How does image measure how successful people are in entertainment, specifically in the last few years? Young teen idols are becoming the most popular actors and actresses, make-up wearing pop-rock bands are invading the scene with their overly forward fashion senses and many television shows are becoming image-focussed. I interviewed an emerging musician out of Colorado about this and he went on to say "after talking with multiple record labels, music today is unfortunately only 5% of what a band needs to breakout into the mainstream. Image is a big deal to an artist and to the label." Is this adaptation arising to promote what image youth culture is accepting at the time or is it a distraction from what really matters in entertainment including talent, passion, perseverance, etc.? I don't think an actor, a musician, or a tv shows image should be its key to success, do you?
Comments (3)
Oh I most definitely agree that image is not everything. Or rather, it SHOULD not be everything. However it isn't just in the music/actor/actress industry that you see this happening, but in our own society as well. Just look around when you go to the bars the next time you go out, who is talking to who? Who isn't be talked to, or whose not even there? What kind of people? I am by no means saying that people cannot be diverse, but people tend to fall into image being just like another trend and they end up holding it up very, very high, even within dating and relationships. This is most definitely a sad situation. But I think I'm preaching to the choir here.
It's really interesting what you say about your interview and it sucks to hear that only 5% of actual talent is needed, but hello, we see that everyday with people like Ashlee Simpson and those out there who need tons of machines to make their voices sound superb, when other bands, like for example, Tool, have a raw talent that I don't think many would come across. That is something original, and yes, it today's society we don't really see originality anymore.
I think it's adaptation and a distraction at the same time, basically because some are more aware of it than others.
Posted by Jesse Trimble | March 13, 2007 3:51 PM
Posted on March 13, 2007 15:51
I found what you said very interesting and relevant because just today i was reading an American Idol thing (I know im a loser) and Sundance Head (his parents were hippies) was asked: "You are so talented. Why weren't you noticed before?" He responded "I had sung many times before and had shopped for record deals. But they would look at my promo pack, see the picture of me and not even listen to the music. The American music industry just won't hire a fat artist." I think there is alot of truth in assosicating beauty with power. I know as a young woman i tend to believe that at times when i see a great percentage of woman as news reporters on t.v being nothing less the slender and beautiful. I then start to believe that beauty equals opportunities.
Posted by Jackie Wittlinger | March 13, 2007 5:05 PM
Posted on March 13, 2007 17:05
In no way should the image of an actor or an artist be the key to success. I'm going to give an example, and take a deep breath because you may not believe me, but Michael Jackson put out some great music but that is overlooked nowadays because of his image. His success has been measured on the image he has and not on the music and music videos that he has produced. I rest my case, and in no way do I think Michael Jackson's image is the key to success.
Posted by Adam Samson | March 13, 2007 10:38 PM
Posted on March 13, 2007 22:38