Why Do People Hate Shakira?
Shakira is a world-renowned Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, businesswoman, and philanthropist. She rose to fame in the 1990s with major hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever.” With over 80 million records sold worldwide, Shakira is one of the best-selling Latin music artists of all time.
However, despite her immense success and popularity, Shakira has faced backlash and criticism over the years from some people who seem to dislike her. In this article, we’ll explore some of the major reasons why certain groups hate Shakira and view her in a negative light.
Reasons People Dislike Shakira
Her Music Style and Image
One of the most common reasons people cite for disliking Shakira is her musical style and public image. Shakira’s music, especially her hit songs, often feature risqué or suggestive lyrics and dance moves. For example, “Hips Don’t Lie” faced criticism for its overtly sexual content.
Additionally, Shakira’s costumes and music videos frequently showcase her physique and belly-dancing abilities. For some, this comes across as too sensual or inappropriate. Her fiery Latin image clashes with more demure expectations of how a pop star should behave. This has led to some criticism that she relies more on sex appeal than actual talent.
Her Voice and Live Performances
Another criticism commonly leveled at Shakira is regarding her voice and live performances. Some argue her voice is too thin or nasal for their tastes. Her tendency to ululate and use a vibratto in her songs also draws ire from certain listeners.
In terms of her concerts and televised appearances, Shakira is often derided for her dancing more than actual live singing. Many believe she lip syncs rather than sings live. While this accusation is debatable, the perception remains that she prioritizes intricate choreography over vocal talent during performances.
Tax Evasion Controversy
In recent years, Shakira made headlines over accusations of tax evasion in Spain. Spanish prosecutors charged her with failing to pay taxes from 2012 to 2014, during which time she claimed to live in the Bahamas while actually residing in Barcelona with her partner, Spanish soccer star Gerard Piqué.
The pending multi-million dollar tax evasion case has damaged Shakira’s reputation. Critics see it as proof of her greed and dishonesty. The scandal reinforced perceptions of her as out-of-touch and living by different rules than everyday people.
Her Charitable Efforts Seen as Disingenuous
Although Shakira is heavily involved in philanthropy, serving as a Goodwill Ambassador and founding the Pies Descalzos Foundation to aid poor children, some view these efforts as self-serving and disingenuous.
Critics argue Shakira uses charity work just to boost her image andолькоsk заголовок 2
Some people dislike Shakira’s music and image as too risqué or overly sexualized. Her voice and live performances also draw criticism for alleged lip syncing and prioritizing dance over singing. Shakira’s recent tax evasion scandal in Spain has also damaged her reputation and likeability. Additionally, her extensive charitable efforts are sometimes seen as merely self-serving publicity stunts. However, despite polarizing opinions on Shakira, she remains one of the most popular and best-selling Latin music stars worldwide.
Common Groups That Dislike Shakira
While individual opinions on Shakira vary greatly, there are some broad demographics and groups that tend to view her more negatively:
Older Generations
Older adults, parents, and grandparents are more inclined to be offended by Shakira’s image and music. Her sexually-charged lyrics and dance moves clash with more conservative values. To them, she can represent the decline of modesty and morality in pop culture.
Classical Music Fans
Lovers of classical music and more high-brow genres are unlikely to appreciate Shakira’s brand of mainstream Latin pop. They view her as unsophisticated and over-commercialized. Her reliance on sex appeal over talent especially draws disdain.
Feminists
Some feminist critics argue Shakira perpetuates the objectification of women in the music industry by playing up her sexuality. Rather than showcasing her intelligence and artistry, they believe she sells herself short by catering to the male gaze.
Latinx Music Purists
Certain Latin music fans dismiss Shakira as inauthentic. They claim she diluted her sound to cross over into the Anglo pop market. Her incorporation of pop, rock, and EDM elements strays too far from traditional Latin folk styles for their approval.
Rival Musicians’ Fans
Fandoms of other female musicians such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, or Adele often view Shakira as inferior competition. They’ll criticize her talent and artistry as subpar rather than acknowledge her as an iconic pop star in her own right.
Positive Qualities People Overlook
Despite polarizing opinions on Shakira, many critics overlook her positive attributes:
Business Savvy
Shakira is an incredibly intelligent and business-savvy artist. She can speak multiple languages, plays numerous instruments, and is intimately involved in songwriting. She also smartly managed her own brand and finances.
Authenticity
Although accused of selling out, Shakira infuses her songs with Colombian and Lebanese musical influences. She sings thoughtfully about her heritage and personal experiences growing up in Latin America.
Vocal Talent
While criticized for thin vocals, Shakira has an extremely versatile voice. She ably melds Latin, rock, and Middle Eastern styles. Her range and control while dancing makes her a uniquely talented performer.
Global Connectivity
Shakira crosses musical boundaries and forges global connections. She records songs in multiple languages and incorporates world music styles. Her philanthropic work also aids vulnerable children worldwide.
Stage Presence
Say what you want about her dancing, but Shakira undeniably has incredible stage presence and showmanship. Her concerts are filled with infectious energy that captivates audiences.
Conclusion
Shakira is undoubtedly a polarizing pop culture figure who draws both adoration and disdain from various factions. While she has her vocal detractors, she has managed to thrive as one of the most successful Latin crossover stars ever. Despite questionable choices at times, her musical talents, intelligence, and philanthropic heart are undeniable. Perhaps the world could benefit from looking beyond superficial criticisms and appreciating Shakira for her cultural contributions. However, constructive debate over her artistic merits is a natural effect of her boundary-breaking career.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shakira Hate
Here are answers to 5 common questions about why certain people dislike Shakira:
What are the main reasons people give for hating on Shakira’s music?
The main criticisms about Shakira’s music are that it’s too sexually provocative, her voice is irritating, she relies too much on lip syncing and dancing over live singing in concerts, and she sold out her Latin roots to achieve crossover pop success.
Why do some feminists have issues with Shakira’s public image?
Some feminists argue Shakira plays up her sexuality too much through provocative lyrics, costumes, and dance moves. They believe she allows herself to be objectified and doesn’t showcase enough of her intelligence and other talents.
How did the Spanish tax evasion scandal affect public opinion of Shakira?
The tax evasion accusations damaged Shakira’s reputation and caused many to view her as greedy and deceitful. It reinforced the idea that she lives by a different set of rules than everyday people.
Why are older generations and parents more inclined to dislike Shakira?
Older adults and parents are more likely to be offended by Shakira’s overt sexuality and skimpy outfits which they see as going against traditional values of modesty they want promoted.
Why do fans of classical music and traditional Latin genres dislike Shakira’s music?
These fans find Shakira’s pop style to be unsophisticated and overly commercialized. They think she lacks artistic authenticity and relies too heavily on marketing her image over talent.
