From Savage to Hip-Hop Glam

We recently discussed sexualizing stereotypes and the “other” in society. Our discussion about Hook’s “Black Looks and Representations” led us to talk about Beyonce and how she uses her body to portray sexuality and in turn is praised for her fame and talent. While some argue Beyonce exploits herself, others argue she is proud of her body and is making a stand for women. For me it’s hard to agree with one or the other. I do think Beyonce should be proud of her body and has a right to dress the way she wants, but in then end it does come down to the fact that she is using her sexuality to attract attention. While I don’t think this can always be negative, I do feel like in other situations it has been an outlet for subconscious racial stereotypes.

America’s Next Top Model is a perfect example of sexualizing minorities. In my opinion the show does promote women of color as sex objects who must change the features of their race to become better suited for the media as well as for society. The show highlights the model’s racial differences then draws a clear division between white and black. Tyra Banks and the other judges illustrate modern racism through passive actions and comments directed to the models. Their idea is to accept multiple races as diverse in beauty, but in the end everyone does and must conform to the norm in order to win the prize.

Tyra tries to present herself as a proud, black woman who embraces her heritage. But in every episode she has a long, straight weave and half the time it’s blonde. An example of conforming to the norm took place a few years ago when Tyra and the other judges told the contestant Danielle that she must change her rural, southern speech to proper English. They mold her to society turning her from rural and southern into a hip-hop/glam stereotype of black performers. Her accent was a part of her African American ancestry and heritage- it was the way she spoke with her family her entire life. In the end the judges “other” Danielle from her history and her family and turn her into the specimen they want to portray to society.

From the Hottentot to Beyonce to Danielle, black women are sexualized, transformed, and “othered” in order to fit the roles society has given them: savage, sexualized woman, or hip-hop glam artist.