Part 6/10:
Many social media users felt insulted rather than inspired by Perry's journey, highlighting the disparity between the elite experiences of celebrities and the struggles of everyday individuals. As the backlash spread, the comments sections of various platforms reflected indignation against the narrative that positioned the flight as an emblem of female empowerment.
The Aftermath: A Mic Drop and a Cultural Reckoning
The FAA's declaration, "Katy Perry is not an astronaut," served as the proverbial mic drop that cut through the cosmic reverie. By highlighting the technical distinction between actual astronauts and those who merely partake in space tourism, the agency further exposed the hollowness of the mission's feminist rhetoric.