Respectability Politics Won’t Win The Campaign – Essence

Respectability Politics Won’t Win The Campaign – Essence

When Megan Thee Stallion hit the stage to perform some of her top hits at the first rally for then-presumed Democratic nominee VP Kamala Harris, the crowd at Georgia State University’s Convocation Center erupted with excitement. Donning a cropped blue pantsuit and flanked by dancers, the head “Hottie for Harris” advocated for Madame VP as “our future president” urging women who love their body – and want to keep doing so freely – to vote her into office. 

During her 7-minute appearance, the rapper performed brief portions of “Girls in the Hood,” viral hits “Mamushi” and “Body,” and her Grammy-winning single “Savage.” Rally attendees were spotted bouncing and swaying to the music and rapping along with her self-confident, body-positive lyrics – edited for the setting, of course – before hearing directly from Madame VP herself about her values, intentions, and a few choice words for her opponent. 

Megan Thee Stallion, real name Megan Pete, has been a noted voting advocate since the 2020 election and a vocal champion of women’s bodily autonomy and freedom of choice. So it’s no surprise that she used her voice and talents to support the Democratic candidate who has pledged to protect reproductive rights on a federal level if elected into office.

Respectability Politics Won’t Win The Campaign
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 30: Megan Thee Stallion performs at a campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign rally at the Georgia State Convocation Center on July 30, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Both Harris and Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump plan to campaign in Atlanta this week. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images)

Yet the morning after the rally, the artist was once again the target of attacks based in respectability politics, with faceless social media users calling her appearance…

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