I’ve never referred to myself as a feminist outright, but it’s safe to say I’m a feminist based on my views and beliefs.

Because of how I grew up and how I was raised, I’ve always wanted to do things on my own. I don’t know if being the oldest child has anything to do with it, but I’ve always had a sense of responsibility. I like earning my own things. Nobody has ever had to tell me to get off my ass if I wanted something for myself. I’ve always had it in me to just do it on my own because I can’t stand waiting on other people to get anything done.

While I believe in women’s rights and cringe at stereotypes about women and femininity, I admit I support problematic individuals. Am I less of a feminist because I enjoy jigging and singing along with Breezy when Loyal comes on? Am I feeding into patriarchy because I enjoy Drake’s verse in Poetic Justice about natural hair, soft skin and big asses in a sundress?

I don’t think so.

Those people are entertainers. They say and do things that everyone may not agree with. Humans are complex and it’s hard for me to take everything at face value. Sometimes people just like to talk crap and that’s just how it is.

Anyone who knows me personally knows of my adoration for Chris Brown since the very beginning. He’s been in trouble because of choices he’s made in his personal life. No, I don’t agree with everything he’s done or said, but in some cases, I believe you have to give people the benefit of the doubt. I’m not “supposed” to support him anymore because of decisions that didn’t have any direct effect on me. I do agree that he’s made some terrible decisions and he’s had to pay the consequence for them and will continue to do so.

That’s his battle to fight, not mine. Although he’s made some bad decisions in his personal life, he’s made awesome music over the last nine years.

Just because I enjoy “problematic” entertainers doesn’t mean I’ll accept or tolerate that type of behavior in my own life. I won’t tolerate being disrespected or belittled for anybody. You don’t have to live your life based on reality shows, music, etc.

While I think this should be common sense to most people, it isn’t. I won’t tolerate anyone calling me out of my name or disrespecting me just because I listen to music deemed “offensive” by some.

There must be a balance in the midst of all this and I know what I won’t tolerate in “real life”.

Jaida

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Image Source: Naomi Campbell, Purple Magazine