Despite the popularity of hot girl summer, the phrase did not escape criticism. Across the internet the battle between hot girls and city boys took place across timelines, Instagram stories, and urban radio platforms. The rise of a counter social media movement centering Black men shows the range of methods used to police Black women. Nevertheless, hot girl summer, and its critics, offer a contemporary case study in Black feminist theory.
Before assessing how hot girl summer was co-opted, we must understand its position as an accessible example of Black feminist theory. Megan Thee Stallion did not advertise hot girl summer as Black feminist movement, but the core tenents align with Black feminist theory. The creation of theory from personal experience allows space for theory to be created outside of the academy. Furthermore, studying hot girl summer as Black feminist theory allows for a multi-media approach to understanding Black feminist text.
Hot girl summer is not concerned with standards of respectability. The social media phenomena operated in multiple branches as it flooded the internet as a hashtag and dominated music charts. Throughout the song Megan gives examples of nonmonogamy, sexual freedom, and bodily autonomy. One example is in her first verse of the song: Handle me?
Despite never using the textbook term, Megan is offering listeners a method of dating multiple partners using the metaphor of a sports team. Megan is saying that hot girls have options that expand beyond monogamy. Moreover, Megan asserts that no one can tame her. This line declares her as an autonomous person who regardless of relationship status will act in her own best interest. Ultimately, Megan outlines that the hot girl lifestyle is not defined by respectability as she promotes nonmonogamy, sexual freedom, and independence.
Black feminist theory also explains the critique surrounding hot girl summer. Despite massive success, hot girl summer faced opposition from people across the internet. Critics commented on Megan Thee Stallion promoting promiscuity and carelessness amongst Black women.
