4 Reasons Why The Worst Episode Of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Will Always Be Better Than The Best Episode Of ‘Lip Sync Battle’
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

4 Reasons Why The Worst Episode Of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Will Always Be Better Than The Best Episode Of ‘Lip Sync Battle’

"I've made my decision! Bring back my girls."

4949
4 Reasons Why The Worst Episode Of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Will Always Be Better Than The Best Episode Of ‘Lip Sync Battle’
SF Station

On April 7, an episode of Lip Sync Battle featured the “Realest House Wife of Atlanta,” Nene Leakes, striking a pose in imitation of everyone’s favorite drag mother, RuPaul. Given that straight, black women are credited for coining much of today's drag speak, this should have been a match made in heaven!

Though I’m sure NeNe has nothing but respect and admiration for Mama Ru, the fact that the episode was made without consulting or including the Supermodel of the World speaks volumes. Lesbehonest: RuPaul is the end-all-be-all of lip sync performers, and to have her as a guest host (perhaps in place of the ‘Yaaaaas’ing Chrissy Teigen) could have maybe convinced me that the show’s producers have at least some knowledge and respect of lip-sync and drag culture. But alas…

To add insult to injury, in his opening monologue, host LL Cool J refers to the knock-off as “the coolest competition on TV." It is this outrageous claim that inspired me to come up with a short list of reasons why RuPaul’s Drag Race and the Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent of her Queens will always outshine Lip Sync Battle’s A-list celebrity contestants.

4. Drag performance is pure art.

Whether these queens are painting their faces for the gods, or sewing together their last minute looks for the runway, the final products sissy that walk and are always gag-worthy. Not only do they slay their lip syncs, but the performances themselves are made even more drag-tacular with death dropping, pointing, step-ball-changing, lip quivering madness! I dare the next male contestant on Lip Sync Battle to even attempt a spinning jump split and see where it gets you! (Spoiler alert: It’s the emergency room.)


3. Ru’s soapbox gives a voice to the oppressed.

As an iconic member of the queer community, and a person who has struggled with poverty and drug addiction throughout his comeuppance, Ru’s success has provided a much-needed platform for people in our society who oftentimes feel unwanted and invisible. She has given an opportunity to members of marginalized communities to find an outlet for the pain and stigma they endure on a daily basis.


2. The library is always open.

While Drag Race is known for creating bonds between squirrel friends, nothing is off limits when it comes to reading the competition. Usually a mini-challenge, Ru’s opening of the library allows the queens to put on their metaphorical reading glasses and incisively expose her competition’s flaws. No tea, no shade, no pink lemonade hunties! This tradition has allowed queens and fans of the show alike to re-claim words and insecurities that have hurt them for so long.


But on Lip Sync Battle, no one dared say anything about Ms. Leakes’ competition, Todd Chrisley, and his round one song choice of “Blurred Lines," widely criticized by feminists all over the world for its contributions to rape culture. Oh no, he better don’t!


1. Drag Race deals with real issues.

Who could forget Latrice Royale’s tear-filled goodbye after elimination? Or the strength and heart it took for Ongina and Trinity K. Bonet to reveal on national television that they are living with HIV? And what about Monica Beverly Hillz’s transparency into her struggles as not only a drag queen, but a transgender woman as well? These moments, and the responses from RuPaul, the judges, and the fans, prove that the show is an integral part of creating a culture of acceptance and a celebration of difference. In giving this space to her queens, Ru allows her audience to not only see the performers, but the person behind the eleganza and polish as well.


Lip Sync Battle, you betta werk to learn about drag herstory. Until you can tell me the difference between a kai-kai and a ki-ki, or what constitutes a fishy, campy, pageant and club queen, your show will be nowhere near the “coolest competition on TV”.

I've said my piece. I'll leave the good-byes to Mama Ru.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

106658
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments