Bodily Moneymachine

I am not an activist, I hardly ever raise my voice to argue, I never participate in demonstrations, but I just feel I need to get something off my chest.

Here in Norway we have this outrageously beautiful artist called Tone Damli Aaberge. Since she came second on the show Idol, she has really established herself as a singer/artist to be reckoned with.

However, lately there has come across quite a bit of criticism towards her , as she has released musicvideos of a rather sensual nature.

Now, the use of body to escalate sales of a product is nothing new. In fact; it is an undisputed fact that sex sells.

 I am not going to be a prude or anything, but I do have to say that it is hard to listen to her, and her fiancè, as they try to prove the criticism wrong.

The arguments they stated was that: “I think it is a great way to bring focus to my music. In fact I would like to see more artists undress! I just think it is an expression of envy to my success!”  He, as he pulled up his t-shirt, stated that “If I do this, noone will react to it. Besides: The ones critisising the videos are women, it is women only who have a problem with her videos!”

So, she feels she needs to display her body in order to draw attention to her music? In my world what really is the case is that she produces her own backgroundmusic to her appearance. I am not so sure they would be quite as confident if they could hear what teenagers say about her... and I mean her, not her music, which is hardly ever commented upon.

Of course only women object: I work with men and among teenage boys. I dress down every day at work trying to avoid being measured and commented upon. If I get a compliment it is not because I have done a good job, but because something in my appearance has changed. And by the short time it takes, from I enter untill I get the comment, I know that is the first thing they do as I arrive.

Women must do better and achieve more to get the same credit men get. We often have jobs far more challenging, but get paid less. We face prejudices every day, which men and other women  unconsiously (I hope) expose us to. And it is hard to come to terms with a lot of it, as a lot of it is personal. People think that it is socially accepted to comment on a person’s body.

I simply hate comments like: oh, you have lost weight, that cut really makes your waist look slim, your legs look like a mile long in those boots... how dare they!

The comments the couple made on the criticism of the musicvideo just adds to the general approval of judging women, and their achievements, based on appearance. I wish they had stepped out of their own comfortzone, listened to people outside their own circle, it would be like a realitycheck on what is going on.

If she wants to make money on her music, and finds semi-nudity does the trick: by all means. Do so! Heaven knows many others do. But be honest about it. Say that is the case, just tell the world: Yes, I sell more music undressed than I do when dressed, I don’t care as long as I make money, so that is just great!

I think that if you use your skills and stay true to your personality to create the best version of yourself, then you will turn into a great person and you will achieve great results.

I believe that people pick up immediately when you are not confident in your appearance or attitude. When you are not honest about what you do, well you just don’t win in the long run.
 

It is not the right thing to do, for everybody, to support women's fight to be taken seriously out there. Still, there is no reason to stigmatize those who do by making fun or ascribe them petty motivations... like envy.