Wearing clothes that make you feel empowered
For those lucky enough to secure tickets to the “Short n’ Sweet” Tour, Sabrina Carpenter gave fans a show to remember. The show, however, does not come without its controversy. Parents recently expressed distress at Carpenter’s lingerie-like outfits, making the show inappropriate for younger audiences. Carpenter has responded to these critiques by telling fans not to attend if her outfits are upsetting. While the “Short n’ Sweet” artist responded bluntly, Carpenter’s music is not advertised to younger fans and parents cannot expect artists in their twenties to cater to children because of brief appearances on Disney Channel shows.
Carpenter’s artistic reflection on “Short n’ Sweet” is linked to her wardrobe choices for the tour. Her “Bed Chem” nightgown outfit makes perfect sense for the tour given the experiences the lyrics reflect. Carpenter’s music is now straying away from teenage angst and toward the experiences of a woman in her twenties navigating relationships. The show’s aesthetics craft the experience for Carpenters who are in their twenties and navigating similar emotions. Carpenter puts on an amazing show for audiences like the one chapter members were able to attend in Boston.
Criticizing her talent merely over an outfit choice reflects patriarchal and sexist undertones that female artists consistently encounter. Meanwhile, male artists, such as Morgan Wallen, who was arrested in Nashville this past year, do not face commentary about being poor role models for young children to the same extent as their female counterparts. If college-aged students wear similar items of clothing in their daily lives, Carpenter should also feel empowered to do the same.
As women, we have the power to uplift each other and support each other in our decision-making. Carpenter’s sparkling bustier might not make everyone feel empowered, but she provides an incredible performance in the attire. The current commentary demeans artists who, in an attempt to express and represent their work, make choices that reflect their music.