By Anna Geannopoulos
Although some may say that Willow Smith is only producing music because her dad is Will Smith, it is clear that she has star power, persona and a positive message to give to young girls everywhere. She proves that you don’t have to be overly sexualized to be a fashion forward 11-year-old child celebrity. She knows that keeping it classy will always be cool.
Her song “21st Century Girl” and accompanying music video creates some beautiful imagery that presents an empowering message.
In the video, Willow rises out of the sand and joins up with other girls to pull a modern city out of the ground. It seems safe to say that 21st century girls have the ability to shape the world they live in.
Positive lyrics like, “I am a rebel but I do it with class,” “I choose my path,” “I feel like I could take over the world if I could only get my dreams out,” “It’s that new girl thinking and this song is just the start,” reinforce the idea that Willow is down with female empowerment.
In a world where most adult female pop stars think that equal opportunity means objectifying men while wearing practically nothing, little Miss Smith gives us hope for the future.
“It’s about girls being themselves. They’re walking toward their goal, they’re thriving to be the best because you know that you can do it,” said Willow Smith about the song in a behind the scenes interview.
And isn’t that what today’s youth needs to hear—that they can succeed if they work toward their goals? The best part about this video is that Willow looks fabulously eye-catching and shocking without being vulgar.
Her style may be a little sophisticated for her age, but it isn’t sexual. She uses bright colors, patterns and bold silhouettes to have fun with her wardrobe. Remember that song about girls just wanting to have fun? They now do it while shaping the world. So don’t hate on Willow because she was born into fame and seized an opportunity. She is just being a 21st century girl.
