I didn’t watch the VMA’s, but Nicki Minaj was all the buzz pre and post VMA’s. First with being unhappy about her neglected by MTV for not being nominated for Video of the Year for “Anaconda” via twitter.
Then her follow up response to Taylor Swift feeling like the shade was being thrown her way (which Swift later apologized for). Miley Cyrus, the show’s host added her opinion on Nicki’s initial comments in an interview,
“People forget that the choices that they make and how they treat people in life affect you in a really big way. If you do things with an open heart and you come at things with love, you would be heard and I would respect your statement,” Cyrus said. “But I don’t respect your statement because of the anger that came with it. […] If you want to make it about race, there’s a way you could do that. But don’t make it just about yourself. Say: ‘This is the reason why I think it’s important to be nominated. There’s girls everywhere with this body type.’”
While Nicki seemed to have squashed her beef with Taylor as the two performed the opening of the show, she later called out Miley in her acceptance speech.
“And now, back to this b**** that had a lot to say about me the other day in the press, Miley, what’s good?”
My first thought is, “Can you claim feminism in your initial complaint, then proceed to call another woman a bitch?” I know, Miley came for Nicki in the interview and sometimes a nice delivery isn’t the way to go; but I think this time Miley already completely showed her ass in the interview trying act like she understood the struggle Nicki was referring to when she didn’t get nominated. Clearly, she didn’t or she wouldn’t have had her entitled opinion in the first place.
Nicki’s “clap back” was just an insult, not a sensible response. While entertaining, and I’m sure it did wonders for post show press, Nicki could have used the opportunity to school Miley (and people that think like her) rather than just throw an insult. Miley was unaffected and completely dismissed her comments adding fuel to the situation. In the end, Nicki was still misunderstood, Miley was still clueless, Taylor had a great night and MTV got great buzz surrounding the incident.
I like Nicki and I respect the success she has attained thus far. She most definitely had a point about mainstream respecting curvy girls and women of color contributing to popular culture. Regardless of whether or not her video was award worthy is a whole other question (what video’s are that great these days anyway?), she had a right to express her frustration. I’m not sure I completely believe the whole feminist angle either. While her point was correct, I don’t believe she came from a place of purpose. I believe she went with that angle because it’s the only defense she could really claim.
Her insult to Miley overshadowed her Trini Carnival inspired performance with Taylor Swift and her point that women of color (and curves) should be recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to popular culture. What are your thoughts? Do you agree with Nicki’s approach or was she out of line?
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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