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[I know I’m going to sound like a progressive grown-up turning into his parent (if my parents could type this well), but…]
There’s a distinct misunderstanding of musical talent that has become commonplace in recent years…probably since 2008. I’m talking specifically about female singing “talents.” There have been so many sharp rises from YouTube debut to scantily clad stage show that I’ve lost count and have ceased to enjoy most music from female “artists.” I can’t call them artists when they’re parading in their underwear. I could call them runway models…but not artists.
It’s difficult for me to appreciate a woman’s talent(s) when she’s trying to be sexy. That’s also why women have fantasies of sexy utility workers. The former are not interested in the labors of the latter; they’re just starved for sex and crafting fantasies. Well, sexual fantasies may be creative…but they’re not musical talents.
Unfortunately, we are drenched in attractive women, most of which feel the need to perform scantily clad, which pleases the men (and some women…and some in-between) in the audience. But, that doesn’t give me any drive to attend a concert or buy an album. If I’m buying the album to see the most attractive performer, I’m buying an adult magazine…not a record of great music.
What’s even sadder is when performers of a previous generation, someone like Jennifer Lopez or Shakira, who have matured (not aged in some horrifying, miserable way), feel a need to compete with these younger models. Jennifer Lopez is perpetually looking like someone desperate to be told she’d still hot. I’ve never thought she was unattractive…until she looked desperate for attention.
I just saw Shakira at an awards show with her two sons…who are close to teen age…and she’s doing her familiar belly-dancing on stage. You don’t talk about your family and then go do that on stage in front of them. It just feels…wrong. If my mom, who’s not bad looking, got up on stage and did that…I’d be nauseous if not also confused. [It also would have been nice to hear Shakira sing in English after giving her acceptance speech in English, but…]
If you’re concerned about the competition or no longer being considered attractive, you can take a big sigh of relief because I still think you’re hot. But, trying to be like these younger gals…is not smart. Followers are never trendsetters…they’re just the confetti left behind the parade. Even if you’re not so unique that you shine like the brightest star, you’re still good for who and what you are.
[I know Shakira is an Aquarius, and that often means she’s concerned about being compared to others. Aquarius types want to stand out and be unique. If you tell an Aquarius woman she reminds you of someone, she may get annoyed. Well, you’re not being unique dancing in your underwear and shaking your hips on stage, and that’s not making me interested in your music, which you’re promoting. Honestly, I find Shakira more attractive than talented because I have yet to see past her stunning face, even if I do hear beauty in her voice. I’ve struggled to understand most of her songs; so it’s hard to appreciate the music.]
I thought we were making progress in how we identify and respect all genders, including women. I thought women were finally supposed to get respect and equal billing. How does performing in your underwear and posing for similar photos achieve that?
[Let me sidestep to address one other performer in particular, Taylor Swift. Now, I’ve seen her wear some odd and occasionally skimpy outfits. But, more often, she performs with class. She also has that crazy way of crafting with numbers, often related to her birthday. If anyone is an artist, it’s her. I just don’t care for much of her music because…well…you know. ‘So many bad relationship songs. There ARE other things to sing about (than just your latest ex). And, no matter what anyone else says, I think she’s a little young to be doing a tour of eras. That sounds like something Cher kept saying she was going to do closer to retirement, not when she’s hosting a TV show with Sonny Bono.]
You’d think all of these smart, talented women would grasp this concept. [You’d also think, after so many years, some other “artists” in other music styles would give up singing about drugs, alcohol and wealth to stop people from submitting to crime, both sexual and financial, as well as other bad habits.]
I’m sorry, ladies. Many of you are very attractive…but you’re not artists worthy of any trophy…unless you’re competing for Miss Universe or the front cover of Victoria Secret’s catalog.
Mic drop.

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