Lesbian Awareness and Women's Independence through Performance

Lesbian Awareness and Women’s Independence through Performance

by: Brad Weisberg

Introduction

Female artists have been evaporating out of the music industry for many years. Though, Madonna has remained an iconic artist in the music industry for the past thirty years. She has managed to adapt her original vocal style to fit the demands of the 21^st century. In my personal opinion, Madonna is one of the most talented female musicians that has had the opportunity to perform all over the world and set an image for other aspiring artists to follow. Musicians such as the ones that can be seen in the 2003 MTV performance of “Like A Virgin”/ “Hollywood”/ “Work It”, such as Britney Spears, Missy Elliot, and Christina Aguilera have idolized Madonna. Her work has inspired each of them to pursue their dreams, as well as other artists, such as the modern day equivalent of Madonna, Lady Gaga.

At the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, Britney Spears performed Madonna’s risqué and top hit of the 1980s, “Like A Virgin”. Her reenactment was similar to Madonna’s 1993 VMA performance of “Like A Virgin”. Though, the content and choreography was slightly adjusted to account for the changing social structure. In the 1980s, women were not as independent and powerful, as they have been becoming in the last two decades. The performance highlights the changing power dynamic between men and women. By having three of the highest-grossing female singer on stage together, all of which are from different racial and social backgrounds, it is suggestive of the growing independence of all women.

Lesbian Commemoration and Women’s Independence Expressed Through Shocking VMA Performance

On a similar note, the element that marks this performance, as a breakthrough for the music industry is the kiss shared between Britney Spears and Madonna and Christinia Aguilera and Madonna. Prior to recent years, lesbian and gay relations were considered deviant and highly criticized by the media. Though our highly focused individualistic ideals and a growing tolerance has allowed the media to cross a gender-relation bridge. Performances and public appearances have opened a gateway for gay, lesbian and transgender awareness and promotion.

This performance left an imprint on society. For days and even months, it was the only thing, that pop culturists and entertainment reporters spoke about. Select sources remained neutral with their coverage of the event, while other media conglomerates like MSNBC referred to it as “Calculate Girl on Girl Shock Tactics from Madonna”. Both Christina Aguilera and Madonna have been priming the LGBQT rights movement, while Spears has not been shown in the media, fighting for the lesbian and gay rights. In an interview, Spears admitted that the kiss was a mere publicity stunt, in order for her to gain media attention and with hopes to improve her career.

Changing Gender Relations and Social Constructs from 1983-2003

In my opinion, I believe that this was a monumental move in each of these ladies career. By combining sexual appeal with social issue awareness, these three women were able to use their music and performance to express their beliefs and values. In Madonna’s performance of “Like A Virgin” at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, she is singing to a tall, slender male statue who is dressed in the stereotypical groom attire. Differently, in her appearance at the 2003 VMAs, Madonna, Spears and Aguilera are all singing to each other. They are all dressed in scanty, white dresses and moving their bodies in seductive ways. The distasteful movements are reflective of our hyper sexualized society and a right of passage for women, with their strides they’ve made with gaining power and independence. Through partaking in same-sex relations on the stage, Madonna, Aguilera and Spears are acknowledging that there is no longer a binary gender relationship structure. The presence of gay, lesbian and bisexual relationships has overcome hurdles and is becoming more common in today’s world.

Shortly after this performance, lesbian and gay relationships became more evident in the media and entertainment industry. Artists such as Katy Perry performed songs such as “I Kissed A Girl” which was expressive of same-sex relationships and how they felt good, just like heterosexual couples. Also, it is important to realize the image that these ladies set for lesbians. Government publications and the media produce images of lesbian couples that present them as big, unattractive and masculine-like. Madonna and her followers changed that stereotype with their performance. There are plenty of beautiful, model-like women who practice same-sex relationships.

Not only has this performance encouraged others in the music industry, but has set a precedent for both television shows and movies. Television shows such as Glee and Pretty Little Liars feature cast members who are lesbians on the show and involved in lesbian relationships. Similarly, movies such as V for Vendetta and RENT highlight the lesbian relationships that are becoming normalized in society. Apart from lesbian relationships, these three women have shun a light for others woman to glow in. Talented artists such as Lady Gaga and Beyonce use their music as an avenue to embellish women’s independence and rise in social-status.

Putting It All Together

Over the years, female artists have gained a voice in the media and entertainment industry. Divas such as Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Missy Elliot have utilized their music, in order to project their personal beliefs, values and moral judgments. The 2003 performance of “Like A Virgin”/ “Hollywood”/ “Work It” is a prime example of how female artists are using their talents and molded performances to show how they’ve evolved from subordinate and controlled individuals to independent and powerful beings. Evaluating their performance further, the audience can see how powerful women are using their music and live venues in order to fight social issues, such as gay and lesbian prejudice. The performance was a staple and has influenced other artists, television and movie producers, and thriving authors to use their talents to let their voices be heard.

