Society has always expected women to be modest in clothing and demeanor, looking down on those not afraid to speak their minds and dress how they please.

     However, modern feminists are combatting this forced modesty, wearing what makes them feel confident and not afraid to speak out. Pop star Sabrina Carpenter is a prime example of this empowering movement.

     Junior Nataliya Mikula said, “[Carpenter] tries to tell women… ‘Don’t be scared of who you are. If you want to show off, show off. Be feminine. Be yourself.’”

     Before reaching her current level of stardom, however, Carpenter experienced her fair share of controversy, most notably for dating actor Joshua Bassett soon after he dated fellow pop star Olivia Rodrigo.

     Carpenter’s hit song “Because I Liked a Boy,” from the album Emails I Can’t Send, shows she is no stranger to the media’s unbalanced treatment of women versus men. Some of her lyrics, such as “Now I’m a homewrecker, I’m a s—/I got death threats filling up semi-trucks,” shows she’s not afraid to call out society’s double standards.

     While Carpenter received substantial hate for dating Rodrigo’s ex-boyfriend, Bassett received little to no backlash, despite his significant role in the matter.

     Carpenter did not let this ambush of hate stifle her success and her voice. On April 11, 2024, Carpenter released her hit single “Espresso.” With its provocative lyrics and music video, the song boldly displayed her unapologetic sexuality.

     As a result, Carpenter’s fame skyrocketed. In August 2024, Carpenter released her album Short n’ Sweet, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

     After the release of Short n’ Sweet, Carpenter went on a world-renowned tour, selling out venues across the United States. The tour blew up on social media for her set design, performance, and originality.

     Carpenter’s unwavering confidence shined, especially through the fashion, songs, and dances. Mikula said, “She’s very feminine, truly, like the dress and the lingerie that she wears… It just shows off the vibe that you’re safe here.”

     Carpenter’s wardrobe is filled with short dresses, skimpy skirts, pastels, and sparkles, embracing femininity and showing off her body. She does not care what people may think of her and encourages other women to do the same.

     Sophomore Austin Stone, whose sister attended Carpenter’s concert, said, “I don’t think anything’s influencing her. I think she does what she wants to do, and she develops her own style of performing that we haven’t really seen since these recent years.” 

     Some adults seem to criticize Carpenter’s choice to sing about more inappropriate topics, but she doesn’t let this stop her. Junior Leila Hudson, while not a fan of Carpenter’s music, said, “I’ve heard about parents being mad that the concerts are inappropriate, and… I think it’s [the parents’] fault… if they bring their kids and know about [the explicit content].”

     Carpenter’s aesthetic and tour showcases the ideals of modern feminism. Milkula said, “She tries to bring out this part of women trying to be confident in their own skin…And I feel like that’s what modern feminism is. Be confident in yourself.”