I was recently going through with the existentialism associated with my work-
Why am I good at this? Why should I be good at this?
Is society going to soon change and flip the entirety of my reality, teachings, my work on its back?
What does this mean for true love? Is it true love if it’s organized and deliberate? What does this mean for relationships, not only with men but family, friends, business partners?
What does all of this mean?
What is success, in any realm, and why is it important?
Is my message that important? For who? And why are people listening to me? Why am I on a pedestal?
And I was starting to not believe in myself or anything for that matter. Not in a bitter way, but almost freeing- like why am I watching these shows? What is social media outside of organized mindless yelling into an echo chamber? Why connect or share my message at all? What is pushing me?
Then… I started to think- what is pushing any of us in any of our performances? What makes a celebrity but command of large audiences that put them in power? It all comes down to a social need to worship. A need to believe in something & protect it.
This led me to think bout Cardi B’s rapid success over the past 3 years and how it came to be in such a disastrous political climate in America, where we are at a divisive and cartoonish divide. And I realized she is the antithesis while providing the same animated persona. Trump is a direct representation of what people see Americans as- white, racist, careless, rich children who are not supposed to be in power- but they are. Kanye – the black American coon who hangs out with the white men and works for their approval that is never received. Kim K representing the white or nonblack prize for black men, who represents status with her unnatural features glorified as a “beauty” that sets the standard for what we should attain to access that same power. Then we have Cardi B- the animated jezebel who represents oppressed, loud, mostly black/Latina women who are standing for something against what we are living under-a white, classist, racist system- and because of that, we want to see her win. She is *US* on a magnified level while still representing that “American Dream” in the wake of oppressive times. That’s why we all are so obsessed with her success during this time.
Rihanna started out at a great time for history, politics, and culture also. She came out with “Pon de Replay” in 2005- the middle of George W. Bush’s two-term reign. It was a time of a lot turbulence, war, death, and fiscal irresponsibility(when is it not though, am I right?🙄). America was in need of that breath of fresh air who was rebellious of Americanness, embracing, a sort of carefree reality(especially black girls- that we caught onto and fully embraced during the Obama administration), and being is the midst of the heightened “It Girl” phase that reigned before social media could delegate to more than just a few on the red carpet. That would take culture by storm and distract from the belief in hopelessness for the country for many youth at the time. It was innocent but still raunchy, sexy, and innovative as she grew. This is before being “woke” was about self care and mental illnesses- it was just about releasing from Americanness. She, a young Caribbean girl who became an American pop star, began at a time where people were distinguishing themselves from Americanness & what it means. People wanted to define themselves through something that was moving away from Americanness to defining themselves culturally- which I believe we are passing through this era now. She’s led as her own more powerful & innovative Bob Marley of this era with less rigid politics. Because she is more powerful, her success is going to be ongoing.
As for Beyoncé, she will always remain because she is extremely intelligent and understands how politics play a lot into culture. She grows with culture and politics where others stay stagnant, left behind, or become side entertainment until they’re done. She sees the grand picture of the world and what keeps culture & politics thriving & breathing. She understands her impact and importance to culture & politics and adjusts to dominate every time. From the music she puts out, to the type of media she allows herself to entertain, even to the dresses & poised power she chooses on major red carpets. And most importantly- her historical body shape & stance. Her look in 2005 was very different from now. Yes, we can write it off as “growth” or deliberate understanding of shade of acceptable culture, dominance, and what it means to command attention, not only music, but THE WORLD. She had a very straight, almost sovereignty to her red carpet fashions 13 years ago. Attracting white and republican audiences as “trustworthy” while black & democratic to now, where she’s free from the pronounced sovereignty and more of a black cultural antagonist, as seen by the white people or Americans that trusted that sovereignty. She understood her power, command of audiences and trust that she had of even racist white america- and she took a leap in this climate that only forges more success. Every faucet of her brand is a shade of power, elegance, and correspondence to what is making history+culture+power thrive.
I could go on ALL DAY about how these examples are evidence of history, politics, and culture colliding all at once, and always have been but, frankly, I’m ready for a granola bar & nap. They are tons of examples to provide, so please feel free to share and comment!
Chubby Enchantress 