.
References
- YouTube – NME, (2017). Dua Lipa I 90-second Interview. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVoT6EZHOPE [Accessed 21 November 2022].
- Euro News (2022), EU strikes deal to impose 40% quota for women on boards of large companies by 2026. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/06/08/eu-strikes-deal-to-impose-40-per-cent-quota-for-women-on-boards-of-large-companies-by-2026. [Accessed 21 November 2022].