Kayli Worden and Skylar Trostinsky
When it comes to dress codes in society, ‘regular’ civilians are not the only targets that face these gender discriminations. Celebrities feel the impact of this judgment from mass media outlets where sexism is created from the judgment from fans, media, and the social construct of what is ‘appropriate and not appropriate’ between men and women.
A recent example of this is the distinction between the reactions to the 54th annual Super Bowl halftime show that featured a performance by Shakira and Jennifer Lopez and the 53rd Super Bowl halftime show with Adam Levine.
Skakira and JLo’s Performance
The media coverage highlighted Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s performances by their attire and dancing. Of course, their performance overall was incredible, however the critics’ backlash was mostly directed toward what they wore and how they moved their bodies. Although Shakira and Lopez’s production honored their cultures and kept the audience fully entertained, there were some viewers that believed the show was “too skimpy” as the artists wore two peice outfits that showed a large amount of their skin.
Author Prerna Nambiar noted some of these obscene comments in her 2020 Meaww article entitled “Super Bowl LIV: JLo and Shakira’s skimpy outfits slammed, viewers claim they’re inappropriate for a family event”. One comment that Nambiar included was from a viewer that Tweeted,
“What the fuck am I watching #SuperBowl halftime show. J lo can someone get her an outfit next time where it doesn’t look like she has duct tape on her ass.”
Adam Levine’s Performance
A year prior to Shakira and JLo’s performance, Adam Levine, along with his band, “Maroon 5”, later accompanied by rappers Travis Scott and Big Boi, went a similar route in their act. Starting off with 2000’s hit melodies such as “She Will Be Loved,” Levine quickly escalated his performance by including his song, “Moves Like Jagger.” Adam Levine went from wearing a tank top, covered with a leather jacket, to completely stripping it off and singing with no shirt on; exposing his entire upper half.
While many argued that Lopez and Shakira were inappropriately showing too much skin, Alex Abad-Santos at Vox in his article titled “Super Bowl 2019 halftime show review: Maroon 5 was fine”, made a note about Levine’s performance of “Moves Like Jagger.” Abad-Santos described Levine’s performance as “boasts a magic combination of beat and melody that coaxes you to whistle along in synchronicity.”
While this may be true about Maroon 5’s music, Abad-Santos did cunningly mention how Levine threw his shirt in the crowd during this song, making the song “secondary,” as it was “eclipsed by Levine’s extensive tattoos and the result of his upper-body workouts.” The author at Vox, then ended his article by applauding Maroon 5 for “doing something memorable,” and by doing something, he meant entertaining the crowd with his minimal amount of clothing.
Twitter Responses to Levine
However, the praise doesn’t end here. Many people who aren’t critics or journalists took their responses to twitter. The social media reaction highlighted the double standard that society uses to judge men and women and what is acceptable for entertainment, sexuality and gender norms.
One specific post on twitter that reached a large audience was a woman being called out for her criticism of Shakira and Lopez, but her admiration for Levine.
Okay, There Were Different Reactions, So What?
The issue of inequality in this situation does not lie between pop stars Adam Levine, Shakira, or Jennifer Lopez, but more so between these artists, American gender norms, and mass media. The double standards are displayed through the applause Levine received, and the judgement Shakira and Lopez faced. Because JLo exhibited her practiced and learned technique of pole dancing, after filming an entire movie about it (Hustlers, 2019,) she received negative commentary for days following the Super Bowl. Despite being clothed in a sequin leotard, the critic’s reaction to Lopez’s performance wasn’t even comparable to Levine’s review, regardless of the fact that he was quite literally, half naked.
Opinions and double standards like these are ingrained in people’s minds based on gender. It is the classic slut/stud dichotomy where men are praised for the same behavior that women are shamed for. Because boys and men are “okay-ed” by society to walk around shirtless, showing their torsos and nipples, performances like these (Adam Levine’s) are passed by without harsh judgement. However, women and girls face ridicule, often referred to as “slut-shaming”, for their choice of clothing. Both Shakira and Jennifer Lopez were seriously condemned for what they wore on stage, which is a clear result of social injustice given the skill and talent that both women displayed.
What can you do?
Society itself has become dependent on hatred and opinion. Everything we do as individuals is either condemned or praised in order for us to learn the ways of how ‘normal’ life should be. The most effective way to get rid of these gender norms shaming our young boys and girls is by having open conversations about them at a young age. Specifically, a way people can deconstruct gender bias and prevent stereotypes is by creating bias-free homes, or in general, environments. Being cautious of the language that is used in your home and the way people of different genders are treated is important in order to establish a respectful setting. Along with this, asking people, specifically children, on their feedback and what they think is extremely important.
Many perspectives are not born with someone, they are taught and picked up; so with that being said, it’s important that children are raised with an understanding that bias is not okay, especially regarding gender. There is no doubt that the solution lies in education, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to only be with children.
There are people of all ages that still need to learn to think latterly. Ways of doing this are being aware of sexism, supporting the shift for equal opportunity – both big and small, and thinking before one speaks. Small steps will eventually have a big impact, which is something people often forget.
When it comes to publication and media, it’s important to recognize and evaluate information sources; in this case, acknowledging gender bias and stereotyping or shaming people for doing something out of society’s gender “norm.” The next step is being vocal and calling out sources for being biased and oftentimes, sexist. Taking your opinion to social media platforms, having discussions with friends and family, responding to articles and posts that are narrow minded and offensive are small ways to speak up and take action. Lastly, supporting those who are sparking change and striving for a better and more inclusive community is just as important. The fight for equality is one that has always been around and is always evolving and can use the strength that comes in numbers.