“No Matter What, We Remain Resilient” Unpacking Jennie’s Inspirational Mantra

Even the illustrious Louis XIV, who holds the record as the longest-reigning monarch in European history, was oblivious to a notable truth: women have consistently relied on and uplifted one another since time immemorial. In her book, The Sociology of Friendship for Women, it is revealed that philosophers, religious figures, and literary analysts often dismissed the concept of female unity. They argued that women lacked moral fortitude, could not cultivate friendships, and were naturally inclined to harbor animosity toward one another.

Fast forward to 2024, and misconceptions surrounding female solidarity remain pervasive. In response, a woman issued a powerful proclamation, asserting that women are not naive, they are resolute, and they will always unite. Describing her is challenging—a figure who can make even the highest accolades seem obsolete in an instant. Could she be on a quest to challenge the status quo? Jennie, an emblematic figure of our times, has made her commanding return with the release of “Mantra.”

“Women, don’t doubt… we are one.”

The term “Mantra,”denoting a prayerful chant or motto, takes on profound significance given its release timing. The track was launched on October 11th, coinciding with the International Day of the Girl—a day established by the UN in 2011 to champion the rights of young girls who face discrimination based on gender and age. The accompanying teaser video beckoned, stating, “CALLING ALL MY PRETTY GIRLS.” Essentially, “Mantra”delivers a resounding message to women globally.

Jennie’s carefully crafted mantra resonates throughout the song’s lyrics. She proclaims, “This is a chant for pretty girls,” elevating women as astute individuals whose inner brilliance shines as brightly as the sun. She emphasizes that women do not squander time on needless drama, yet they know when to make exceptions. To those women who feel empowered in their day-to-day lives, Jennie encourages them to step into the limelight, assuring them of her commitment to “protect them.”

jennie mantra — The opening scene of the Mantra music video displays a young girl harmonizing with adult men to the tune of Mantra.

The lyrics proclaiming, “No one can extinguish our light” and “Regardless of circumstances, we will never falter,” serve as an anthem of female solidarity. Unlike BLACKPINK’s “As If It’s Your Last,”where Jennie sings of romantic love with “I’ll be Bonnie, and you’ll be my Clyde,” in “Mantra,”she pivots to embrace friendship, stating, “Look at them Bonnies on the run.”

Debuting as Jennie’s first solo project after launching her independent label, “Mantra”serves as a heartfelt tribute to women. The music video was crafted under the direction of a woman and prominently featured female dancers. Following its release, the song soared to No. 5 on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global chart, setting a new personal best for her solo ventures.

The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, both on local and international fronts. Comments on the official music video include remarks like, “The lyrics about protecting women resonated deeply,” “It’s invigorating to witness her return with a fresh concept after her focus on seeking a man’s affection,” and “She’s carving a new chapter in history.”

Female “Friendship” and “Loyalty”

Some critiques of “Mantra”have misinterpreted its emphasis on female solidarity. A few claim that the term “pretty” in the lyrics only pertains to “pretty” women, potentially marginalizing others, or that the focus on sisterhood feels awkward or disconcerting. The term “feminist” even emerged as a related search term on Google, possibly reflecting a society that has historically minimized the importance of female friendships.

In contrast, male friendships are often glorified as exemplary loyalty. Consider action films where men bravely risk everything for one another or crime series where bonds are solidified under the title “brother.” Recent films, like Love in the Big City, showcase male colleagues sharing meaningful conversations during “smoke breaks,” inevitably portraying male companionship as inherently “loyal and socially beneficial” —a narrative that is deeply woven into daily life.

In contrast, female relationships are often portrayed in a negative light. In various dramas or reality television, women are frequently depicted as irrationally disliking one another, perpetuating the myth that “women are each other’s worst enemies.” When conflicts arise among women, they’re simplified into shallow “catfights,” stripped of any depth or nuance. Although more representations of women’s camaraderie and support are emerging, these narratives often still revolve around romantic entanglements or male partners.

In this discouraging context, Jennie’s declaration that “women protect each other” offers a much-needed breath of fresh air. It is true that the notion of sisterhood is increasingly being depicted positively across different media platforms. In the realm of pop culture, there’s Charli XCX’s “Girl, so confusing,”which navigates the complex love-hate dynamic between women, alongside Taylor Swift’s “The Man,”which highlights the inequities faced by women in a male-dominated world.

Female friendship, solidarity, and sisterhood are not a novel phenomenon. They have always existed, but often went unrecognized or unnamed. Once we unite, we create a bond that is unbreakable. If we do not stand up for one another, then who will rise to protect women? Perhaps the foremost guiding principle for all women should be, “Let’s safeguard each other.”

Source: Daum

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