Kathleen, you bring about a great point which, after hearing our class discussion in lecture on Tuesday, I feel strongly about. I do not understand the problem many have with Justin Bieber and why they possess hatred towards him. He is a seventeen year old singer from Stratford of all places, who is self-taught and very talented. As you have said, he is not a figure that is meant to woo us; he is a model for teenagers and even young children so for an adult to criticize his methods and himself is unfounded. Bieber’s audience is intended to consist of individuals of this age group and for adults to pass judgement on him in unfair.
Furthermore, examining his music video for the song “Pray,” shows how as you have stated, he is trying to raise awareness amongst both the young and adults about world issues which is extremely important for artists and celebrities to do these days. For inspirational figures not to do what Bieber does in this sense, is a waste for they have the power, capability and audience to do something important such as he. Bieber not only manifests Christian values, but values that are dominant throughout all religions.
A fellow peer had presented the statement that Justin Bieber clearly chose to show his visitations amongst hospital patients for he is wanting to raise the numbers of viewership and fans. This can be seen in many stars today such as Brett Michaels in his show, “Life as I know it” where in one episode he visited children at a hospital and spoke with them as a group and took pictures. Stars such as he do not only do this for publicity but to actually help children and put a smile on their face. Michaels, being in the music industry for decades does not really need much publicity anymore per se, but partakes in acts such as these to help his fans when they are in a time of need. For what is the point in being a rock star if you cannot help those who are your very fans.
Moreover, this colleague gave suggestions on what Bieber could have done and showed in his video such as visit soldiers in Afghanistan. I was informed by my sister who had seen Bieber’s film, “Never Say Never” on how a scene in the film composed of Bieber telling others how his life is busy and how he has only seen his little brother like 3 times (do not quote me). Clearly, if he cannot see his infant brother as much as he’d like to, for him to partake in such acts as visiting soldiers in Afghanistan seems impossible due to his high demand throughout the world.
To conclude, Justin Bieber is definitely a better figure than most singers/rappers out there as you have outlined. He has no previous scandals, and seems to be an innocent teenager in interviews and on-stage. In terms of the themes of the music video “Pray,” Bieber did not have to include his visitations to hospitals, but could have included scenes of him performing in concerts and having young girls cry out to him and talk about how amazing he is. After all, he is only a teenager and he is doing more than most singers and rap artists out there have done in their whole careers.
Please check out these songs which are clearly offensive and touch upon the sexuality of women (not good role model material).
I Feel Like Dying - Lil' Wayne
Ride With the Mack - Lil' Wayne Featuring Mack Maine
Drop The World - Lil' Wayne Featuring Eminem
Get Crazy - LMFAO
I Am Not a Whore - LMFAO
(The fact that Lil’ Wayne has tear tattoos on his face is disturbing and can definitely influence his fans to participate in those actions which they represent).
Love your post Marica! Thank you for reinforcing the points that I truly believe in. I agree wholeheartedly that Bieber is just a little kid with a big heart who is trying to do some good in this world. Compared to other pop icons, he truly is a little angel.
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