Megan Thee Stallion and the Policing of Black Women's Bodies

Megan Thee Stallion at the Vanity Fair Oscars party

Megan Thee Stallion is arguably one of the most notable and quotable rappers out. The 5'10 Houstonian has been all bars and body positivity since the beginning of her rap career, climbing the charts the last nine years with inescapable hits like Savage, Mamushi, and WAP with Cardi B.

She is no stranger to controversy, which unfortunately is a given as a Black woman who has no qualms about reverencing herself in any way, shape, or form she deems necessary. What has always been transparent about Megan Thee Stallion is her confidence and her commitment to doing whatever she wants to do.

Sexuality expressed out loud and owning one's sex appeal are two "no-nos" in a world that sells modesty and docility as essential ingredients for the perfect woman. The perfect body is unattainable by fluctuating standards, and how much skin is exposed or considered too much depends on who is doing the judging each day.

Today, it's Sherri's talk show host Sherri Shepherd, who had a mouthful to say about Megan Thee Stallion's Vanity Fair Oscar Party look.

"Megan Thee Stallion, I love you. I do. But I'm so upset because God gave you a legitimate gift. You are amazing with your lyrical rhymes and how smart you are," Shepherd said. In summary, she believed the majority of the looks were not okay and too exposed.

Megan wore an olive green gown with matching nipple pasties and gave Poison Ivy inspired but left little to be desired by critics for clicks who just didn't like it. Not liking a look is okay. However, body shaming and projecting expectations that regurgitate misogynistic ideals and anti blackness are something else entirely.

Society has excessively scrutinized Black women's bodies due to entrenched racism, misogyny, and historical prejudices. From the era of slavery to contemporary media, Black women have been subject to hypersexualization while concurrently facing stigma for the expression of their sexuality. The "Jezebel" stereotype depicted Black women as excessively promiscuous, legitimizing their exploitation, whilst the "Mammy" archetype supported the notion that they ought to be modest and self-sacrificing.

Currently, this policing is evident in fashion critique, and an industry wherein the pain and autonomy of Black women are frequently disregarded. Society imposes unrealistic expectations—requiring Black women to embody strength and submissiveness, possess curves without excess, and exhibit confidence without being perceived as overly assertive. These paradoxes perpetuate a society that regulates individual choices, encompassing attire, and professional conduct.

Women can't "win" in a society that intentionally works against their best interest. Black women can't win in a world that has never respected them as a whole human being.

What is true and will always remain the case is that Megan Thee Stallion owes no one anything. Critics will be critics, but there is a thin line between critiquing and policing. In the end, no woman owes a society that enables rape culture censorship.