No, it wasn’t a feud. It turned into a “feud” because things were taken out of context, as they often are in life. While we’ve already given you a low-down of what initially happened, right here, we have yet to discuss the cultural significance of the uproar that followed. So, let’s do this in point form because… is there an easier way?
1) Nicki Minaj‘s intentions were ignored.
Nicki Minaj tried to bring attention to the fact that her video wasn’t nominated for the ‘best music video’ by the VMAs. Hence, Nicki sent a series of tweets on the fact that she’s a black, curvy woman who made an outrageous, but EXTREMELY popular video earlier this year: Anaconda. The video wasn’t nominated despite breaking records.
2) Then Taylor Swift Replied
@NICKIMINAJ I’ve done nothing but love & support you. It’s unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot..
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 21, 2015
Taylor Swift, for some reason, took this one tweet from the series personally. Perhaps due to the fact that her Bad Blood video was nominated, this was a little too specific for her taste, at least in the moment. Unfortunately, everyone chose to comment on this feud, leaving the main intention of Nicki’s tweets out.
3) Other Points & Comparisons
Many made fun of Nicki losing her cool over a nomination, but what they don’t realize is this: Anaconda celebrated her sexuality in her own way. She’s a bootylicious, mix-raced woman who wanted to do something outrageous and people responded well… mostly! So, the comparisons to the Grammys aren’t relevant. The VMAs have always celebrated pop culture, even if that’s sexy videos like Wrecking Ball, Bad Blood, or Blurred Lines.
4) You see the pattern?
Looks like a sexy, white-girls only club? Shouldn’t everyone be included? Although, Beyoncé‘s 7/11 video was nominated, that video isn’t so much about a woman’s sexual display or personal celebration of her body. Nicki’s video was a satire to a certain extent, which a lot of people missed. It was also fun and extremely SEXY, but why can’t a colored woman push sexual boundaries? Feelin’ Myself, another seductive video by Bey and Nicki, also wasn’t nominated.
5) Taylor aplogized.
Taylor Swift finally got the point and then apologized to Nicki. Nicki also tweeted back with love and support. (Also, there was that weird thing where Katy Perry ambiguously called out Bad Blood for being anti-women, which is true, but no one could really decipher Katy’s tweet for a while. Never mind that.) I guess the “feud” is over and the love is back. But, let’s never forget Nicki’s original point… ever. Thank you, feminists of the world.
Please leave your point of view in the comments below on race equality and feminism.