And this is how liberals so very often makes themselves look like fools, even if the critique would have some (small) validity if it hadn’t been written by someone who is apparently a complete American idiot with absolutely no knowledge of anything outside the US. Amazing we can send people to matriculate for so long as Verónica Bayetti Flores undoubtedly has and that they don’t actually learn a single goddamn thing*.
Tess’s response in the comments of the original column itself is also great (scroll up to read the actual Feminsting piece).
Nearly unprecedented that some analyst on CNN is correct, but he’s right — Lorde’s critique has nothing to do with racism, but rather she’s reacting to the excesses of the music she herself listens to and is pushed out into the world by American corporations. Because of course what Lorde sings and writes is a fusion of electro, hip hop and soul. There has never been anything quite like what she’s done, and that’s why it makes such an impression. It’s probably been 20 years since I’ve liked a No. 1 song or a top-selling artist, but good is good. I’m not obligated as hipsters are to hate anything popular.
Makes me really want to jettison forever the liberal label more than I already have. I think it’s just a terrible idea that anything that has anyone who is not white in it cannot ever be critiqued. I want equality, not whatever bullshit that is. By the way, Lorde’s given name is “Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O’Connor.” Yeah, if you are smart you probably kenned right away that as recently as 50 or 60 years ago Lorde herself would not have been considered “truly” white in many places, including the US.
This response to the completely daft Feministing column was also great.
Flores should stop being such a numpty and actually learn a little about the rest of the world (everything ain’t about America, strange to hear I know) but meanwhile let’s watch her hairness Lorde killin’ it.
*Makes me want to quote once again the Good Will Hunting line about library books and $1.50 in late fees, but I’ll sort-of refrain.