Image, how powerful is it? Have you thought about how image is defined by pop culture? Do the images portrayed really affect who you are?
Just the other day I was talking with a 15 year old about her image. She was approximately 5'3 with brown skin, short thick brown hair, and brown eyes. Although she was not fat, she was unhappy with her weight. She was also unhappy with her complexion and the length of her hair.
The teen described a picture taken of her when she was younger as "sexy" because she was "light skin." She complained that being darker now was "not as pretty." She also said that wearing extensions was better because it made her hair look longer. I tried to explain that she was beautiful regardless but, no matter what I said, I could not seem to change what this young lady thought of herself. I felt helpless trying to encourage her while combating years of ingrained images, which define beauty as thin and fair skin with long hair.
Don Imus's description of young Black women on the Rutgers women's basketball team stirred debates all over the country. People now want to know who is to blame when an influential white male uses phrases such as "nappy headed hoes" publicly.
Some say it was not Imus's fault. He merely reiterated the images described by African Americans in music videos and lyrics. My position is, Imus knew what he said was wrong. However, he had no remorse until the people with power, i.e., money, did something about it. In other words, money is the root of many problems.
In today's culture, even if you can profit from something, it may not be morally acceptable. Imus was fired because it became unprofitable for the company to keep him. Meanwhile, companies like BET, VH1, and MTV continue to make substantial profits from recording artists who use derogatory words about woman in like manner.
Image is very powerful. The images that are plastered on billboards, printed in magazines, and voiced over the radio do affect the way people think and feel. Don't believe it? Take a moment to reflect on why adverting is a multi-billion dollar industry. Since the comments Imus and the 15-year-old made stem from images depicted in pop culture, my million-dollar question is, what can be done to change what is seen and heard?
In this edition, we deal with image in-depth. We talk with gospel rap duo, Platinum Souls whose mission is to deliver a positive message and create positive images that can be accepted in faith-based and mainstream culture. We also relay what our MySpace friends had to say about the images they see in pop culture and whether or not they can relate.
I welcome your comments. Happy reading!
