Sexism and beauty

[kellinator]

The Britney Spears discussion has reminded me of something else that galls me.

Think about all the ugly male rock stars out there. They're everywhere. Now can you name one female rock star (besides Janis Joplin, she's the exception that proves the rule) who isn't drop-dead gorgeous? A woman may well have the talent, but she can't suceed if she doesn't have the looks. And the music industry (and the entertainment industry in general) will promote a beautiful but talentless woman over a not-so-pretty, but wildly talented woman any time.

Comments

Re:

[deza.livejournal.com]

And how many of them are in the current pop music scene, competeing with the aforementioned Ms Spears?

Re:

[tommydiablo.livejournal.com]

I set forth examples under the criteria of the initial question. She asked for "rock stars", not current pop stars. Each of the examples have their own following, mainstream or not. I simply responded as she had asked, given my understanding of the question. Had she stipulated that they had to be current pop stars in direct competition with Britney Spears, I would have responded differently. I would have offered Missy Elliott as an example. I think she's the only one who comes close to the Fool's Gold standard of Britney Spears.

For the most part, I agree with the argument offered in this post and her previous. I was simply playing Devil's advocate, offering a literal answer to her question, answering to the letter of her query, not the spirit. Had I known that it was to be limited, I would have answered accordingly.

Re:

[deza.livejournal.com]

Ah, but you have trespassed into the territory of "Women bashing cute-young-things-that-must-die."

Personally, I'm having a great deal of fun with all this. :)

Re:

[tommydiablo.livejournal.com]

Believe me, I have the same grips about the boybands and all that. Same with those teen movies filled with matinee idols who look pretty but can't act.

Re:

[deza.livejournal.com]

At least there is some variety in actors. Cameron Manheim (sp?) is making great strides for heavyset women.

Of course, being built more like Sophia Loren myself, I keep hoping for a return to the earlier ideals of beauty.

Re:

[tommydiablo.livejournal.com]

Mmm, Sophia Loren is still very gorgeous, I favor that body type more than Cameron Diaz. I also think Kathy Bates is making great strides, she is strong and attractive for it. I think I might add you to my friends list (and not because of the Sophia Loren thing ... but it certainly helps ;oþ).

Re:

[deza.livejournal.com]

Go right ahead. Just be warned: I'm pretty boring. ;)