In the music industry, your image and personal life are just as important as the actual music that you make. Undoubtedly, for success in the industry, you need to have a certain amount of sex appeal. You also need to play up your sexuality and discuss your sexual escapades in detail whether it’s in an interview or in your song lyrics.
Liesbet Van Zooten writes, “gender does not determine or exhaust identity (51).” But I believe that in the music industry, your sexuality DOES determine your identity. For example, Adam Lambert is a new rising star who has made his mark by being very much out of the closet. I don’t think there was ever really a doubt in anyone’s mind from the moment he first stepped on stage at American Idol whether he was gay or straight. Since then though, his sexuality, and consequently his image, have been amped up 100% into a gay musical icon. He has only fueled this by doing performances that are incredibly sexual and sometimes make it abundtantly clear what his sexual orientation is.
Adam Lambert’s openness on his sexuality doesn’t necessarily make his musical career any easier though, as many conservative people have been outraged over some of his performances, causing many news stories written about it. Lesley Robinson writes, “the study of popular music is a relevant and consequential project capable of revealing the ways hegemony is reinforced in culture (51).” Seeing that hegemony is the idea that ideology (a belief system that comes from society and culture) is used to keep certain groups in power, it’s easy to see how Adam Lambert might not fit into the equation very nicely, since he stirs the pot with his image, music and performances that are not particularly conventional in our society.
Looking back many (many, many, many) years ago when Ricky Martin was in the prime of his music career, the image that he portrayed was MUCH different than the person that he truly was. If anyone can remember his music video’s from back in the day, I’m sure that like me, you remember lots of attractive, scantily clad women dancing around in a provocative manner. Of course, Ricky Martin was interacting with these women in a sexual manner, because sex (of the heterosexual kind) is what sells. Just recently, Ricky Martin has come out of the closet and declared that he is a gay man (http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/29/ricky.martin.gay/index.html?iref=allsearch). We haven’t seen Ricky Martin involved in the music scene recently (or at least, at the level he was back in the days of Livin La Vida Loca), but can you imagine what his coming out of the closet would have done to his career back then? Would it have ruined him? Or sky-rocketed his career because he was someone who was “different”?
Thinking back to all of Ricky Martin’s hits, they painted him as a heterosexual male who yearned for many women. But knowing now that he is in fact gay, does that change everything from the past? What if his songs had been about men instead of women? Take for example, the lyrics to one of his hits, She Bangs:
And she bangs, she bangs
Oh baby
When she moves, she moves
I go crazy
'Cause she looks like a flower but she stings
like a bee
Like every girl in history
She bangs, she bangs
Not to be crude, but, what if for every “she” you inserted a “he”? Would the song have been so popular?
So overall, what do you think? Do you think that an celebrity’s sexuality can help give that specific person an identity? Do you think it can overshadow more important things in regards to that person’s career?
I do agree that sexuality is more focused on than it should in the music industry. However, I do not think that is so important in every musical artists career. Although, it does seem that most of the artists being featured in popular gossip magazines do have some degree of sexual appeal, some of the most well known artists are known for their music or something other quality other than their sexuality. As for Ricky Martin, I do think that he wouldn't have been so popular if he introduced himself into the industry as a gay man. I don't think that people were as open minded as they are now.
ReplyDelete"Popular culture can be understood as a collective space where identities are constructed, enforced, and negotiated" (Robinson 46). Therefore it is easy to understand why a lot of musical artists become more famous if they exude their sexuality. Unfortunately, I think that sometimes an artist's identity does become more about their sexuality than their musical talent.
I think a good example of an artist today who is well known for both her sexuality and talent is Lady Gaga. Hearing her perform on SNL and with Elton John at the Grammy's, just proves how talented she is. While she may portray herself as different and sexual, she isn't trying to be about what sells. She goes to the extreme with her outfits and lyrics. She is different, which is it what makes her popular, not wearing skimpy clothing and dirty dancing. However, while it seems that may not be her intention (according to past interviews), she is still being marketed with her sexuality.
