What Billie Eilish Said About Her Struggle With Womanhood & Feminity?

Billie Eilish, the Grammy-winning and Oscar-recognized artist, has long been a symbol of unique creativity and unabashed individuality. In a recent interview with Variety, she candidly addresses the challenges faced by young women, especially those in the public eye, as they navigate societal expectations and scrutiny. At just 21 years old, Eilish reflects on her journey in the public eye since gaining fame at the age of 13. Despite her numerous achievements, including seven Grammys and an Oscar, she discusses the unfairness of being a young woman in the spotlight.

The public's intense interest in her personal life, relationships, and appearance has created a unique set of challenges. Eilish's public persona is a tapestry of contradictions, blending whisper-soft vocals with lyrics that explore dark themes. Her distinctive style, characterized by baggy clothing and an eccentric aesthetic, has made her a focal point in the music industry. However, along with the praise came intrusive questions about her dating life, sexuality, and even unfounded accusations of devil worship.

Unpacking Fame And External Validation

Eilish opens up about the external validation she initially sought, particularly during the peak of her hit song Bad Guy. She recognizes the need to find joy within herself and her personal life, detached from external influences.

Ellish says, “I think at some point this last year, I realized that. I was like, I gotta find stuff within myself and my personal life that has nothing to do with the outside world or the internet or my status that’s going to bring me that much joy.”

Her recent forays into projects like the Barbie original song and acting in Prime Video's Swarm reflect a conscious effort to explore creative avenues beyond music.

Ellish created such a beautiful space to express and explore girlhood collectively with What Was I Made For?  The interview highlights the impact of Eilish's Barbie song, particularly in fostering a sense of connection among women globally. The TikTok trend sparked by the song encouraged millions to share their experiences of girlhood, creating a powerful sense of unity. She feels a sense of pride and says, “I feel like I helped bring people together, and it felt so special. I wasn’t expecting to have women around the world feel connected.”

On Feminity And Womanhood

Eilish explains, “I wasn’t trying to have people not sexualize me, But I didn’t want people to have access to my body, even visually. I wasn’t strong enough and secure enough to show it. If I had shown it at that time, I would have been completely devastated if people had said anything.”

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Eilish discusses her relationship with femininity and womanhood. She acknowledges the societal pressure to conform to conventional standards of desirability but reveals that she has never truly felt like a woman or desirable. Her struggles with body image and the media's scrutiny, especially regarding her choice of clothing, have been constant battles throughout her journey.

Breaking Free from Stereotypes

Eilish passionately challenges societal double standards and the sexualization of women's bodies. She recounts instances where wearing revealing clothing led to public scrutiny, emphasizing the need to break free from such stereotypes. The artist openly criticizes the disparity in how men's bodies are perceived and the undue focus on women's appearances.

Ellish goes on to say, “Nobody ever says a thing about men’s bodies,” she says. “If you’re muscular, cool. If you’re not, cool. If you’re rail thin, cool. If you have a dad bod, cool. If you’re pudgy, love it! Everybody’s happy with it.”

Embracing Authenticity

Eilish addresses her journey towards self-acceptance, a process that involves embracing both oversized and form-fitting outfits. The artist now confidently shares various aspects of her life on social media, including her tattoos, showcasing her evolution and newfound comfort in her skin.

Veganism and Social Justice

Beyond her music, Eilish is an outspoken advocate for veganism and social justice. Raised as a vegetarian and transitioning to veganism at the age of 12, she aligns herself with her mother's nonprofit, Support + Feed. The organization focuses on addressing climate change and food equity, delivering plant-based meals to those in need.

Billie Eilish's journey through fame, self-discovery, and advocacy serves as a powerful narrative challenging societal norms and expectations imposed on young women in the entertainment industry. Her openness about her struggles with body image, her evolving self-perception, and her commitment to social causes make her a beacon of authenticity and resilience in an industry often defined by superficial standards.