In her hit song "Price Tag" British singer Jessie J lobbies against the materialism that has begun to inhabit the world, claiming "Am I the only one getting tired?" however, many pictures and research shows that the only thing Jessie J is getting tired of is being a hypocrite. Though her song does stand for a good idea of what we should aim for as a society, it seems unlikely that an entire peoples can follow a person that doesn't even practice what they preach. Jessie J sings against "shades on your eyes and your heels so high that you can't even have a good time" but the internet can easily provide an array pictures where the singer
rocks rowdy shades or
shows off platformed heels, like
leopard skin, Christian Louboutin booties which she wears in one of the pictures below. She seems to bounce between what she advocates as her true self in her music while she continues to obtain a "video hoe" image that entertains the materialistic people of the world in real life. On another blog Jessie J is criticized for the
exposure of her panties from underneath her short dress. Her provocative fashion choice goes against everything she says in her song, reaching out for people to "slow down" and understand that "it's not about the money" while she walks around in outfits that are more revealing than most and wear shoes that are $1,695. Unfortunately, Jessie J validates my argument with her own statement, "I need to stock up on carbs because a bum sells more records." If Jessie J doesn't care about the money why does she care so much about selling more records? And if appearances aren't everything then why does she need a bigger bum? Her failure to even make a good attempt at pretending to follow her own advice completely invalidates her attempt to create a better place where people believe that "money can't buy us happiness." All Jessie J has done is show fans that it's okay to create a false image as long as it's to succeed. Sorry Jessie, better luck convincing us next time; maybe then you'll actually support your own argument.
Could this be an example of "don't do as I do, do as I say"? You are right to call her out. If only more listeners took the time to analyze what artists were doing, maybe the artists would take the time to create a more positive image.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a perfect example of "don't do as I do, do as I say." Many musicians do not keep up a positive image, because for some reason the "bad boy" and "bad girl" image seems to sell better. But whose fault is that? We as listeners, and consequently supporters, should take a stand and hold our favorite musicans responsibile - if we didn't buy their music and support their faulty image, they would be more likely to keep a positive image.
ReplyDeleteShe is definitely quite the hypocrite. This does not surprise me though, since what Josh said is very true. However, I do not think that this type of image will ever cease. As the cliche saying goes, "sex sells", and I think that this will be true as long as time exists. A supporter could take a very far stretch and say that she is merely taking this route in order to get her word out easiest, however, if someone is smart enough to analyze her lyrics, they would also be smart enough to see the hypocrisy.
ReplyDeleteYou gave a great example of how artist sing about things they believe in but don't do what they sing about. If she is singing against materialistic items but is spotted in $1000 shoes she is a hypocrite. At the same time it really makes you wonder is it her or is the music industry? Sex does sell today and nobody is going to buy a CD or listen to her if she is wearing "bum" clothes. Once you think about if you look good, wear provocative clothing, and can sing you are bound to make sell and make appearances. It does annoy me when artist sing about one thing but do something different.
ReplyDeleteTwo of you have said that sex sells, but is that really the case? Does sex sell, or does it just gain attention? Is the attention sustained or fleeting? And who are provocative outfits marketed to? I'm sure there have been plenty of studies on this...
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ReplyDeleteI think that sex gains temporary attention for most artists but in the long run all they have left is a stained reputation. At the time of Britney Spears' crotch shots and provocative outfits she was on the front cover of all the celebrity magazines being chastised for her carelessness. Now, she is not liked by many and in an attempt to come back without being the sex symbol she used to be Britney fails to receive a comparable amount of attention as she did in her past. The media is making room for new, young girls to make the mistake of flashing cameras for attention - these uprising stars never learn.
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