In the essay, “Looking for the
Girls,” Brown-Thirston explains how she discovers some disturbing images when
she spends the day viewing R&B and hip-hop music videos. It is important to
note that young adults, especially people of color, predominantly view these
videos. While viewing these videos, Brown-Thirston critiques the videos to
analyze the role of women of color and the negative messages within the videos.
After watching videos from
popular artists such as DMX, Lil’ Kim, and Sisqo, Brown-Thirston is
disappointed to say, “Young Black women are presented more as ornaments and
objects rather than human beings. They are often in the background and
virtually never have anything to contribute besides big breasts and butts”
(188). She goes on to explain that the young women watching these videos can
start to internalize that they should strive to become beautiful women who are
sex objects to men.
(Lil' Kim censored album cover)
Additionally, the young men
watching these videos can receive many negative messages as well. For example,
since these videos contain many examples of expensive products, such as cars
and clothing, viewers can start to internalize that this is the “good life”
they should strive for. It also can teach young men that women will flock to
you as long as you have money, therefore, you can take your pick at the many
women you desire. Brown-Thirston notes that this is a dangerous message,
especially since these could encourage teens to find illegal methods to gain
these unrealistic lifestyles since the “American Dream” was never intended for
African-Americans.
DMX Music Video Clip
Brown-Thirston offers some advice
for educators and parents. For one, we need to start teaching our children to
be critical consumers of the media. Second, we need to realize how influential
the images in the media are to the life of our children. Third, we need to
teach students that confidence comes from whom they are, despite the
unrealistic portrays of the life in the media that value consumption.
Definitely a problematic issue. Enjoyed reading your summary.
ReplyDeleteHello Carina,
ReplyDeleteAgree! We have to start teaching our children to be critical consumers of the media. Before we do that, as adults we also have to learn how to become critical consumer of media.
Sadly, images are so influential in the media and yes, they are part of our lives. Images in a lot of cases can positively or negatively affect student's confidence.the media that value consumption. If children are not aware of the negative messages they are receiving via media, they will continued to be dragged under its mantle.
Children and also adults need to realize that we do not have to look for ways to have a lavish lifestyle. We should focus on who we are and not on having an unrealistic lifestyle at all cost.