I don't see why women have to get naked to sell an album. It's
The words of Imelda May, singer and poet of truth, pierce through the illusions of an age: “I don’t see why women have to get naked to sell an album. It’s crazy.” With this declaration, she calls out the chains of objectification, the false belief that the worth of women in music or art is measured not by their voice, but by their flesh. Her words are not against beauty, nor against the body, but against the reduction of women’s genius to spectacle.
The ancients too spoke of this struggle. In the forums of Athens and the theaters of Rome, women were rarely allowed to speak or perform openly, for their presence was deemed dangerous, distracting, or scandalous. Yet when women did break through, they were judged more by appearance than by talent. May’s protest is an echo of this long history: that women must not be forced to strip away dignity in order to have their voices heard.
Consider the story of Billie Holiday, whose voice reshaped American music. She did not need to bare herself to captivate the world; her song Strange Fruit alone unveiled truths more powerful than any costume or pose. She sang against the cruelty of lynching, giving her body not to spectacle but to the sacrifice of carrying a nation’s sorrow. In her, as in May’s words, we see proof that it is art, not exposure, that endures.
Imelda May also speaks as a guardian for future generations. For when young girls look to the stage and see that success is purchased with nudity rather than creativity, they are taught that their worth lies in the surface, not the soul. Her cry of “it’s crazy” is the cry of a mother, a teacher, a prophet—reminding us that the true power of women lies in their gifts, their artistry, their fire, not in the exploitation of their image.
Let the generations remember: music is born of the heart, not of the body displayed for sale. To sell art by stripping away dignity is to betray the sacred calling of the artist. May’s wisdom is a shield and a challenge: that women’s voices must be celebrated in their own right, and that the stage should be a place of truth, not a marketplace of flesh. For the song that changes the world is sung not by skin revealed, but by spirit revealed.
TNTran Thien Nhan
I find Imelda May’s statement to be very powerful, as it challenges the commodification of women in the music industry. Too often, women are asked to present themselves in a hyper-sexualized manner to be noticed, regardless of their musical abilities. Why do we continue to put pressure on women to conform to such narrow, exploitative standards? It makes me wonder: what would the music industry look like if we valued artists for their creativity instead of their looks?
TPNguyen Thanh Phuoc
Imelda May’s comment highlights a deep issue in the entertainment industry where female artists often feel pressured to strip away their dignity just to be seen or heard. But how much of this is a personal choice versus external pressure? Is it possible to succeed without conforming to these standards, or are women forced into this mold to stay relevant in a competitive industry? It’s frustrating to see how much influence appearance still holds over talent.
GL12A13_14_Pham Gia Linh
This quote from Imelda May brings up an important conversation about the commercialization of women’s bodies in the music industry. Why is it that so many women feel compelled to use their sexuality as a marketing tool, just to be taken seriously in their careers? It’s a harsh reflection of how the entertainment industry values women. How much longer will this trend continue before we see true change in how women are represented?
ATHoang Anh Tho
I agree with Imelda May’s sentiment. The pressure on women to sell their bodies in the music industry is both frustrating and damaging. It reflects a deeper societal issue where women’s worth is often tied to their physicality, rather than their talent. Why is it that male artists don’t face the same expectations? This quote really challenges the double standard that still exists in the entertainment world.
NQTong Nhan Quy
Imelda May’s comment really sheds light on the troubling reality that women in the entertainment industry are often reduced to their appearance to gain attention. It's frustrating that society still prioritizes physical beauty over talent, especially when it comes to selling albums or gaining fame. Shouldn’t the focus be on a woman’s voice, artistry, and skill rather than how much skin she’s willing to show? It’s time for the industry to shift its priorities.