A recent all-female space flight by billionaire Jeff Bezos’s fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, has been hailed as a “giant leap” for women and the world. However, critics argue that the stunt is nothing more than a PR exercise that reinforces inequality and hypocrisy.
On April 14, six American women blasted off into space on a self-piloting rocket ship developed by Blue Origin. The crew included pop star Katy Perry, television personality Gayle King, and Sanchez, who claimed to be inspired by the edge of space. The flight was marketed as a historic moment for women’s empowerment, but critics say it pales in comparison to the real struggles faced by most women on the planet.
The flight’s focus on celebrity culture, including discussions about hair and makeup, raises questions about the priorities of those who claim to be fighting for female empowerment. Meanwhile, Bezos’s own business practices, particularly through Amazon, have been criticized for contributing to plastic pollution and climate change.
Sanchez’s pre-flight statement about “coming back and inspiring people” rings hollow when considering her fiancé’s anti-feminist agenda and his close ties to President Donald Trump. The Blue Origin website claims to prioritize sustainability, but its focus on corporate profits over environmental concerns is starkly at odds with this stated goal.
The billionaire space flight is a prime example of capitalism’s tendency to prioritize the interests of the wealthy over those of the marginalized. As the world grapples with issues like poverty, climate change, and inequality, it’s difficult to see how this stunt truly benefits humanity as a whole.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/4/17/faux-feminism-has-left-the-planet