Although gender and sexuality are different, they are interconnected especially with artists and their image. Gender and sexuality are so focused on because today artists can be gay, straight, and bisexual. "With regard to gender, the problem lies mainly in the observation that the media distort the 'true' nature of gender, assuming a stable and easy identifiable distinction between women and men" (McQuail 57). Because the media is just selling the sex to anyone, artists such as Lady Gaga is being marketed to both women and men, gay and straight. No matter the reason, sex sells. The media knows this, and that is why there are many musical "talents" whose real talent is being sexy. I do think that some artists talent are overshadowed by their sexuality.
I definitely believe that in our society and pop culture, a celebrity’s sexuality gives that person a specific identity, but it is usually the media giving that person the identity--it is not always self-imposed or welcomed. This is certainly true in the music industry, as Meg has explained in her blog with the stories of Adam Lambert and Ricky Martin, but it can also be seen in every other aspect of culture—television, movies, sports, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely possible for a person’s sexuality to overshadow more important things in regards to that person’s career, which is really a shame. An example of this can be seen in Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir. I was a big follower of the Olympics, and I became a fan of Johnny’s skating during the games. Weir has a very over-the-top personality, and he tends to act quite feminine (always talking about shopping and his obsession with Lady Gaga)—but he always only hints at his sexuality, never really coming out and stating it explicitly. He does this because he feels it does overshadow his talent—even without coming out of the closet, he is always described as “the flamboyant Johnny Weir”, never “the talented Johnny Weir” or “the two-time Olympian Johnny Weir”. Van Zoonen describes a possible reason why people seem to be unable to get past “feminine” men when she states “Since we are born into societies that have labeled a particular difference between human beings as woman vs. man, and a related difference as feminine vs. masculine, we come to think of ourselves in these terms: as being and feeling a man, or being and feeling a woman” (McQuail 50). When people go against this, it can be hard for people to understand, and therefore their actions or their sexuality becomes “more important” to them than their actual talent.
This can also be related to Nick Trujillo’s article “Hegemonic Masculinity on the Mound: Media Representations of Nolan Ryan and American Sports Culture”. In this reading, Trujillo mentions that one of the distinctive features of hegemonic masculinity is heterosexuality. Indeed, he says that it is important to not only be heterosexual, but to “appear” to be heterosexual. He states “Thus, hegemonic male sexuality…‘requires not being effeminate (a ‘sissy’) in physical appearances or mannerisms” (Trujillo 292). Artists like Adam Lambert and athletes like Johnny Weir go against this hegemonic male sexuality and for this reason, their talent is judged differently than their other male peers.
On the other hand, if you look at someone like Neil Patrick Harris, his sexuality has not really overshadowed his talents, in that he still does a great job and is beloved playing the role of a womanizer on “How I Met Your Mother”. Obviously, this shows that it is possible for sexuality to not really overshadow talents, but sadly it still occurs more often than not.
I 100% believe that the music industry uses sex appeal as a marketing tactic. It is never enough that a musician has a great, distinct, or unique voice; if this musician does not attract a sexual desire towards them. In the article "Dirrty Discourse" by Lesley Robinson, it is stated that "sexually explicit texts reinforce patriarchal objectification." When I do agree that the women are sexually targeted within the music industry as either the artists or the half-naked dancers in the background but male artists are "sexed up" to be appealing to women as well. Look at the formula for boy bands a type for every girl and guy. This formula has been working for years women are just as attracted to "sexy" men as men are attracted to "sexy" women. Look at Elvis, a very attractive young man who made blues or beginnings of rock n' roll, a mainstream phenomenon and let's be honest we all know that it wasn't because of just his musical skills. It was his sex appeal.
ReplyDeleteMeg asked if Ricky Martin had come out during the hay day of his career would it have had an impact. YES! His career would have plummeted. It has nothing to do with people not accepting his sexuality it has to do with knowing his target audience. His fan base is and was women of all ages because they thought he was sexy, with the way he presented himself and his dance moves. I mean my mom and grandma loved him. I think this is why he was so successful not because of his lyrics. I honestly don't think that people actually listen to the lyrics of songs as intensely as researches make it appear. If the artist is attractive, puts on a good performance, and there is a good, dance-able beat to the song you have a hit. I mean look at even Enrique Iglesias's first hit single in the US "Bailamos," I bet you could walk up to more than a handful of people and they could not tell you what that means but why was it a big hit...for those three reasons attractive, good performance, and a good, dance-able beat. It's not rocket science it's reality. Since this formula works the music industry is not going to just abandon it. They will use hyper-sexuality to their advantage whether it be towards a hetero or homosexual audience.
