Sabrina Carpenter: Friend or Feminist Foe?

By Vivienne Waite, Contributor

Sabrina Carpenter is in hot water over the cover of her new album Man’s Best Friend. The cover depicts the artist on her knees in heels and a little black dress, with a man standing over her, grabbing her hair like a ragdoll. Carpenter has received much criticism due to the subject of the photo. Did this album cover truly “send feminism back 50 years”? Was this photo an ironic display of the strange desires of men, or a mockery of women in an unsettling power dynamic? Does Carpenter profit off of, or cater to, the male gaze? Does she recognize her role in upholding the patriarchy? Or was the cover simply an offensive slip? 

Carpenter makes the universal experience of being annoyed by men upbeat and palatable. Songs like “Manchild” and “Please Please Please” describe her romantic discourses with the male species and voices her general dislike for being around and dating men. Calling them, “stupid,” “slow,” "useless,” and finally, “manchild[ren].” She, like so many women that despise men, continues dating them. This is not an unfamiliar experience in this patriarchal society, where women are expected to be and do everything and men add nothing at all. This phenomenon is not foreign. Countless women give men second (and third, and so on) chances time and time again, not wanting to believe that they are all the same. Even while existing in patriarchy and despising it, we continue to swim in its waters and work with its current in ways we can. Carpenter represents this group of women that are not inherently radical, yet are aware of patriarchy. It’s almost existing in a plane of attempting to cope with patriarchal nihilism.

Let’s mention the argument for Sabrina Carpenter. It may be argued that unsatisfied listeners are just uncomfortable with feminine sexuality. This argument, from my perspective, is incredibly dismissive of valid criticism of Carpenter. Even as someone who found the album cover off-putting, I can confirm that I have absolutely no issue with women openly expressing their desires. To dive deeper into the idea of the feminine sexuality, no, I’m not scared of it. However, I’m tired of these specific guidelines a woman must follow to be seen as a human being with sex appeal. These guidelines are set in place by patriarchy: “be small to be sexy,” “be blonde to be sexy,” “wear this to be sexy,” “talk like this to be sexy,” “shave this to be sexy.” ENOUGH!!! It is not Carpenter’s fault that she profits from this standard of beauty that aligns with her own. As women, we are always told to look a certain way. So, when women do, it is not unimaginable that they profit off the standard our patriarchal world forces onto us. The road that leads to public concern is examples such as her references to Lolita, placing her in the position of Dolores as Humbert Humbert would see her. We exist in a world where it would be unimaginable to not find Carpenter attractive. She is the beauty standard. There is nothing inherently radical about her appreciating her beauty after the areas of artists like Madonna and Britney Spears. It is admirable that she does, as all women should. However, of all the different types of women that should own their beauty and sexuality, Carpenter is the least controversial figure to do so.

Is Carpenter a feminist? To me, being a feminist is challenging men and challenging patriarchy. And, of course, supporting and lifting up women as well as holding us accountable. Does Carpenter challenge men? Not really. She does insult them. She clearly doesn’t respect or appreciate what they add to her life. However, she expresses this in a way that is palatable. She calls men dumb while wearing a massive blonde wig, short skirts and crop tops and kitten heels. It’s okay for women to do these things, of course. Women want to feel sexy and wear appealing garments. Women should do things like wearing makeup and shaving their legs without feeling ashamed of the process of appreciating and taking time with your features. As a woman, you are allowed to want to feel beautiful in whatever way that looks like for you. However, it is important to recognize why these certain styles or clothes make you feel beautiful. Why do you feel beautiful when putting makeup on? Why do you feel beautiful when you shave your legs? Why do you feel beautiful when wearing more traditionally feminine clothing? Start to wonder, “how can I feel sexy without appealing to, or perhaps considering, patriarchy?” If your personal preference aligns with stereotypical beauty, that’s fine, but it is a question worth pondering. 

Carpenter’s works, lyrics, and music videos show her constantly degrading men. Which is why this album cover stands out. Because this time, she is not degrading men — she is placing herself in a position where she is being degraded by them. This photo is not as simple as Carpenter expressing her sexual desires — she has now crossed the incredibly thin line of sexualization into objectification. Men, in the system of patriarchy, enjoy seeing women degraded. Why, in an album full of songs where she constantly complains about men, is she showcasing a photo men would take pleasure in? Why give them what they want? Is that truly empowering? Is this the feminine sexuality her listeners defend? She is comparing herself to a dog in a world where men see women as animals and call us bitches. Her hair is being pulled by a faceless man. Empowering? Objectification hurts all women. In this action, Carpenter is disrespecting women by placing herself in a position where she alone is being disrespected. This is an action that upholds the patriarchy. Which, I believe, isn’t the intended purpose of her art. But it is still something we need to recognize. 

With this album cover, no, Carpenter did not “set feminism back 50 years.” She merely served herself on a silver platter. Portraying her body and person as an object for a man to toss around, giving misogyny everything it wants. This is coming from someone who is extraordinarily famous, with her fans being mainly young women. Her music is fun and catchy, she’s beautiful and funny. However, with this album cover (and her continuous defense of the photo), she missed the mark. To you, ladies: it isn’t and will never be okay or cute for a man to degrade you. Don’t make it so. If not for yourself, then for all the women that aren’t you and very easily could be.