I am sooo over the subliminaly self-deprecating images in black culture- especially in Hip-Hop. You can chalk it up to me getting older and wiser or simply because enough is enough. The latest offense is the video “Marilyn Monroe” by new female rapper Brianna Perry. Brianna is a black girl who embodies a conglomerate of alluring features- high cheeks bones, full lips, almond eyes, and a slender figure. Artistically- she has what it takes; a charismatic presence, a husky voice with a southern twang, witty punchlines and the trite albeit amicable Elmer Fudd flow (where you pronounce Ts as Ds).
So why am I offended? Brianna is comparing herself to Marilyn Monroe, which for many affirms the belief that Marilyn IS the quintessential American beauty and sex symbol and that anybody black or otherwise IS NOT. Brianna is this really the message that you want to relay to all the brown girls & sisters who for right now are your only audience? Ignorance isn’t bliss and this is yet another case of destructive imagery in Hip-Hop that has sent me over the edge. It seems that the standard for new female rappers is that you must liken your persona to an unrealistic figure to garner success and appeal: Nicki Minaj to Barbie. And I am in no way Nicki bashing because I truly love the positivity that she brings to Hip Hop:
Strength - Nicki holds her own in the male dominated industry. Amidst the lyrical genius of Kanye & Jay Z, Nicki had the best verse on the “Monster” track.
Fabulosity - her kaleidoscope of wigs and bold fashion choices are trend setting
Talent - she writes her own rhymes, sings, raps, acts, all in different voices - and all while blinking, posing, and keeping her wig on straight. You really gotta give her credit.
But I digress… Brianna Perry, you are no Marilyn Monroe. You ARE young, gifted, and black and should have chosen an Icon of Color to suggest a likeness to. How about Dorothy Dandridge – Diahann Carroll – Angela Davis – Miriam Makeba – Cleopatra – Michelle Obama… I guess that would make too much sense or better yet give black women and our culture too much empowerment.
If we as African-Americans don’t believe- write, sing, and rap that Black is Beautiful, then who will?