While I do think that the media focuses too much on the sexuality and sex appeal of a person in the spot light, I also think it is how that person depicts them self for the public and media to interpret. Many artists do exemplify sex and an image of beauty and sexuality which is highlighted by the media every chance they get, which then does end up being a large part of their image and contributes to their success. But many artists, who do not come off like this and are not using their body to gain popularity, are successful in other ways giving very little for the media to use as far as their sexuality goes. One example of this type of artist that comes to mind immediately is, Taylor Swift. She is immensely popular to a large variety of people both young and old. Her image however has not become one that is based on beauty and her sex life. She is aware of how the media is and makes a conscious effort when making decisions so that she does not give people the wrong idea of her character. Like Robinson says, “Popular culture can be understood as a collective space where identities are constructed, enforced, and negotiated” (46). Because Taylor is aware of the affect popular culture has, instead of using her sex appeal to attract fans and fame, she looks at it as something that would ruin her image. She is a symbol of working hard and using her talent to get her where she is. In my opinion she is a powerful role model for both women young and old. This kind of image works for her and she is able to be as “real” as possible, without bringing in her sexuality.
ReplyDeleteI think in Taylor Swift’s case, because she is aware of how the media can be, she has ensured that her image and success is based less off of her body and sex life and more about her music. On the other hand, a young artist who has a young fan base that does not take these things into consideration is Miley Cyrus. She has taken scandalous pictures that have gotten out and has a new sexual image that she portrays in her music videos. H. Lesile Steeves says, “Their activities tend to represent the private realm of home, personal relations, and sexuality” (394). This is saying that the way that the artists act and what how they chose to represent themselves has a lot to do with their social and personal lives. Miley knows the same that Taylor knows that the media will eat this up, but in Miley’s case she is using this to increase her fandom. When looking at these two musicians, you cannot say that everyone in the industry is using their body and sex to sell. It is the way that the artist portrays themselves, and if you are doing a good enough job with every other aspect of your career, as we see from Taylor, you do not need to use your body or sexuality to gain fame. I do think that when an artist over exaggerates their sexuality and uses their body it does sometimes overshadow their actual talent. I guess for some, this adds to their success, because if it was not for this extra sex appeal they would not be as popular. In Taylor Swift’s case, she chose to ignore that path and focus on her talent, which I think works for her.
I totally agree with Meg’s remarks in regards to sexuality determining your identity in the music industry. The entertainment business in general relies on the slogan “sex sells”. According to Robinson, “Popular culture can be understood as a collective space where identities are constructed, enforced, and negotiated “ (46). As history has show, sex appeal can garner the public’s interest into buying a product. Music has always been this way. Talent alone especially in today’s era can only get you so far. If you look at some of the era’s biggest acts most of them show little musical skills. Britney Spears is a great example of this. Sure she has had numerous number one hits, but here voice is highly edited and she never sings live at performance’s. Ultimately, it is her sex appeal in which attracts her fans.
ReplyDeleteIn today’s age Lady Gaga (even though not a big fan of her music) has been able to stir away form societal norm, and be herself. She has the full package for music labels, her sexuality and unbelievable talent is undeniable. She has already had 7 number one hits, which is tied with Beyonce for the most in the millennium (she did arrive on the music scene in 2008). She steps outside the box, and wears what she wants regardless of what one may think. Many consider her a sex symbol and a musical genius.
