If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that pop culture has the power to shape the way we see the world—and *Call Me Bae* is no exception. This glitzy, ultra-fabulous series has not only captivated our hearts but has also subtly weaved in a host of feminist lessons along the way. Behind the layers of couture and drama, this show manages to sprinkle some serious empowerment vibes into every episode. And no, it’s not all stilettos and sass—there’s some real girl-power grit beneath the surface.
Let’s take a walk down the metaphorical runway and break down five feminist lessons we can take from the fiercely bold Call Me Bae(bold)
Self-Redemption is the Ultimate Glow-Up
View this post on Instagram
The show’s titular character, Bae, might start as your typical spoiled rich girl. Think extravagant shopping sprees, a life dripping in luxury, and, well, a bit of obliviousness to the realities outside her privileged bubble. What makes her journey such a feminist triumph, however, is the way she claws her way back after hitting rock bottom. When her life of glam and wealth comes crumbling down, Bae doesn’t stay down for long. Instead, she takes control of her own redemption arc, rebuilding herself from the ground up.
This lesson speaks volumes about the power of resilience and self-determination. In a world that often teaches women to rely on others to be ‘saved,’ Bae’s narrative shows they can find redemption and transformation without a knight in shining armor. Sometimes, the glow-up comes from picking yourself up, dusting off those designer shoes, and doing the hard work yourself.
The Feminist Takeaway:
Women have the power to own their mistakes and, ultimately, come back stronger. Indeed, self-reliance and personal accountability are key components of modern-day feminism. *Call Me Bae* powerfully reminds us that true empowerment comes from within, not from others.
Fashion is Empowerment, Not Frivolity
View this post on Instagram
Let’s get real for a second: Call Me Bae is nothing if not a visual feast of haute couture, designer bags, and jaw-dropping fashion moments. But what’s even more powerful is how the show uses fashion as a tool for empowerment, not just a symbol of vanity. Bae’s impeccable style isn’t just about looking fabulous (though she nails that every single time); it’s also about reclaiming her identity and expressing herself authentically.
For too long, fashion has been dismissed as a frivolous pursuit, especially when women are involved. But the show flips that narrative by showing that style can be a powerful form of self-expression and even rebellion. Whether it’s Bae strutting in an avant-garde ensemble or making a statement with a power suit, her wardrobe choices are a reflection of her internal transformation.
The Feminist Takeaway:
Fashion is a form of empowerment, and women shouldn’t feel ashamed of embracing it. Whether you’re into high-end couture or thrift-store treasures, what you wear can be a reflection of your confidence, creativity, and individuality.
Friendship Over Frenemies
View this post on Instagram
Call Me Bae refreshingly reminds us that women don’t always have to be pitted against each other in a world thriving on gossip, rivalry, and backstabbing (hello, tabloid culture!). One of the most heartwarming aspects of the show is the genuine friendships that blossom between women—friendships built on mutual respect, support, and solidarity.
Bae’s friendships evolve from surface-level connections with frenemies in her social circle to deep, meaningful bonds with women who have her back through thick and thin. These relationships showcase the power of sisterhood, a theme that is at the core of feminism. It’s not about tearing each other down to climb higher; it’s about lifting each other up.
The Feminist Takeaway:
Female friendships can be transformative and empowering. Women don’t have to compete to succeed; in fact, they thrive when they support each other. Let’s leave the “mean girl” tropes in the past and celebrate the power of women uplifting women.
Shattering the “Damsel in Distress” Trope
How often have we seen women in film and television waiting for a man to swoop in and save the day? It’s an overdone trope that *Call Me Bae* happily tosses out the window. Throughout her journey, Bae faces challenges that could easily set her up to be rescued by a male hero. But instead, the show stays true to its feminist message: Bae is fully capable of saving herself.
From legal battles to personal struggles, Bae is never portrayed as a damsel in distress. Sure, she gets advice and support along the way, but the ultimate decision-making and action come from her. This defiance of the traditional narrative is a big feminist win. It’s a reminder that women don’t need rescuing—they need the opportunity to show their strength, and that strength is inherent.
The Feminist Takeaway:
Women are not helpless damsels waiting for someone to save them. They are resourceful, strong, and capable of facing adversity on their own terms. *Call Me Bae* champions the idea that women can—and should—be the heroines of their own stories.
Breaking Free from Society’s Labels
View this post on Instagram
From the very first episode, Bae is labeled. She’s the rich girl, the fashionista, the “brat,” and the heiress. Society loves to put women into neatly defined boxes, often reducing them to one-dimensional labels based on their appearance, background, or behavior. But as the show progresses, we see Bae slowly shed these limiting labels and redefine herself on her own terms.
This is one of the most powerful feminist lessons in the show: Women are more than the labels society assigns to them. Just because someone looks a certain way or comes from a particular background doesn’t mean their story is written. Bae’s journey of self-discovery is all about challenging the preconceived notions others have about her and stepping into her true, multifaceted self.
The Feminist Takeaway:
Don’t let society define you. Women are complex, dynamic individuals who can’t be boxed into narrow categories. Embracing your full, authentic self means rejecting the labels others impose and owning your identity in all its glorious complexity.
Final Thoughts
Call Me Bae might sparkle with high fashion and glossy drama, but beneath all the glamour, it’s serving up some seriously empowering feminist lessons. From self-reliance and breaking free from societal labels to celebrating female friendships and reclaiming fashion as a tool for empowerment, the show offers a fresh, chic perspective on what it means to be a woman in today’s world.
At its heart, Call Me Bae is a reminder that feminism is about choice, strength, and authenticity. So whether you’re binge-watching the series with a glass of wine in hand or rocking your own fierce look, just remember: Every woman has the power to be her own Bae.
