- Question
What's the problem with 'WAP'?
In August 2020, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion broke streaming world records with their rap duet "WAP". Its critics point to its allegedly raunchy video and lyrics, calling its proud descriptions of female arousal as morally corrupt, anti-feminist and grotesque. Others say that lyrics such as “I said certified freak, seven days a week” are liberating; that they reclaim female sexual agency and empower marginalised groups.
There is no problem with WAP
This position holds that there is nothing wrong with Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's 'WAP'. It argues the track celebrates female sexuality, asserts women's power in a male-dominated genre, empowers Black women, and serves as a feminist battlecry redressing old imbalances.
WAP represents a crisis in feminism
This position holds that the song 'WAP' represents a crisis in feminism. It argues that, far from empowering, the track and its video perpetuate degrading ideas about women — reinforcing patriarchal ideals and commodifying female sexuality rather than liberating it.
WAP is a gross indictment of modern values
This position holds that the song 'WAP' is a gross indictment of modern values, representing a decline of Western civilisation. It argues that the track affronts Christian American values and is an expression of rampant, debasing commercial capitalism.
The problem lies with the critics of WAP
This position holds that the real problem with 'WAP' lies with its critics, not the song. It argues that those condemning it dehumanise Black women, engage in body shaming, and weaponise female sexuality rather than engaging with the music itself.