Navigating the Lack of Role Models, Intergenerational Unity, and Advocacy

In my exploration of womanhood in 2024, it becomes apparent that women’s moral compasses are often skewed, especially among those with platforms or prominent roles in today’s society. Recently, there have been numerous examples of older women failing to be an advocate for young women’s success, and simply speaking up for themselves in male dominated spaces such as rapper Nicki Minaj and former video vixen Melissa Forde. As women who have navigated their way through uncomfortable truths and experiences in the industry, I believe there is a missed opportunity for advocacy and positive influence.

Rapper Nicki Minaj has found herself in various conflicts with younger artists, including Cardi B, and most recently, Megan Thee Stallion. As a prominent figure in the rap scene for over a decade, Nicki has fostered an insanely and devoted fan base (pun intended), willing to go to great lengths for her approval. It’s not surprising that someone who has been hailed as the “only female rapper in the game” for over 10 years now feels the need to compete with emerging talents in the rap industry.

Unfortunately, the media landscape tends to favor younger women. While older creators can establish themselves, they might need to explore other ventures, retire, and focus on creating a life they didn’t have time for during their prime ( Just a suggestion).

Megan has a reputation for shaking every room she enters by being her authentic self, while many women feel more comfortable being shy and less opinionated to impress men. In Megan’s new song “HISS,” she intentionally did not mention a name but made it clear that she sees all the jokes being made about her sexual activities. Sadly, there’s even an attempt to deny her ability to speak up for herself after being shot by Tory Lanez.

Megan’s confidence has made the music industry ice her out, and she is not publicly supported by many women, specifically black women in the industry, due to their need to assert themselves with misogynistic men. She utilized a segment of visuals representing a new layer of skin being brought to the surface since her return from her hiatus, Cobra. She has then released a new song, recently called “HISS,” following up with “Cobra,” and as fans, we assume that there’s more of this concept to unravel in upcoming songs. After a 48-hour Twitter rant, Nicki has released a diss track in response to Megan Thee Stallion’s song “HISS,” leading to speculation that she might be feeling intimidated by the younger artist’s resilience and confidence.

In a previous sit-down interview with former rapper Joe Budden, Nicki admitted to feeling less confident around Lil Wayne during her time with Young Money Records. She disclosed that the women glorified by him and other men on the label had undergone procedures like BBLS and butt injections. This revelation motivated her to seek similar enhancements, resulting in multiple surgeries on her face and body. It’s apparent that societal pressures continue to impact her, raising questions about her true sentiments and struggles.

When Nicki sees another black woman in her field who is intellectual, ambitious, well-liked, beautiful, and, most importantly, confident, it seems to make her feel less unique. This may explain why she chose to mention Megan’s sexual history in an attempt to slut-shame her on her debut diss track, “Big Foot,” along with making her cover art a visual of her small boot inside a huge footprint surrounded by caution tape, somewhat of a parody of the scene of Megan Thee Stallion being shot in her foot in 2021. It’s disheartening to witness how the women we once looked up to, or hoped to look up to, can turn out to be fraudulent and jealous of younger women.

Another example of a woman not taking the opportunity to speak up was recently displayed on the Joe Budden Podcast with conversations with cohost, Melyssa Ford. In this context, the responsibility of a woman in such a position is not just to share her perspective but to act as an advocate for the betterment and evolution of women. Melyssa has recently sat down for a great interview with Angie Martinez where she disclosed that she commends women for speaking up for themselves because during her video vixen years, she has had many incidents where she was taken advantage of by men. She also states that she wishes that she was more vocal but has made an effort to be more vocal about the injustice of women.

On the podcast, she’s been given the opportunity to defend or enlighten other women listeners rather than embracing a toxic view of femininity, which is usually displayed on social media. I think there should be a commitment to providing perspective, protection, and wisdom for future generations of women. A notable example is the failure to address complex issues when the topic of model Draya Michele, who happens to be 39 dating a 21-year-old basketball player, Jalen Green, and getting pregnant, despite having her own children.

Engaging in a romantic relationship with a man over 10 years younger raises ethical considerations that go beyond dictating women’s choices over their bodies. While acknowledging individual autonomy, it’s crucial to reflect on the societal implications of such age disparities. The concern isn’t about imposing restrictions but rather initiating a thoughtful exploration of the moral landscape. In a world already grappling with issues like underage marriages and pregnancies, understanding the ethical dimensions of relationships with substantial age gaps becomes essential. By fostering open conversations about these implications, we encourage a collective examination of societal values surrounding relationships, marriage, and parenthood. The goal is not to stifle personal freedom but to prompt a nuanced dialogue that contributes to shaping a more conscientious and compassionate society like HELLO!

In another recent episode of the Joe Budden Podcast, Melyssa denied the invitation to be in a Gunna music video with the excuse of having the flu at that time. The concept of the video surrounds the celebration of former OG video models, including Bria Miles and other known models like Melyssa Ford. After her other cohosts didn’t believe that to be the case, she then said that she had a commitment to the podcast and she didn’t want to abandon her priorities to take part in something like that. By responding this way, I concluded that she felt like she has evolved from being in those spaces, which is valid. But I think her not being honest about it makes her responses disingenuous.

By not utilizing her platform to address these issues constructively, she misses a chance to be an advocate for safe sex work, challenge societal perceptions, and celebrate the diverse experiences of women. This omission not only hinders the progress of women’s empowerment but also leaves a void in the representation of positive female role models. A more proactive approach is needed, seizing opportunities to shape narratives that uplift and inspire, particularly for younger women who are watching and seeking guidance in a world that demands stronger female voices.

It’s pretty clear that we’re missing out on some solid leadership from the older ladies when it comes to guiding the younger generation. Sure, there are a few shining examples like Nicki Minaj and Melyssa Ford doing their thing, but I’m being honest, it feels like we are going through a pick-me epidemic. The lack of a respectable & powerful voices advocating for positive changes, diverse experiences, and just shouting out the awesome aspects of being a woman leaves a gap in the mentorship game. We need those influential figures to step up and fill the role models’ shoes that younger women are desperately looking for. It’s time for the female elders to set aside any personal drama, get on board with the evolving womanhood scene, and actively contribute to lifting up the next generation.

As a woman approaching her 30s, I aspire to inspire every young woman that I can. I don’t see youth as a threat, it actually inspires me to take a page out of their book or help young women to not make the same mistakes I have. Let’s create a world where women of all ages can come together, breaking down barriers, and paving the way for a future where female empowerment is the norm, not the exception. These are the tough conversations we need to have in spaces amongst other women instead of being bitter and complacent. Through intergenerational unity and a commitment to positive representation, women can navigate the complexities of societal expectations and pave the way for younger women to thrive in all areas of life.

“After the torch has been passed, a new chapter unfolds.” – Miss ChatGPT