The sad post-mortem recognition as a feminist icon
The passing of Sinéad O’Connor, uncompromising woman and beautiful soul, left us speechless. Not to mention celebrities’ tributes posted on the web.
Modern society, which is basically (and sadly) a big market, is not the place for uncompromising women. A rebellious attitude does not play well with patriarchy and market requests. What sells, marketing, who sells more – are the only things that count in a money-driven society. In this context, the female aesthetic is strictly linked to what sells. In fact, there are specific norms, rules or standards to which every woman needs to conform in order to be accepted.
Inimitable talent and uncompromising style
Around the end of the 80s, we saw a face of rare beauty with a bald head and a voice of unique intensity, and we fell in love with her. When interviewed, the Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor explained that the music industry wanted her long-haired and revealing clothes. Instead, she showed up bald and in combat boots.
Her shaved head became a trademark, a symbol of protest against traditional views of femininity. Although she tried to hide her beauty, the result was exactly the opposite. Indeed, very few women can cut their hair that way and still look so very beautiful!
Conformism & contemporary feminism
If a woman wants to be considered beautiful or accepted as an artist, or whatever she wants to do in her life, the standards are long hair and tight-fitting clothes. So we have some problems understanding the contemporary idea of feminism. For instance, look at all the celebrities who call themselves feminists; celebrated by the mainstream culture, they look as the system wants them to be, calling it freedom of expression. Is that real feminism? We don’t think so. For sure, hitting the number one charts thanks to an immense voice and a clean face and piercing eyes, was different. So, follow what the system wants, conform if you feel ok, but don’t call it feminism.
We have always searched for news from her social media accounts because we appreciated her outspoken personality, anti-establishment position and political activism. Most celebrities, though having platforms, do not say a word on crucial matters. In fact, she was so brave to speak in support of child abuse, human rights, women’s rights, and against wars and racism. Most importantly, being a victim of abuse, she showed her vulnerability by disclosing her struggles with mental health and fibromyalgia. But she got hate and disregard in return.
On July 26, the uncompromising Sinéad O’Connor was found dead. And, all of a sudden, she becomes a feminist icon, understood only after her death. Insulted when alive, celebrated after death!
One comment really made sense:
“You praise her now ONLY because it is too late. You hadn’t the guts to support her when she was alive and she was looking for you.”