The “Crossover” Effect (Core Post #3)

CORE POST #3: BLACK MASCULINITIES & POPULAR CULTURE

The “Crossover” Effect

Michael Jackson, one of the best selling music artists in history, was a pop icon and a sex symbol, but in an unusual sort of way. Michael Jackson is known for his androgyny. After years of surgery, Michael transformed from a seemingly normal looking African American man to a slightly atypical androgynous looking Caucasian. Not only did he change his race from black to white, but he also changed the appearance of his gender from masculine to feminine. It is the crossover between genders or the crossover between races which makes Michael stand-out.

Kobena Mercer, author of Monster Metaphors, mentions that this crossover, ambiguity and androgyny have its own sexual appeal. Mercer analyzes Michael’s music videos and claims that there is a “sense of neutral eroticism in Jackson’s style.’ Many other stars have had an ambiguous sexual image, which has added to their appeal and become a signature of their star image.

Fred Astaire was compared to Michael Jackson in Monster Metaphors because of similar sexual ambiguity. Was he heterosexual, homosexual, asexual?... Fred Astaire rarely played strong male leads, yet he sometimes did play romantic interests. Some may suggest however that he projects an air of femininity through his dance. In any regards, his dancing made women swoon all over the world. He presumably also made men’s jaw drop and stare. His dancing was incredible, and it was for this reason that he had sex appeal. Fred Astaire resembles Michael Jackson in this sense, because they were both desired for their talent. Despite being neither the typical masculine figure nor a total feminine figure, it didn’t matter; these stars were praised, admired and sexually desired for their incredible dance moves and charming appeal.

Crossovers have since become more common. And despite what one would expect, some of these “crossover” stars have the biggest sex appeal. Adam Lambart is a current star who embraces his androgynous look. He wears heavy eye make-up, glitter and nailpolish, yet is considered unbelievably sexy. It is his music which has a killer beat, great lyrics, and gets the room up on their feet. If the talent is good, the audience wants to like them. When a star’s music is high quality, people’s admiration can quickly turn into obsession, which can turn into sexual desire.

I think that these case studies reflects positively on our culture. It says that we don’t stereotype masculinity and femininity as much anymore. Or at least there are other reasons why we obsess over a star, namely their talent. For many of the above-mentioned stars, it is questionable whether there would be as much sexual appeal without their outstanding talent.