Experiences Created by the Orchestra

Experiences Created by the Orchestra

The Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia is 95-100-member ensemble, which rehearses two times per week and performs many concerts each year. Last Wednesday night, the orchestra put on their “Sounds of Summer” concert, which featured compositions such as Schumann’s Symphony. I’ve never had the experience of witnessing an orchestra first-hand and thought that reaching outside of my comfort zone would maybe help me understand more about the components that influence the popularity and beauty of music. Orchestrated music has always been considered a high form of art, catered to a specific sector of the population. However, through the years it has evolved into an art that is now enjoyed by individuals other than just upper-middle class and upper class Caucasians. Though, orchestrated ensembles have managed to uphold to their original demands such as enforcement of proper mannerisms and the usage of a passive audience. Through the balancing of vital components, such as the concert’s setting, the audience, moderate commercialization, and light interactions between the audience and performers, orchestrated music has managed to hold onto its’ strong values and standpoints while at the same point broadening it’s market base, thus allowing individuals of different ages and backgrounds to partake in the experiences created by these art forms.

The audience at the Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia concert was a representation of the increasing fan-base for orchestrated music. There were two distinct groups marketed for the concert for this production, younger individuals and middle age and older citizens of Boca Raton and surrounding areas. Between both of these sectors, Caucasians made up the bulk of the audience. Since its’ birth, the orchestra has appealed to citizens of higher classes, primarily wealthy white people. However, it has progressed and now individuals of all social class and racial background can enjoy the beauty created by this form of music. Though, certain principalities have managed to live on such as proper expectations of the audience. From the moment I took my spot in line to the second I sat down in my seat I could not help but notice the audience’s attire. For the most part, the dress was very casual. Almost everyone was wearing either jeans or khaki-pants and respectable summer attire, such as an appropriate sweater vest or jacket. This aura of casualness made its’ way onto to the stage. All of the musicians performing were wearing the same black suit that helped attributed to the mood and overall experience of the orchestra.

Advertising and other forms of commercialization were not extremely heavy for this particular concert. Personally, I did not find out about the concert until a week beforehand through a close family friend. Ticket presales were not popular for the concert as was implied by the growing line outside of the building. The absence of mass marketing explains the reason for a small audience. Walking into the venue, it was not your typical entrance. There were no booths with merchandise, not even records were available for sale. The closest things to physical memories from the concert were the concert programs that were freshly, printed on plain computer paper. Besides word of mouth, information about the concert was only available to those who had a desire to know. The small amount of commercialization can infer that the exclusiveness of orchestrated and other higher art forms of music has managed to live on. Orchestras as well as classical forms of music are not appreciated by the masses. Since its’ pretentious beginnings, orchestrated music has managed to uphold a niche market while allowing a more diverse support group to live and appreciate the experiences created by the orchestra.

Roberts Theatre at Andrew Hall’s Center for the Performing Arts, a structure that was reminiscent of the colonial period, was the venue for the concert. The elaborateness and elegance attributed to the experience that orchestras and high forms of music were originally suppose to indict on audiences during the birth years of these sophisticated styles of music. The main concert hall had sparkling and shimmering chandeliers hanging from the ceiling that help connected the audience with the feeling of being dignitary and elite, the senses that orchestras originally provided for its’ higher based audience. The walls were painted a very neutral, creamy white color and setout by the gold encrusted lampposts that were spread throughout the hall. For $10, individuals could sit in the plush, royal blue seats and immersed themselves in a world of riches and beauty while listening to a distinguished orchestra, something only people of higher social classes could partake back in the earlier parts of the 20^th century. Inside the venue, the attendants contributed to this notion of wealth and power by preserving the expectations with their casual attire, mainly black pants and white button-downs.

As the curtains slowly opened, an orchestra comprised of individuals of all different ages and backgrounds appeared and began to create art. The stage was spread out and large which made it hard to physically see all of the musicians. This imperfection made it harder to establish a connection between the audience and performers. Looking around the concert hall, one could notice the mannerisms and behaviors displayed by the audience. To the left of me, was a female who was politely resting her eyes, whereas a few rows in front of me, sat a middle-age couple who appeared to be fully engaged by the various signs of heavy focus on the stage, such as their eye placement and light nodding of the head. At orchestras, the behavior patterns differ tremendously from other contemporary concerts. For the most part, the audience tends to be very polite and act in a passive manner. Behaviors, such as loud coughing and sneezing are frowned upon and rarely ever seen in these types of environments. The mannerisms displayed by the original viewers of these orchestras have lived on and audiences continue to fulfill these expectations.

At intermission, the interaction between the audience members was at a bottom. As I scanned the hall, I saw very few conversations taking place. The larger venue created a sense of cold emotions, as individuals were more prone to sitting in the silence than experiencing the moment with the person sitting next to him. Behind me, there were two middle age women who were holding a conversation and later joined by their friend. However, the girls to the left of me shared the same feeling of boredom and anticipation that I was having. Focusing on the stage, I saw very few musicians as they were backstage. However, there were a few of the performers that were speaking with people from the audience. The large venue and performing space made it harder for individuals to connect with one another as was displayed during this twenty -minute intermission. This relates to the interactions that originally took place at orchestras due to the relationships that the audience shared with another; being that all members were elite socialites, they mostly knew each other and separation of class was not an issue.