In regards to Ricky Martin, it was very smart business wise for him to not come out as a gay man. Men are to be presented as masculine. According to Trujillo, “the connecting to masculinity to toughness and competitiveness.” (290). If Martin were to come out as a gay man, his number one single would of not been able to connect with many of his fans. I believe his career would have been ruined, and he would have been viewed as a “fake”. As Lady Gaga has shown, being different has worked to her advantage. However, Ricky Martin’s attempt would of backfired. That’s why he has decided to wait till now to come out, cause if he came out prior it would of ruined his musical career.
I think sexuality can definitely overshadow a person’s career. Adam Lambert is already known for his outlandish performances rather then his musical talent. It’s hard for someone to break the barrier of becoming more then just a “gay artist”. I think Elton John is the only artist who has been able to overcome that stigma. He is a fantastic artist but also a great activist. Unfortunately, I think this is the society we live in. It will be extremely hard for an artist to separate the two.
I agree with everyone that sexuality definitely determines success in the music industry. Sure, there are artists that achieve fame based solely on their talent, but are they really in the "mainstream?" And yes, Lady Gaga is talented and created her own unique talent, but she is also blonde and skinny and, more often than not, is dancing around in skimpy outfits. If she had been frumpy and overweight but had the same voice, would she be the international superstar that she is? Lesley Robinson explains in her essay "Unlike the assertive, autonomous sexuality expressed in 'cock rock,' sexualized representations of women are necessarily a portrayal of subordination structured as not to offend the fragile male psyche" (Robinson, 46). Many people think that because Lady Gaga has her own style and isn't a typical female performer that she is "in charge" of her own sexuality - that she is empowered. But who is getting satisfaction out of her gyrating and skimpy bikinis? Feminists pleased at her empowerment, or horny men?
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to Adam Lambert, his sexuality is another story. No one can deny that he is incredibly talented, but I think he's hindering his career by making his sexual preferences so overt in his performances. I'm not saying its right, but I don't think that mainstream America is ready for a male performer that is so sexual on stage. Where the powers that be want women to be sexy and therefore controllable by men, they want men to be men - to be manly and tough and want to sleep with women. Nick Trujillo defines this early in his essay - "As Connell (1990) defined it, hegemonic masculinity is 'the culturally idealized form of masculine character' (p. 83) which emphasizes 'the connecting of masculinity to toughness and competitiveness' as well as 'the subordination of women' and 'the marginalization of homosexuality' (Trujillo, 290). Lambert doesn't qualify for two out of the three requirements for masculinity. When Ricky Martin was a big star he obviously demonstrated an adoration for women and, although I didn't see it, was considered very masculine. Until our society learns to be more open-minded about what fits into societal "norms," openly homosexual artists will find it very difficult to be accepted in mainstream society.
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ReplyDeleteI certainly agree that sexuality is focused on too much in the music industry especially when talent is what the music industry should be focused on. This discussion automatically makes me think of singer Jewel and how she was always ridiculed about her unattractive teeth when who really cares what her teeth look like, the woman can sing. Also, I think of the newly popular Kesha who in my opinion has no talent, sure her lyrics are catchy but wouldn’t you argue that perhaps her sexuality is what’s carrying her?
ReplyDeleteRobinson talked about Christina Aguilera’s music video to her song “Dirrty” and how the entire video is filled with sexuality. Robinson stated, “Gyrating half-named female dancers fill the screen and move their bodies in a sexual suggestive, perhaps even explicit, manner” (47). Clearly men would enjoy Aguilera’s video which is most likely what drew them to listening to her music in the first place. While in one way this was a smart move because Aguilera is broadening her fan base on the male side, I’m sure she lost some female fans that didn’t approve of her video’s sexuality. To me, it seems her video displayed exactly what Zoonen viewed as femininity represented by the media. Zoonen stated, “submission, availability and compliance are characteristics held up as ideals, and consumption is presented as the road to self-fulfilment” (Zoonen 48). I believe that half-naked sexually suggestive movements in Aguilera’s “Dirrty” music video display all three of these characteristics.
