In a recent boombox.com article, Ne-Yo, the R&B crooner dispenses some not so “real” advice to a young and aspiring female singer. He basically says if you’re a fat, step back. Not in so few words, but that is definitely how this possibly very impressionable young woman and broader audience will ingest it. Of course Ne-Yo is entitled to his informed opinion. He lives and breathes the music industry. Still, when I read these kinds of comments, I am always baffled by the commentator’s lack of empathy.
Now, I did only read a portion of the blog, maybe his comments were taking out of context and if so, I should probably reserve judgment. But, I’ll go the way of Fox News on this one and call it, before I have all the information, which may ultimately undermine my stance, oh well, go with me on this one.
I do believe there is something destructive about those remarks, possibly my feminist leanings or something. I guess what Ne-Yo is really saying to these girls is prepare yourselves. The music industry today is primarily style over substance. Of course, when both talent and looks lie in one person, then she’s a package deal. But, really his comments speak to the pervasive beauty myth in our culture about women’s bodies. For him to suggest that artist, such as Jill Scott or Jennifer Hudson’s success isn’t comparable to Beyonce’s simply doesn't follow. Success is subjective, and these women have all reached a pinnacle of success that is laudable.
Beyonce mostly sells sex and fantasy in her music. The latter two don’t. Or not to the degree that Beyonce does. Maybe Ne-Yo should revise his comments, if you want to be a sex symbol, in the music industry, then you’ll need to lose weight, assuming you’re an overweight aspiring singer. Of course, the parameters for weight, acceptable or commercially viable weight constantly change. To see a “big” woman dance like Beyonce often becomes parody in our culture, it’s not sexy ( think Mo’nique at the Bet Awards three years ago). As Issac Mizahi says on The Fashion Show, “Sorry honey we’re just not buying it.” And so, so the public generally has a very one-dimensional view of female sexuality. Ne-Yo, when you make such an ill-conceived generalization you suggests to young women that their success is dependent on their weight. You then minimize the success of artists like Jill Scott, Jennifer Hudson, Adele, Kelly Clarkson, and Jordan Sparks because these women do not fit the culturally accepted script for “sexiness” is frankly complicit sexism.
Sad, but true are the realities of the industry, but there are just as many skinny or physically fit girls who have not reached the success of Beyonce. So, his advice and argument is basically ad hominem thinking. Here’s my advice, focus on your talent first, if you’ve got the goods, you’ll at least get your foot in the door. If you want mainstream success, of course you’ll have to be marketable, but don’t let that fact deter or defer your dreams.
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