Examining the conduct of the audience during the second part of the performance, I began to notice a few outliers in terms of proper behavior. A few rows up, a middle-aged male was on his cellular phone, I presume checking his voicemail, as the audience clearly did not hear any speech come out of his mouth, as I did not hear any of the audience member’s reprimand him. As if that was not enough of a shock to the experience, another male member from the audience decided to get up and leave halfway thru the second portion. Both of these behaviors are highly frowned upon, as these individuals were not complying with the expectations that are expected by both the audience and musicians. Connection between the audience and musicians are harder to feel at concerts where musician do not use their voice to communicate with the audience. At times, members of the audience could be caught dosing off or whispering softly to the person sitting next to them. The lack of verbal and body communication made it harder to understand the messages that the musicians were trying to convey to the audience. The audience had to hold a focus to understand the messages that each piece was trying to convey.

Throughout the past hundred years, orchestras and other higher forms of art have undergone an evolution A form of art that was once only enjoyed by the world’s richest and most powerful individuals is now appreciated by many different types of individuals, who come from all different and social, ethnic and racial backgrounds. With that, these orchestras and similar variations of music have managed to withstand its’ exclusiveness through the moderate commercialization, preservation of original behaviors and mannerisms expected by the audience and performers, and providing an aura of royalty and beauty through place, costume, and interaction. The experiences felt at any contemporary concert are reflective of all these components and the fulfilling the commitment between the audience and performers.

Exercising Political and Social Belief Through Music: The Acoustic Genre

Exercising Political and Social Belief Through Music: The Acoustic Genre

by: Brad Weisberg, B.A. Sociology, UNC

Although acoustic music may sound soft, gentle and soothing at the surface, there is a deeper level of thought involved that one must decipher through the artist’s words. Artists such as John Mayer, Jack Johnson, and Ben Harper are a few of the talented and thought provoking of the acoustic genre. There is more to the music than the creative sounds of the instrument and the clarity of the musician’s vocals. All of these artists attract a wide range of individuals, but most of these individuals can connect to each other through a collective bond that is conjoined through political and social thought.

Listening to songs such as Mayer’s Waiting on the World To Change” and Johnson’s “Hopes”, one can realize that these songs are symbolic of inspiration and change. The general listener of John Mayer and Jack Johnson could be built on this socially constructed image. He is usually a free-spirited, relaxed teenager who participates in both adventurous and risky activity, such as surfing, speaking of politics in the open, and participates in the recreational usage of marijuana and other illegal substances, that are representative of one’s social freedom.

You may ask yourself, who is responsible for creating these images? The answer is not simple. It is a multi-faceted idea. There is not just one actor involved in building up the hype of any genre. Two of the most important sources in the process are the record industry and media outlets, such as MTV and VH1. The way in which they present an artist is crucial to his or her image, as both an individual and talent figure. Though, the public image that the artist creates for himself is vital for his identification with society and within the genre’s development. Being complex being, we are not all attracted to the same genres of music.

An artist and genre builds it following through the way in his he or she expressed his identity, which is done through verbal and visual apparatus. Followers of the genre will begin to emulate the thoughts, actions and style of their role models through their own creative practices. For example, people who view rap and hip-hop as the genre of music that they can relate to and/ or like the most, may begin to start writing rhymes and participating in rap battles in the community or take up break dancing. Also they may emulate their popular artists through the way they dress, communicate and socialize. In example, Lil’ Wayne has had a large impact on select youth’s verbal actions, with popular terms such as “like a lollipop” and “get money”.

For an artist to appeal to an audience, there has to be a common trait that both the artists and his audience share. This element is not always visible, it often requires heavy listening and serious comprehension. If you look at the following for the acoustic genre, you can see that it is diverse in many ways, but there are some common features. Artists relate with their fans through their music, symbolic representation in music videos, at concerts, and their social involvement. Artists such as John Mayer and Jack Johnson are storytellers, or as I like to term, have folk narrative aesthetic. They use their guitars to add to the depth and meaning of their mostly nonfictional accounts of their life. Watching “Waiting on the World To Change”, you can see John Mayer just walking down the street, sitting in a café, typical daily activities of common people.

These artists use their music to make their listeners and other audiences aware of the social and political problems. With the growing influence that technology has on society, it is not uncommon for teenagers not to pick up a newspaper. In “Waiting on the World To Change”, Mayer shares his opinion of the media and how he does not think it’s a credible source. His opinion infers that the media is a source of brainwash, they only tell you what they want you to know, which might not be the truth. Through relaying their views and opinions, artists such as Mayer, Harper and Jackson are not just entertaining their audience, but educating them. That is one of the most important aesthetics of acoustic music, making listeners more worldly and aware.