I’m not sure I agree with Meg that music artists need to play up their sexuality and discuss their sexual escapades in detail so that the public can know what they’ve been up to. In many ways, not knowing what your favorite musicians have been up to makes them even more intriguing, not knowing who they are singing about is interesting. I agree that Adam Lambert’s coming out has increased his popularity; however when he came out the media was already swarming around him because he was a finalist on American Idol. However, the fact that I can’t think of any other popular music artists off the top of my head who are gay leads me to admit that I do believe his sexuality has amped up his popularity since he is one of few. I believe that had Ricky Martin come out of the closet when he was at the top of the charts it would have both helped and hurt his popularity. Since gay and lesbian acceptance wasn’t as common back then, I believe that Martin would have lost a great deal of “gay haters” however I believe he would have gained many gay supporters. When society frowns upon a specific ideology, those who find themselves a part of that ideology hide, however Martin would have shown that being gay doesn’t mean you can’t be successful. For these reasons, I strongly believe that had Martin come out his career would have sky-rocketed as Lamberts is because he would have been “different”.
Meg’s point about Martin’s song “she bangs” is critical. I believe that had the lyrics said “he” rather than “she” the song would have most likely only been popular within the gay community. Men wouldn’t want to be singing along to a song about men hooking up and I’m not so sure women would either. I believe that a celebrity’s sexuality can help give that person a sort of identity and can boost their career if it is a desirable identity. I however also believe that talent in the end overpowers sexuality and that so-called “musicians” such as Kesha will not find themselves on the top of the music charts for long.
I do agree that a celebrity’s sexuality creates identity for that individual. In a society that is supposed to be accepting everyone despite genders, pop culture judges on the contrary expecting certain gender behaviors. However, I do believe that that is an additionally variable which I will explain later.
ReplyDeleteReading “’Dirty’: Discourse”, Robinson explains “In order to be successful in a male-dominated society, women must package themselves…as objects amenable to control by men” (Robinson 2). I disagree with that statement as women in music has evolved greatly since the so-called Christian Aguilera age. Singers like Kerry Underwood have created a new identity in pop culture that shows there power and respect. Robinson further explains that in pop culture women have roles of either nurturer or sex object. This description is more acceptable to today’s women in pop culture because there are two descriptions at opposite ends of the spectrum. Being a sex object is undoubtedly a strategy for these females but it’s not the only way to become famous anymore.
Males, on the other hand, seem to hold the dominance among genders in popular culture. Also expecting certain behaviors, Nick Trujillo describes five features of hegemonic masculinity in America: physical force and control, occupational achievement, familial patriarchy, frontiermanship, and heterosexuality (2). In general, these features describe a male who is physically dominating and attractive, one who is successful in his trade, and also plays the role of a father and the husband who supports the family.
Seeing how both genders’ sexuality creates indemnity depending on male or female, there is one similarity which was my above stated additional variable. Robinson describes that women in music is a “social construction shaped by structural forces, dominant ideologies, the conventions of technology, and hegemonic value of white, Western patriarchy” (1). Additionally, Trujillo’s fourth feature of frontiermanship describes the general US image as a “white male with working class values” (2). Although gender seems to form an identity it’s clear that race may play a role as well
I think that an artist’s sexuality has become almost as important as the way he/she sings or performs. The example of Adam Lambert is a good one in the way that his sexuality on stage has definitely caused some people to dislike him, even if he sings okay. The way he acts on stage can be obscene and inappropriate. “Their activities tend to represent the private realm of home, personal relations, and sexuality” (McQuail 394). This is so true with Lambert. He has come out and said he is a homosexual and if he hadn’t done this, you could definitely tell he is by the way he acts on stage. He has brought it out to the public and there have been people who find it very inappropriate. I thought what he did at an awards show was definitely not appropriate and it he shouldn’t have done it. I don’t think his sexuality should overpower his singing, but I think it has. I do think his sexuality has made him who he is as a performer and it has given him some kind of identity.
ReplyDelete"Popular culture can be understood as a collective space where identities are constructed, enforced, and negotiated" (Robinson 46). I think this is true in regards to Lambert, Lady Gaga, and other artists because these artists have created some kind of identity and it has happened through popular culture. Lady Gaga may have been eccentric before becoming a star, but I definitely think that she has become even more different because of popular culture. People seem to like her and who she is and she has embraced it. I personally do not like all the things she does and wears because I think it can overshadow her actual singing. I think this is when it becomes too much and should not overshadow her singing because she can actually sing.
