Recapping 2023: The Year for Woman Empowerment
Artwork: Joey Snippes
Pantone knew what was coming when they made “Viva Magenta” the color of the year back in January. Symbolizing empowerment in the hue of a bright pink, they hit right on the nose of what was to come within pop culture and societal conversations throughout the year. 2023 has made me proud and connected to my womanhood, and I find myself not being able to stop talking about these women and their positive impact on society.
The Taylor Takeover
Some people may be tired of hearing about Taylor Swift and the insane year she has had, but she is far from done yet. I don’t have to tell you that Taylor Swift is everywhere; that is something that I am positive a global majority of people are aware of. She had a tour that reshaped the standard for pop artists and the experience for concert goers, plus a movie that had people dancing out of their seats. Her ticket sales resulted in a lawsuit against Ticketmaster due to the extreme demand. Although I was not one of the lucky fans who was able to get tickets, I found myself waiting every night, around two hours into her show, to learn which surprise songs she would play that night. (I argue that Minneapolis Night Two won with “Dear John” and “Daylight.”)
The Eras Tour is on track to be the highest grossing global tour in history, with an estimated $900 million made this year, and her tour is far from over. She is an inspiration to girls (and others) everywhere.
Gerta Gerwig Turned the World Pink
I will forever long for the period of time this summer when everyone and their mother was wearing pink head to toe, ready to head to the movies and watch Barbie with their closest friends, family, or even by themselves. I have never felt as connected to a random group of people as I did when we all laughed as the Kens played guitar at the Barbies (I fear we had all been there), and I know I was not the only one. We laughed and cried together. It led to so much societal conversation around girl/womanhood how the patriarchy has played a role in negatively affecting everyone in some way.
I will forever see Greta Gerwig as a hero because of her artistic and insightful film. She helped create the highest grossing film in Warner Brother’s 100 year history, beating out even the Harry Potter movies.
History’s Second Renaissance Era
The queen of woman empowerment herself also had a very successful tour this summer. Beyoncé’s “Renaissance Tour” highlighted her most recent album while also sparking her own fashion moment. Creating her own era with inspiration from the New York ballroom scene, chrome and cowboy boots were all the rage in the late summer.
I was lucky enough to see her in concert with my mom this summer in Minneapolis, and it was an experience I will never forget. Huntington Bank Stadium turned into a club where you could be whoever you wanted to be that night. No matter your gender identity, sexual orientation, or age, she created an environment meant for everyone. (My straight, white father had a wonderful time). She continued her Renaissance with a film documentary that hit theaters in December, and just like Taylor Swift’s film, fans have made it a concert run 2.0.
My mom raised me on Beyoncé, and I correlate a lot of my childhood with her different albums. She is who I listen to when I need confidence or to let out all of my emotions, and she taught me about the realities of feminism with her song “Flawless.” Having women like her and Taylor Swift running the music industry gives me hope for the future of society.