ipl-logo

Diana Ross: A Successful Black Icon Analysis

2102 Words9 Pages

Many adjectives have been thrown around when trying to describe a figure that’s been so influential, often imitated, and never successfully duplicated; monumental, a trail blazer, an original diva. Diana Ross epitomizes a successful black icon by evolving into a solo artist, actress, model, and style icon while coming from humble beginnings and prospering in the post-civil rights era. Not only did she tread untouched waters musically, but fashion wise she wore the best of designers like Bob Mackie and whatever she designs for hereself. It can be argued that she didn’t develop her signature looks until after she left The Supremes, due to lack of attention, ego clashes, and monetary restrictions. The key looks that make her so iconic are sensual, glitzy, and royal; unprecedented looks for a black woman at that time. “Successful Black Icon” is a huge claim, comprising two …show more content…

In Figure 1, Diana is pictured, sprawled out on top of a piano like royalty, while her fellow vocalists are subjected to sing from behind & below her without height elevation. This is around the time, management decided to have “The Supremes” change to “Diana Ross and The Supremes”, this is complimented with Diana having a larger and bushier hair style than the others, while being able to lazily pose on the piano for spotlight opportunities. All three ladies are dressed identically in white, mod silhouetted dresses, yet Diana is the only member who can showcase because she is in front and center, juxtapose the other ladies having to remain behind it and not interfere with the diva’s moment. As Diana begins to develop her signature look, her need for attention and royal treatment is seen in her pose and

Show More
Related

  • Summary Of Five Day Forecast By Lorna Simpson

    1069 Words  | 5 Pages

    True Self Lorna Simpson was born in Brooklyn, New York in the 1960s. She studied and graduated from the University of San Diego and the school of visual arts in New York. Simpson creates images that make the audience view the important stereotypes of black women in a new and improved way. Lorna presents us with provocative and life-changing images because she sees black female identity as an overlooked culture. In her images, she expresses her thoughts on the representation that black woman has in our culture she also points out that because of our society black women aren 't able to embrace themselves as who they are because they are influenced by other cultures.

    Read More

  • Motown Research Paper

    589 Words  | 3 Pages

    Motown records was instrumental to creating the vibe of the 60’s. It would produce many hit songs and create powerhouse music groups. It would also go on to shape the rock and roll genre as we know it today. In January of 1959 Berry Gordy would establish Motown Records with an $800 loan from his family and within a few years, would be producing some of the greatest hits of the time.

    Read More

  • Rick Ross Research Paper

    570 Words  | 3 Pages

    Drugs are one of the biggest sources of income for those connected to cartels and other large-scale operations. These 10 richest drug dealers of all time made unbelievable amounts of money throughout the course of their lifetimes. Some of these stories are beyond unbelievable, so you better sit down before you read this. Now presenting: the 10 richest drug dealers of all time.

    Read More

  • Black Freedom Struggle In Assata Shakur

    805 Words  | 4 Pages

    In the book Assata: An Autobiography written by Assata Shakur, she writes about her experiences growing up during the civil rights movement era. Going back and forth in each chapter she describes her childhood growing up with her mother and grandparents and her life when she is older going through the judicial system after being indicted. Through her narrative we are able to get her evaluation on race, class, and gender during the Black Freedom Struggle and how she approached these issues. “Who’s better than you?” “Nobody.”

    Read More

  • Tupac And My Non Thug Life Analysis

    447 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Tupac and My Non- Thug Life Jenée Desmond writes a vividly narrated story about a well-known rapper Tupac Shukar and how she relates her image and identity connection with the former rapper. Raised in the white suburb town and the only black high school cheerleader Tupac 's music and lyrics helped her get through her interracial blend as an African American teen. Jenée expresses her emotions toward her former icon as a teen girl. In the contribution to his death, Jenée Recalls vivid descriptions of her obsession with her image through her teen-hood, when his passing accrued Jenée recollects her past and explains her vivid descriptions when he passed away. She described the moment of his death a tragic moment.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Reality Vs. Fantasy In Sunset Boulevard

    708 Words  | 3 Pages

    Sunset Boulevard (1950), directed by Billy Wilder, is a black and white film, where Norma Desmond, a famous actress of the silent film era, cannot come to terms with her career’s end. Desmond meets a guy named Joe Gillis, a struggling writer who is in financial trouble. The two come to an agreement that Gillis will polish up her script, which Norma believes will be her ticket back to the big screen, and Norma will take care of Joe financially. The one thing Norma and Joe have in common is that Hollywood has deemed both of them as undesirable. Norma experiences delusions of grandeur, and Joe cannot get his scripts picked up by a studio.