I think that an artist’s sexuality has become almost as important as the way he/she sings or performs. The example of Adam Lambert is a good one in the way that his sexuality on stage has definitely caused some people to dislike him, even if he sings okay. The way he acts on stage can be obscene and inappropriate. “Their activities tend to represent the private realm of home, personal relations, and sexuality” (McQuail 394). This is so true with Lambert. He has come out and said he is a homosexual and if he hadn’t done this, you could definitely tell he is by the way he acts on stage. He has brought it out to the public and there have been people who find it very inappropriate. I thought what he did at an awards show was definitely not appropriate and it he shouldn’t have done it. I don’t think his sexuality should overpower his singing, but I think it has. I do think his sexuality has made him who he is as a performer and it has given him some kind of identity.
ReplyDelete"Popular culture can be understood as a collective space where identities are constructed, enforced, and negotiated" (Robinson 46). I think this is true in regards to Lambert, Lady Gaga, and other artists because these artists have created some kind of identity and it has happened through popular culture. Lady Gaga may have been eccentric before becoming a star, but I definitely think that she has become even more different because of popular culture. People seem to like her and who she is and she has embraced it. I personally do not like all the things she does and wears because I think it can overshadow her actual singing. I think this is when it becomes too much and should not overshadow her singing because she can actually sing.
First off I want to state that I had no idea Rickey Martin just came out the closet. I always thought he was gay but just kept it inside himself and didn’t want the media to find out. I guess he felt the need to come out the closet because he career is over with music. This is one reason why I believe artists do not come out the closet because they think they careers will be over due to their likes in the same sex. So I do believe an artist’s sexuality is important in today’s music industry.
ReplyDelete“Popular culture can be understood as a collective space where identities are constructed, enforced, and negotiated" (Robinson 46). I believe this statement is saying that it a lot easier to get a specify identity because of the lime light the artists are in. Society today gets this connection with artists in many different ways. One way is through their lyrics in their songs. One can tell what kind of a person or kind of identity the artist wants to have in society. Lyrics are the way they connected. That’s why people become fans of the artist.
Let us say Lil Wayne would come out the closet say he was gay. Do you think he will still sell? Would he still e considered the best rapper alive? I believe his masculinity is the key to everything. Trujillo stated “the connecting to masculinity to toughness and competitiveness” (290). Fans connected with Lil Wayne’s toughness and the way he acts on stage. I believe people would not connect with him if he came out the closet. He would be considered a fake rapper because he rapping about guns and drugs. No gay rapper would rap about all the toughness things.
I absolutely think someone’s sexuality in the music industry can overshadow his or her work. I think this is why many artists choose to stay in the “closet.” Unfortunately, I don’t think Ricky Martin would have had the career he had if he had announced he was a gay man. He presented himself as a ladies man and this worked for him. Nick Trujillo writes about the idea of hegemonic masculinity as “the culturally idealized form or masculinity, which emphasizes the connecting of masculinity to toughness and competitiveness as well as the subordination of women and the marginalization of gay men.” (Trujillo, 1) If Ricky Martin had come out as a gay man he wouldn’t have been associated with toughness and he wouldn’t have attracted as many women, which were his main audience.
ReplyDeleteI proposed that like gender, sexuality should be viewed as having many levels. Liesbet van Zoonen, writes “I propose to construe gender as a discourse, a set of overlapping and sometimes contradictory cultural descriptions and prescriptions referring to sexual differences.” (Zoonen, 57) I think this is something very important because you could be a gay man and be tough and competitive but people tend to have a narrow view of homosexuals. Once the views of sexuality can be changed then maybe Ricky Martin can resurrect his career.
