Ariana Grande is saying “Thank U, Next” to staying silent on America’s polarising political climate.
On Friday, the Grammy-winner dropped her latest single ‘Positions‘ with an iconic music video that’s taken the internet by storm. With over 33 million YouTube views in just two days, the video has received accolades from fans and critics alike for its cultural relevancy and powerful commentary on social justice issues.
Directed by Dave Meyers, the ‘Positions’ music video is filled with feminist Easter eggs symbolising Ari’s left-leaning political views. From cooking pasta in her kitchen to leading the country as the President of the United States, the singer’s message is clear: No matter what role Ari chooses for herself, being a woman is her most powerful position of all.
Here are all the feminist innuendos you probably missed in ‘Positions.’
Ariana Grande as POTUS
The ‘Positions’ music video centers around Ari taking over the White House as the President of the United States.
A female President would be a first for America, as would be Ari’s imagined administration— a group of young, diverse, and largely female members of her personal inner circle, including songstress Victoria Monét, dancer Taya Shawki, hairstylist Josh Liu, and even the artist’s own mother.
Ari’s boardroom is a far cry from the President’s current administration and sends a powerful message about who should be included in these discussions if we truly want to ignite change.
Ari takes jabs at President Donald Trump
The 27-year-old takes many jabs at the current President of the United States throughout her music video. The most poignant, perhaps, is the scene where she awards USPS workers with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, all of whom are women.
ICYMI, earlier this year President Trump admitted to refusing to fund the US Postal Service in an effort to sabotage mail-in voting. He also has a documented history of misogyny and violence against women including multiple sexual assault allegations.
Standing on a step ladder, Ari bestows the award to a cast of female USPS workers, aligning herself with political movements that put women’s rights first. The ladder lends itself to the notion of women climbing the corporate ladder and breaking the glass ceiling.
The Jackie O-inspired looks, but make it sexy
Ari’s retro outfits steal the show and appear to be heavily inspired by former first lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
While drawing inspo from one of the world’s biggest fashion icons is hardly news, stylist Mimi Cutrell used Ari’s appearance throughout the music video to rebel against society’s inherent belief that women in positions of power should not be — or cannot be — stylish, sexy, and provocative if they want to be taken “seriously.”
Cutrell basically said a big “F U” to this misogynistic double standard, putting Ari in a full face of makeup, short hemlines, and a peek-a-boo midriff all while maintaining her status and influence.
Ari shows her support for #MeToo
Ari dons a black gown with a dazzling emerald necklace while sitting on a bed in a pivotal scene for the music video.
As noted by Insider, black and emerald became the unofficial uniform for women in Hollywood attending award shows in 2018 amidst the #MetToo movement.
The all-black dress code first took the red carpet at the 2018 Golden Globes as a way to protest sexual harassment from powerful men in the industry. However, journalists quickly discovered that multiple famous women decorated their black styles with the addition of emerald jewelry— a meaningful stone that symbolises mercy, compassion, peace, and even success during litigation.
Ariana’s replica of this statement look while draped across a bed shows she stands in solidarity with her female peers — celebrity or not— and takes metaphorical aim at men in positions of power.
You can watch Ariana Grande’s ‘Positions’ in all its glory here.