Collins brought up a great point when discussing Destiny's Child--a point that I have often contemplated myself. Destiny's Child, and now just Beyonce solo have songs that are supposed to be centered around girl power, financially independent women. And yet these women are prancing around in animal skin bikinis...how is this empowerment? They're songs and music videos are completely contradictory, they sing about female empowerment as they, wearing barely anything, shake their butts to the camera. For example, here's their video "I'm a Survivor" where they are wearing strictly animal print. This song was written for the Charlie's Angel's movie. How is this movie supposed to be about female empowerment? The angels are in their bikinis pretty much the entire movie and use their sexuality to make men weak. Wow, how empowering (note sarcasm).
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It's interesting to see that African Americans and animal imagery is still pervasive in today's society, especially when it comes to black men. It seems to stem from believes in the Jim Crow South where the rape myth orginated: black men were seen as hypersexualized, animalistic beings who would rape white women. This "rape myth" served as the justification for lynching. Although its not as clear today, Collins shows that this animal imagery still exists. Black rappers have names like Snoop Doggy Dogg and Little Bow Wow, Why? Collins compares a music video to watching something live--that white people may feel comfortable watching Ja Rule grab his crotch on TV but live, in real life people would deem this threatening (32).
One music video I thought of right away that really pertains to this article is Outkast's "I Like the Way You Move" (i could not embed the video cause it won't allow it but here is the link to the video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvYZpB_sTx4
If you go to the 2:30 point part (approximately) you will see a man looking through binoculars at women, who portrayed like animals are walk through the African dessert.
Frankly, I found Walker's article absurd. This woman obviously has zero self esteem and to say having sex at 11 is something she is proud of is a complete self denial on her part. "When Bryan sai I was too black I straightened my hair...For Miles I was a young virgin, nervous and giggly"--Uhhh, how is conforming to what each guy wants empowering? This girl never seemed to have a childhood and I find that quite sad. It's obvious she didn't think of the repercussions of STDs and pregnancy when she was having sex at the age of 11. Ridiculous.
Shah's story was interesting--even Indian culture has their own sexual dress.
I have to disagree with Regan on the Walker article. While I’m not sure if I was emotionally ready for sex at 11, if the author felt she was I do not think we are in any place to judge. I respect her sexual assertion and the fact that she was able to explore her body in a safe place is commendable. I agree with Regan on her critique of Walker’s lies but I do not hold that too much against her. Just like Q, Walker re-invented herself in different social settings and found this sexually liberating.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about the Collins’ argument about the animalization of black men and how pop culture has appropriated that to mean power. Being an animal now means that you are strong and impulsive, two characteristics that are commended in society. I feel that African American men could have reclaimed their bodies in the same way that women have reclaimed their bodies. By taking ownership of stereotypes and ideologies, which are meant to be subversive, both groups have been able to withdraw power from them. We have the freedom to embrace these stereotypes, but on our own terms.
In terms of Beyonce and Regan's question about "independent womanhood" versus Beyonce's provocative dance moves...I think Beyonce remains a respectful woman because the way she dances and the topics she sings about center on herself...not men. Her choice to dance the way she dances and dress the way she dresses is for her own enjoyment and for entertainment purposes, not simply to be seen as just a sex symbol (not that I know Beyonce-this is just what I think). Like Walker, Beyonce feels comfortable with who she is and her own perceptions about sex and sexuality, which I think shows in the way she carries herself which is why she is not seen by most people as a whore but rather as a classy singer and dancer.
ReplyDeleteCollins points to our inability as a society to foster healthy discussion on sex and sexuality. It seems as though the presence of sex in our culture is used as a marketing tool, as Collins writes, "the goal is neither to stimulate debate nor to educate, but to sell products" (39). We know that 'sex sells' not only products but also serves to enhance the images of those looking for the spotlight. Destiny's Child is one such group that has used used sex to gain popularity, for though they once sang of being "Independent Women," they did so by promoting their bodies as objects, as Regan points out in her post. I am often confused by Beyonce's messages; though I encourage her success as a female performer who has not tried to change her sound or full body to fit pop culture norms, I find her videos to do just that. Recently my friends and I were viewing a few of her music videos online, and I was disturbed by her dancing in "Video Phone." ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGkvXp0vdng ) She basically gyrates throughout the whole song, dressed in silly outfits that have nothing to do with the song. What is Beyonce trying to prove here? Sure, she looks great, but why must she sell her songs in this way?
ReplyDeleteWalker grew up trying to claim a space for herself as a sexual being. I think her piece reveals her insecurity as a young black woman raised by a single mother who was often absent. Without a direct male influence in her life, she tried to assert herself in her relationships with men, but wound up always playing a role. Though she finds her sexual experiences empowering, I find her behavior to reflect her lack of knowledge as to how healthy relationships should function. It was only years later that Walker became comfortable with herself and her sexual experiences.
I found Rich's article interesting as I had never contemplated the extent to which compulsory heterosexuality is present in my life. I think Levy would agree with her on her views of the porn industry, that it depicts women as "a sexual commodity to be consumed by males" (20).
I also have to disagree with Regan's opinion of the Walker article. Reading the article, I felt refreshed and relieved to hear of someone whose first sexual experience was so positive. Sure she was only 11, but if she was comfortable, pleased and satisfied with her experience, all the power to her! Too often, because sex is somewhat of a taboo, under the covers subject, women end up losing their virginity in unsafe environments. I was happy to for once read an account of someone who felt empowered through her body and sexuality.
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