I love music. One of my favorite things to do is spend some time with myself and jam out to some tunes. When I am listening to a song, I rarely am thinking about the sexual tribulations the artist has gone through…unless the lyrics set the scene of course. It is the media that gives us this idea that if we know more about a musician/singer than the more we will like their music. Does this make sense? I don’t think so, but it works.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Megan’s thesis, I agree with some, but not all of her central points. I do agree that sex sells and playing up your sexuality can only increase your chances of success. However, I do not agree that in order to be successful in the music industry you have to discuss your sexual escapades in detail. In fact, I think that is the issue. I mean, sex does sell, but I don’t know if I can actually believe that it has a direct correlation to the appeal of a song. Music is subjective. A person can be the sexiest thing on the planet, but if his/her music sucks, then what? Will we still listen to it just because he/she is good looking? I would say no. John Mayer is a great example. His music is great. He has a large fan base, and rightfully so. His success is evident in the music industry. But the guy doesn’t shut up. He is constantly talking about his sex life; and to tell you the truth, I think it is making him less appealing than more appealing.
Meg made a comment referring to Liesbet Van Zooten’s statement that “gender does not determine or exhaust identity (51)” I don’t know if I agree with that either. I think gender does determine and exhaust identity; especially in the music industry. Of all forms of media, I believe that music enforces stereo-types more so than any other. A white pretty boy is likely to be a pop singer; a black “thug” is likely to be a rapper; a blonde, southern belle is likely to be a country singer; etc… Maybe Zooten was arguing that gender should not determine of exhaust identity, but the truth is that it certainly does.
In regards to homosexuality in the music industry, I believe Adam Lambert and Ricky Martin were two great examples. After reading Meg’s blog, I searched for some of Adam Lambert’s performances on YouTube, and she is right…they were a little inappropriate. But, man does he have a great voice! The guy can flat out sing. I’ve been watching American Idol since it started (I know, pathetic! But get over it!), and he is by far the best singer that has ever been on that show. So, I agree, he should take it down a notch. But, that does not mean I can’t appreciate his music. Music is using your ears not your eyes! And I thought it was so funny what Meg asked about Ricky Martin’s song lyrics; “…what if for every “she” you inserted a “he”?” She’s right! That song would have been quite disturbing, and probably would not have sold half! But, why is that? Are we all homophobic? Or are we too comfortable with the social norms? Ricky Martin’s music is not popular anymore for a reason…it was garbage. Look at Elton John; arguably one of the greatest singer/songwriter of this generation. When he came out of the closet his music was not analyzed or mocked as Ricky Martin and Adam Lambert’s are. And the reason for that is because Elton John’s music is terrific. They are instant classics and hall-of-fame material. Whereas Martin and Lambert produce simply another pop song.
Overall, I definitely think a celebrity’s sexuality can help give that specific person identity. However, it is embracing that identity and knowing what to do with it. Be yourself, but keep the private things private! What goes on in the privacy of a bedroom should stay there. And I do think that it can overshadow more important things. Although, usually the sexual information that gets leaked out is at the fault of the celebrity anyway. H. Lesile Steeves said, “Their activities tend to represent the private realm of home, personal relations, and sexuality” (394). It is finding the separation between home, reality, and the public that is essential to maintaining a good public image.
In today’s society sexuality is extremely relevant for better or worse. Sexuality can definitely add to a person idea but I do not belilive it is a person whole identity. For example Elton John is openly gay but we know him more for his hit songs than the fact that he is a gay, however that could be due to the fact that he was never marketed as a straight and womanizing man, he was who he was. Whereas Ricky Martin was marketed as a womenzinaer so I think now it is more a part of his identity, also adding to the fact is that he has just recently come out so now for the foreseeable future he will be known as “gay Ricky Martin” or something to that affect. This is an example of what Robinson was saying when he said, “Popular culture can be understood as a collective space where identities are constructed, enforced, and negotiated “ (46). In response to the question if the song had been He Bangs instead of She Bangs there is no way in my opinion that it would have been as popular if popular at all. Being popular and sexual with women is a huge part of the music industry and I find it hard to believe that a openly homosexual song would be a success. I don’t say that because I am homophobic I say this because a great deal of people are, and it seems unlikely they would buy a song called “He Bangs” this is an example of what Nick Trujillo was talking about in his article when he talked about the “marginalization of Homosexuality( Trujillo, 290). In today’s society it plays a huge role in a person career however there is no real historical precedent for this because the major artists of the past did not disclose there sexuality if they were in fact. The Sexuality of an artist is just another aspect of there profile that they exploit to become successful.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting topic Meg has chosen to address. I believe that your sex appeal plays up a specific type of music, but does not go hand in hand with all music artists. I think in pop culture, in order to grab a specific audience, you do need to play up your sex appeal. While it's unfortunate, it's the truth. However, country singers like garth brooks, get "sex appeal" through their caring spirit, and meaningful lyrics. I do believe that it's in the eye of the beholder, as well as what part of the music industry you're in.