    Read More

  • Tupac And My Non-Thug Life Analysis

    306 Words  | 2 Pages

    In “Tupac and My Non-Thug Life” by Jenee Desmond-Harris, the author writes about how the death of a famous rapper impacted her life. The author first talks about how the day she found out Tupac had passed affected her. The authors mind was thinking about things like her dance routines and exercise techniques. However, after coming home for the day the utterance or the words: “Your friend died” “You know that rapper you and Thea love so much!” from her mother made the whole day change and feelings of remorse and sadness follows.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Hip-Hop's Betrayal Of Black Women

    633 Words  | 3 Pages

    In her essay “hip hop’s betrayal of black women,” Jennifer McLune implies that “(h)ip-hop owes its success to the ideology of women-hating” (193). She does not agree with Kevin Powell’s article that hip-hop does not mean to “offend” black women, but instead artists are only letting out their temper throughout their music. McLune feels infuriated that many artists in hip hop (including black men) rap about their community and downgrade their own women. In the hip-hop genre, sexism is mainly used, not only by black men but also by many other race hip-hop artists. Artists assume that women-hating in their rap songs will be accepted by women, but do not realize that it is affecting all women.

    Read More

  • Motown Research Paper

    221 Words  | 1 Pages

    Motown was a music label founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in Detroit, Michigan in 1959. Motown was the first African-American-owned record label to achieve widespread success, and it had a profound impact on American culture. Motown was responsible for introducing the world to the music of African American artists such as The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. Motown's music was a unique blend of soul, pop, and R&B, and it was characterized by its catchy melodies, smooth harmonies, and polished production. Motown's music was a reflection of the African American experience, and it spoke to a generation of young people who were searching for their own identity.

    Read More

  • Mc Lyte Research Paper

    1098 Words  | 5 Pages

    MC Lyte is a Hip-Hop legend , she exemplifies the true meaning of the “Golden Age of Hip-Hop”. MC Lyte is still to this day a visible force in Hip-Hop music, Hip-Hop culture, Hip-Hop youth, and various other aspects. From the very beginning of her rap career in the late 1980s, she let it be known that she is not “Paper Thin” and she can stand strong amongst the male-dominated rapping scene during that time. MC Lyte is more than just a female rapper, she is a international speaker, DJ, icon, Hip Hop veteran, entrepreneur, and author. All of these nouns describe “one of the most prolific and well-respected female Hip Hop artist of all time” (“Get Lyte Now”).

    Read More

  • Elvis Presley's Influence On African American Culture

    585 Words  | 3 Pages

    had the unique skill to merge genre’s together and form something that was entirely different and new for the generation, and which led to other generations to merge other genres. Presley’s inspiration of genres was greatly impacted by the African American culture; however, brought his country-side to his music, which is what gave his music his own creative sound. He was the first artist to basically merge black and white music together, and widening his fan base. Elvis Presley not only changed the way entertainers performed, he also changed the way it was marketed. Teenage fans were soon to be seen as important consumers of goods, who bought products like records, tickets to concerts, and movies.

    Read More

  • Kodak Black's Contribution To Hip-Hop

    325 Words  | 2 Pages

    Royalty cant buy you loyalty, tell me if I lose everything would you be over me? Hip-Hop, according to Dictionary.com is defined “The popular subculture of big-city teenagers, which includes rap music, break dancing and graffity art. Kodak Black, Kevin Gates and Lil Uzi Vert greatly contributes to this genre. Kodak Black greatly contributes to Hip-Hop. According to Wikipedia.org, Kodak Black’s music is frequently about “previous and future criminal misdeeds”, and he stated that he’s been influenced by rapper Boosie Badazz and Chief Keef.

    Read More

  • Tupac Shakur Dear Mama Analysis

    660 Words  | 3 Pages

    The song Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur relates to the ongoing struggle and hardships that numerous lower class single mothers endure, where Shakur describes how he learned to appreciate his mother and the sacrifices that she made for him as he became older. By formatting the lyrics with verses around a repeating chorus, Shakur was able to emphasize his personal narrative within the verses and allow for a recollection period between each verse to allow listeners to reflect on and comprehend what they just experienced. The form of Dear Mama is consistently strophic, where at the end of each verse Shakur repeats the emblematic phrase, “There's no way I can pay you back, but the plan is to show you that I understand, you are appreciated.” Appealingly,

    Read More

  • The Influence Of Hip Hop On Black Culture

    1006 Words  | 5 Pages

    The Impact of Hip-Hop Ever since its birth in the 1970s in West Bronx, Hip Hop has been known as “Gangsta” music and most commonly associated with black culture. Since its creation it has become a fast growing genre of music and has growing fame all over the world. The popularity of it has increased to all races, age and gender. However the growing popularity of hip hop has come with several controversies among scholars. Some scholars argue that the growing popularity of the genre is very helpful to low income families who can use this as their outlet into going to Universities, on the other side some believe associating the genre to black culture is bad for the culture as a whole and they should not be associated together.

    Read More

  • Whitney Houston I Will Always Love You Analysis

    873 Words  | 4 Pages

    “I Will Always Love You”, as Sang By Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston “If I should stay, I would only be in your way…” Anyone today could probably finish the rest of this song after hearing these lyrics. “I Will Always Love You” is one of the most iconic songs of the 21 Century. This song is widely covered by professional artists and cover singers up to today. When two identical lyrics are sung by two different singers, these are not identical lyrics anymore.

    Read More

More about Diana Ross: A Successful Black Icon Analysis

Open Document