In Praise of Raunchy Feminism
Ben Shapiro says feminism is too focused on female sexual pleasure. If only.
When rappers Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion released the single and video for their collaboration effort titled “WAP” last week, the hype about it was almost overshadowed by an unintentionally hilarious video critique from Ben Shapiro. Among other things, Shapiro informed us that he asked his doctor wife about this WAP thing, and she assured him that it’s a likely medical condition. For the benefit of the uninitiated: “it” is a “wet-ass pussy,” which is what Cardi and Megan are rapping about. No wonder it’s been met with furrow-browed concern from Shapiro and other usual suspects.
The song has been called vulgar by more than a few people. I think vulgarity is in the eye of the beholder, but I’ll admit the song is raunchy. It’s over the top. (If Ben Shapiro thinks that the reference to needing “a bucket and a mop” is literal, perhaps he should look up “hyperbole.”) It’s giggle-out-loud funny. It’s also worth pointing out what it’s not; it’s not degrading or hurtful, it doesn’t denigrate men in order to lift up women, and it doesn’t center male sexuality over female sexuality. It’s two women rapping about the joys of sex and having very moist lady parts. In a world where I’d struggle to describe anything as “lighthearted” or “fun,” the song…
