Feminism of Stardom: Representation of Body and Sexuality by American Feminist Pop Culture Icons

Abstract

Western academia is divided in terms of addressing the feminism endorsed by popular culture icons. A part of academia has been outrightly dismissive about the celebrity feminism concluding it either as a fiasco to coverup the overt commodification and objectification of female body or as uncritical theatrics that do not solve the real problems.On the other hand,there is also a part that is too embracing of the power of celebrity feminism over media and its impact on maneuvering public consciousness that they miss upon interrogating the criticality and pragmatism of celebrity projects. This paper examines the brand of feminism promoted by three American popular culture icons: Madonna, Beyonce and Lady Gaga drawingon the insights offered by the extant dualism in academic feminism in terms of scope and space popular feminism should occupy in larger feminist project. The research is based on critical reading of the feminist repertoires of the mentioned icons with frequent examination of ongoing disagreements between the academic feminists. It offers a balanced approach to view the celebrity feminism and way to mitigate the pertinent dispute between academia and popular culture. Keywords: celebrity feminism,popular culture,body,sexuality, feminist enculturation