Here's the tea sis, we all knew that Ariana was a feminist icon. However, her latest song and music video to go with it has "honest to god" broken the internet. If you haven't seen it yet, you need to. It absolutely plays to the millennial culture and uses influential movies to our current generation. Ariana came for our wigs sweetie, but what she accomplished through her music video is an iconic take on what feminism should be. Her portrayal of empowered young women, maturity on her past relationships, and above all, her HUSTLE, has made this music video one of the best things to ever happen 2018.
The Tweet that Started It Alltwitter.com
When I first heard that Ariana was using iconic 2000's movies for her music video I was so excited. I adore all of these movies and the fact that she brought in some of the original cast members made it all the more interesting. Maybe the greatest part about her using these movies, are the characters she plays. All of the strong women she plays are very influential and overcome obstacles.
1. Regina George
Ariana Grande as Regina George
Image Source: Youtube user Ariana Grande
First, she starts off with Regina George, and while she is the poster child for the mean popular girl, she was not afraid of getting what she wanted and is ICONIC. Of course, no girl ever wanted to be as mean as Regina George, but come on, at some point every one of us found her power and influence rather amazing.
2. Torrance Shipman
GO TOROS!
Image Source: Youtube user Ariana Grande
Next, Ariana portrays the iconic role of Torrance Shipman, from the classic, Bring It On! Grande above all else, emphasizes the importance of girl power, no matter your size, shape, color, or state of being. Cheering everyone on is something we as women often forget. Ariana is a big advocate of Women Supporting Other Women and we love that.
3. Jenna Rink
Thirty, Flirty, and Thriving....
Image Source: Youtube user Ariana Grande
The influential roleplay does not end here, Ariana steps into the dreamlike fantasy of 13 Going On 30, where the main character learns that being 30 with a boyfriend is not the most important thing in this world, and learning to not only let loved ones go but also finding yourself is extremely important. There have been several theories that this scene was in reference to Ari's late ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller.
4. Elle Woods
What, like it's hard?
Image Source: Youtube user Ariana Grande
However, just when you thought we were done, Ari comes right back swinging with the PHENOMENAL, Elle Woods of Legally Blonde. Elle Woods is one of the best personifications of Modern Feminism, showing girls everywhere that they do not need an engagement, nor a man, to make themselves great. Ari took us on her journey, and for that, we're so thankful.
5. Handling Her Past Relationships With Maturity
HUUUUUUGE.
Image Source: Youtube user Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande handled her past relationships with maturity I can only aspire to have, and the fact that she gave each one a little note in her "Burn Book" made it all the more personal. What's important to emphasize though, it the fact that Ari held no ill will toward any of her exes. Often times women are portrayed as broken when getting out of relationships, as seen with artists such as Taylor Swift or Selena Gomez. Ariana is breaking the mold, and while she recognizes her emotions and feelings as real, she values them as lessons for learning, rather than pettiness. She gives the power to herself as opposed to a man, and that's something new and inspiring.
6. A Marketing Queen
You're doing amazing sweetie!
Image Source: Youtube user Ariana Grande
Let us not forget, how much Ariana promoted the HECK out of her video. The song itself was already doing great, she really did not need to go that hard. Her hustle is an excellent example to young women everywhere of how hard work pays off. She has broken several records as a result of the video. She truly is "so successful."
Considering all that Ariana Grande has gone through in her career, this has got to be one of her high points. This video and song was truly an amazing way to close out a year that has been so influenced by change through women, that it really is an anthem for growing from negativity, especially for young women. Not only did Ariana bring back the storytelling in music videos, but she also brought encouragement to all women, in what has become one of the most iconic moments in pop culture this year. As we move into the "Thank U, Next" era, I hope we are continually inspired by other women to build each other up.
