The Portrayal of Female Artists

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Recommended: Objectification of women in the 20th century

When looking at the music industry today, it is clear there is an imbalance between portrayals of men and women. Usually one is used to seeing female artists prance around in tight little outfits showing all parts of their body, while the looks of men do not matter. Many women feel they need to fulfill sexual roles in the music industry. Perhaps female artists dress in a provocative manner to get noticed and to make it big in the industry. However, in Ann Powers’ article, she mentions that Klein states, “I want to see more images of women showing audiences what’s in their hearts and minds; I want to see less of what’s on the outside” (2). I agree with Klein. In fact, female artists do not have to fulfill pre-determined sexual roles because it is the talent that should shine through and not their outer appearance.
Instead of the characteristics that women are expected to have—to be feminine, good looking, passive, sexy, skinny, and domestic—they should be judged on their talent and not their attire. Women should be acknowledged for their creative ability instead of their physical beauty. Powers states, “For women in pop music, sexuality is both the most powerful force and the biggest trap” (2). There are also many people in the industry that agree with Powers. However, I disagree with Powers, because I still believe that sexuality is not a big source of success. Some men and women in the music industry believe female artists will only be successful if they dress in a provocative way. However, dressing sexy does not define talent, especially when female artists are performing.
Instead, women are portrayed as a piece of meat to the world by the more skin they show; proving that sex sells. Some female artists do not present thems...

... middle of paper ...

...e their talent, so it shouldn’t matter what their appearance is, even though it does help. An artist like Lady Gaga is a good example of an artist that does not play these roles. She still is very popular with both sex genders without the cost of dressing provocotive. What do you think about these female artists filling these roles, would you think it’s necessary to succeed in this music industry?

Work Cited
Cochrane, Kim. “Lady Gaga exposes femininity as a shame.” Guardian.co.uk
2010. 1-4. Print.
Peoples, Glen. “Business Matters: How Adele's Success Undermines Marketing Guru Seth
Godin's Predictions.” Billboard.com. 2011. Online.
Philips, Abbey. “Truth lies somewhere between.” Rvanews.com. 2011.1-3. Print.
Powers, Ann. “Critics Notebook: Lady Gaga, sexuality and 21st century pop: speaking truth to Camille Paglia.” Latimesblog.latimes.com. 1-2. Print.

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