The minute Sabrina Carpenter’s cover for Man’s Best Friend dropped, the internet responded by calling it sexist and a step back for feminism. Then the album itself was released and all of us who had brain cells were vindicated in our excitement for it. Meaning, we always understood Carpenter’s intention.
From the jump, I thought that the concept for the album was giving “how men view women” and less about a woman submitting to a man and letting him treat her like a dog. But hey, that was just me I guess. Many online felt the need to bash the album, call out Carpenter, and scream before they ever heard the songs on the album.
Frankly, I don’t know how they heard “Manchild” and didn’t get it but that’s their damage, not mine. Still, the reaction online did feel a little targeted to Carpenter. The picture in question featured the singer on all fours pretending to be a dog for a faceless man. In theory, calling herself a dog but obviously pointing out how men treat women. At least it was obvious to me.
Since the release of Man’s Best Friend, many have pointed out that the album in question is all about how men will use women and hurt us. There are some songs that are still about her own love for men which is fine! As a straight woman who considers myself a feminist, I don’t see anything wrong with another woman expressing her own sexual desires as Carpenter loves to do. I do think it is wrong to judge something based on its cover before even listening to it, as people did with the album.
But now Carpenter is taking her work one step further and showing support for the trans community through her songs.
“Tears” at the VMAs
At the VMAs on September 7, Carpenter performed her song “Tears,” which features a Rocky Horror Picture Show-esque video that has Colman Domingo as a Frank-n-Furter like character. For the performance at the VMAs, Carpenter honored Britney Spears, was surrounded by members of the trans community and drag queens for her song. At the end of the number, posters were held up that said “Dolls Dolls Dolls” as well as a sign celebrating trans rights.
During her acceptance speech after winning Best Album, Carpenter shared her joy over being able to bring a little bit of light and happiness. “This world, as we all know, can be so full of criticism and discrimination and negativity,” she said. “So to get to be part of something that can bring light, make you smile, make you dance, and make you feel like the world is your f***ing oyster. I’m so grateful to do that.”
So while you may have thought that Carpenter’s album was going to not be as “feminist” as you thought, she has proven many wrong with her work and I just think that a lot of people owe her an apology. Anyway, stream Man’s Best Friend.
(featured image: Sabrina Carpenter)
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