Singer and songwriter Janelle Monae spreads a very specific message about blackness. The message is two-fold. First, her carefully chosen wardrobe of stylish tuxedoes defines her public image. This ties in closely to the message her music propagates to society. Her lyrics talk about what it means to be the “other.” In her songs she refers to her alter ego, Cindi Mayweather, who is from the year 2719 and is an android. Monae believes that androids represent society’s new “other.” She compares androids to being homosexual or a black woman. The goal of her music is to make those who feel oppressed have something to connect with. She hands out her Ten Driod Commandments to her fans, which encourages them to be individuals. There has been talk of her sexual orientation, which she has yet to define. Monae is quoted in a 2011 interview in The Evening Standard saying, “I only date androids.” Rumors about her being a lesbian began circulating because of her style and certain lines of her songs referencing women in particular ways. Monae is adamant about not defining herself in society’s terms, which is why I think she has taken on the persona of an android.
As stated previously, her songs and style are intertwined. She wants to redefine women’s wear. Being an individual should be celebrated not looked down upon. She has been features in Vogue and other publications as well as won multiple awards for her music, which places her in the public’s eye. Society has a long way to go before each individual who walks on this Earth is truly accepted for who they are, but that fact that Monae is welcomed and applauded for her individuality is a step in the right direction. Her use of artistic freedom is making a positive change for those who feel like they are the “other.”
Link to the Ten Driod Commandments: http://hollygocrunkly.tumblr.com/post/746007554/the-ten-droid-commandments
I think this is a great look into not only female blackness but also how America feels about it. In a time where we feel like everyone should be equal and LGBTQ issues are at the forefront of political debate, it is amazing to me how uncomfortable people are with her masculine dress. And also when celebrities dont come out with any sexual orientation it becomes the biggest thing we focus on about them – not their art or what they are famous for. I think that you are correct, that she is a taking a step in the right direction, but the real question may be when everyone else will follow her lead.