ReplyDeleteUnlike the assertive, autonomous sexuality expressed in 'cock rock,' sexualized representations of women are necessarily a portrayal of subordination structured as not to offend the fragile male psyche. (Robinson 46)." I think that this quote is interesting, however, is it trying to say that all woman are, is a sex object for males o enjoy?
"With regard to gender, the problem lies mainly in the observation that the media distort the 'true' nature of gender, assuming a stable and easy identifiable distinction between women and men. (McQuail 57)" I do agree with this, however, at the same time I don't believe that sex appeal is critical for every successful artist.
“Gender, however defined, becomes a seemingly ‘natural’ or inevitable part of our identity and for that matter often a problematic one.” (McQuail pg. 50) When we look at the music industry how can we define gender in relation to sex and defining an artist? When we attempt to define an artist should we look solely at their music abilities or do we consciously or subconsciously bring other factors into the equation such as sexual orientation or physical apperarnece?
ReplyDeleteSEX SELLS. These two words have a meaning that surpasses their initial thought trigger. For as long as I can remember, these two words have been used to easily sum up the way many marketing teams attempt to sell a given product. However, many times using sex appeal can sell not only a product but a person as well.
TILA TEQUILLA. Tila Tequila is a “celebrity” that has made a name for herself off her ‘MySpace’ page. She has acquired such stardom she has even had her own reality show and been girlfriend to heiress Casey Johnson. Tila is recognized for her “bombshell body” and has risqué pictures all over her MySpace that has landed her modeling jobs and attention from millions. Tila’s real love is singing and she has multiple songs out. However, the majority of America only knows her for her plastic boobs and lesbian reality show. This proves that by using her image as a sex symbol she was able to acquire fame and stardom without using her “talent” and true love of singing. She is a prime example that in order to break through in the music industry one can use their body instead of their voice.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Susan Boyle. She came onto a talent show and was nearly laughed off the stage for her image and lack of sex appeal; however she shocked the judges and much of America when she had the voice of an angel and proved that we shouldn’t judge someone based on their image. Between musicians such as Tila Tequila and Sue Boyle, I think it is safe to conclude that sexuality does determine your identity. When we think of how being sexy sells, we must think of individual artists that don’t possess the normal sexual orientation.
Since it’s evident that sex sells, how should we go about selling an artist that has a different sexual orientation than the majority of America? Adam Lambert is an incredible artist that competed in American idol. I believe the only reason he didn’t win was because many voters didn’t support his orientation. Because of his ‘shocking’ sexual orientation I believe many individuals pre-judged him. Working at MAC cosmetics I see men all the time try to replicate Adam Lamberts make-up and at the same time woman judging these boys who try to replicate that image. I believe that this proves that sexuality does in fact determine someone’s identify and it could either be a blessing for some or a complete deterrent for another.
“Meanings in popular music are never fixed, absolute or definitive; rather they call upon the listener/viewer to participate in their completion.” (Robinson) Robinson discusses how in music lyrics and music videos there are meaning and terms/images used that are open to interpretation. A person’s gender, race, nationality or even their mood can act as a factor to determine how they may perceive the message being conveyed. When we look at artists such as Adam Lambert we listen to his lyrics and feel moved, but is that because we picture one thing (such as our male-to-female relationship) when his lyrics are really meant for a male-to-male relationship. If they were meant for the gay community would the average person still love him? Or is this an example of how an artist’s sexual orientation does NOT play a role in their fandom following and their ability to be an amazing artist?