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Maroon 5 released their latest single, “Girls Like You” this week and it was just what I needed in this #MeToo era—especially in the wake of Harvey Weinstein’s arrest and the new allegations against actor, Morgan Freeman.
Full disclosure—I am a fan of Maroon 5 and might even have a somewhat ridiculous crush on Adam Levine, so I already knew and loved this song. However, I have never been one to ever really watch music videos.
But this one is worth watching.
Dozens of strong, powerful women are featured in the video—from professional athletes to entertainers, and everything in between. But what hit home for me were the numbers of activists that were invited to be part of this celebration of women. It gave me the chills when I watched it the first time—partly, to see such a powerful combination of women, and partly because this band was using their own celebrity and platform to shine a spotlight on women.
The names and faces are easily recognizable, for the most part—Ellen DeGeneres, Gal Gadot, Jennifer Lopez. Aly Raisman appears close to the beginning of the video, wearing a t-shirt that says, “Always Speak Your Truth,” as she and Levine hold hands in what I can only describe as an act of solidarity—and love.
But among those faces you may or may not recognize are activists that exemplify the strength that is uplifting all women right now: Muslim entrepreneur and founder of MuslimGirl.com, Amani Al-Khatahtbeh; transgender actress Trace Lysette; Somali American politician Ilhan Omar; activist Angy Rivera; and Lakota People’s Law Project coordinator Jackie Fielder, wearing a “Water Is Life” shirt.
I know there are cynics out there who will say that Maroon 5 was only doing this for their own gain, but really…who loses in a situation like this?
Anytime men are openly celebrating women—and strong, powerful, outspoken women, at that—is a win-win in my mind.
Take a look for yourself and tell me what you think.
And be sure to watch until the very end.
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Photo credit: YouTube/Vevo/Maroon 5