We've all heard it before--how pop culture is negatively influencing our generation with sex and sensationalism. Critics have railed icons like Madonna or Lady Gaga for shedding light on controversial topics. Disney Channel princesses like Miley Cyrus and Hillary Duff have gotten edgier and edgier. For example, Miley Cyrus came under fire from the media for a racy photo shoot in Vanity Fair. And while there's no denying that pop culture has come a long way from the days of Leave it to Beaver, popular artists and their music can still have a positive influence on society.
Let's take a look at one of the biggest YouTube sensations right now--Willow Smith. The 9-year-old powerhouse and daughter of Will Smith has drawn over 11 million hits on her first video "Whip My Hair Back and Forth" since it hit the web October 18. Any viewer will be impressed and possibly shocked to hear about the age of the performer, who manages to portray a tenacity way beyond her years. Not to mention the fact that she sounds great. But just as important as Smith's age is the content and message of the song.
"Whip My Hair Back and Forth" is remarkable for its lack of sexuality and simple, positive message. Some vocal members of the African-American community have come out in the press lauding Smith's positive message of encouragement to young black women. Smith's video is all about the idea that, not matter what your hair (and you for that matter) may look like, to be empowered to whip it back and forth.
So the next time you criticize pop culture for being too sexual--just think about whipping your hair back and forth and remember Willow Smith.
-Matt Rist
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