Defy Logic
“We defy what logic says we should look like, sound like, be like, we defy genres, algorithms and entire industries. See we defy that little voice that says, ‘oh no we can’t’ with a roar back that says, 'Oh yes we will!’ To create the future, we must defy the logic of the past.”
When we talk about being queer in 2021, we talk about people who are defying what is expected and are succeeding on creating their own trail. Those are the influencers, the make up artists, the musicians people listen to these days. All of these people use means that were not available to other generations to get their message of inclusion across. They take over social media, over YouTube, over TikTok to make their voices heard.
LilNasX is not exception to this rule. LilNasX turned the very conservative, very lily white, very homophobic world of Country music on its head by having one of the most successful crossover hits in later years in... Country music. With Old Town Road he broke several records and became a household name, while all the while being himself, being the same guy that garnered a huge following online before becoming an bona fide star.
Now he's doing the voiceover for a Super Bowl ad for Logitech and starring in it. He starred in a commercial for the Super Bowl last year too. The Super Bowl. The summit of white, middle class heteronormativity is again having a one-minute ad where he is front and center. This time he narrates the ad and his bop Call Me By Your Name is the soundtrack to the one-minute advertisement. The blue-haired, Black, irreverent queer rapper was in middle America's homes during one of the most sought-after (by advertisers) events in sports in America: the Super Bowl. And he's doing this on his own terms. Being openly gay does not seem to have affected his capacity to garner sponsors much.
And that's one of the ways that change is implemented: by showing that the ones who defy how people should look like, sound like and be like are the ones that are leading. So yeah, even if we don't listen to rap, if we don't change the color of our hair every two weeks, we need to be part of that change. How? Well, we have to listen.
Because those who listen, will be ready for change. We can do that, people!
XOXO
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They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease. But you also catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Sometimes you have to be loud and proud but many times the soft subtle charms work better.
ReplyDeleteComing into the homes of middle America as a person gets your foot in the door. That paves the way to dialogue and understanding and acceptance. But we need to keep our values and sense of worth. Some things are not negotiable.
XOXO 👨❤️💋👨
I think it's a combo of both. We need to be visible and also know WHEN to be visible. This is a great opportunity to do both.
DeleteThis is what scares one million moms and all the bigots: that LGBTQ people are just like everybody else and are everywhere...
XOXO
It's really all about proving how similar we are.
ReplyDeleteYep.
DeleteAnd the Talibangelicals freak out at the thought.
XOXO
Ha! The only thing truly "now" about this is the Country music crossover success. Don't you think? I mean...Elton John, right? George Michael, right? Boy George. We've allowed gays to remain major stars after they've proclaimed their gayness. It's the acceptance into Country music that makes him a standout because that industry has been dominated by what we see as a stereotype. When we know damn well there are LGBTQ folks everywhere.
ReplyDeleteThat's the key to acceptance, to normalization. We don't need to proclaim, we just need to be. XOXO
Well, LittleNasX is in Rap/HipHop and he's black, so that is probably more difficult. Rap and HipHop are notoriously homophobic. Add to that the homophobia in Country and it's trifecta of fuckery.
DeleteNormalization begets Representation. May of those people really do not know of anybody being gay.
XOXO
Great ad! I love his pink cowboy outfit.
ReplyDeleteOh, I thought it was very well thought.
DeleteAnd LittleNasX has worn the cutest outfits to the awards shows.
XOXO
I am gay, super gay and I have a natural look. I like Queers. I really like men. I am happy with my homosexuality. Obviously I would speak differently if I was born and resided in Iran.
ReplyDeleteOh, totally.
DeleteBut Iran is a Theocracy. That's why they try to control the media. If a commercial like this were to be broadcast it would create a riot.
XOXO
The LGBTQ+ community has been defying logic, and saying Fuck You to mainstream, every time one of us comes out.
ReplyDeleteThat is true. Coming out is still a powerful statement.
DeleteBut we have to remember the weird, femme, queer kids and Trans people who do this every day. They are the trailblazers.
XOXO
the pearl clutchers need to fuck off and die!
ReplyDeleteLGBTQIA+ people have ALWAYS been here.
you have to be willing to see and hear the stories from fellow human beings.
otherwise you might just miss someone spectacular!
Hahahaha
DeleteThey do! And you know that they refuse to hear these stories because then they'll have to accept that THEY are the monsters.
XOXO
I credit Frank Ocean. He broke down that door. And I am glad LilNasX walked through it and continued to breakdown those doors. Hall of famers. Wishing him continued success. Talent always wins, hands down. And it is about time we just start excepting people for who they tell us they are! Am I right. It's a big table. Room for all.
ReplyDeleteFood, on the other hand? Yeah... we need to do something about the food. Kizzes.
Oh yes.
DeleteWhen Frank Ocean came out, the Hip Hop/ Rap community had a conniption. LilNasX has used that as a vehicle. He's come out under his own terms, at his own pace, making it seem almost normal. I think he's talented and knows his public.
And you mentioned food and now I'm hungry.
XOXO
All voices must be heard!! Why don't I remember that ad? I must look it up. I thought I watched all the ads. Hmmm. Did I space out?
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed!
DeleteAnd I really don't remember. I was there just for the men in tight pants jumping on each other. LOL
XOXO