Question: Is Young Thug an icon...or an idiot? Many seem to believe that the Atlanta rapper is re-shaping the entire genre of Hip-Hop music by challenging the social construct of gender in an industry that has generally been one of hyper masculinity and homophobia, but I'm not sure I'm convinced. On the cover of his latest album, "No, My Name Is Jeffery," Young Thug rocked a custom Alessando Trincone ensemble, a dress to be exact.
Trincone, an Italian designer, was the winner of the VFILES Runway contest. Young Thug was a VFILES mentor on the panel, so this collaboration was not out of the ordinary for the two. Trincone went on to explain Thugger's choice from the "Annodami" collection.
The collection “talks about my own experience with oppression and self fulfillment,” Trincone says. “Being raised in a socially rough environment, it has always been a challenging issue to express myself; I have gradually understood the importance of loving yourself as it is the only real protection from ‘evilness’,” he went on to say. “I believe we are only able to stand against fear with a crystal clear reflection of our inner selves.”
I completely agree with Trincone's sentiments and see the vision he was trying to exhibit through such bold pieces. I also find Young Thug to be a great model for the baby blue ensemble, and am not at all one of the fans who is turned off by his decision to wear women's clothing. What does upset me is the praise surrounding Young Thug for doing exactly what many young men are ridiculed, harassed, and even killed for on a daily basis; The fake encouragement sickens me. I can't be mad at Young Thug for wearing what he desires to wear...Truthfully, none of us can be. I feel like I can be upset about his decision to constantly wear women's clothing, knowing the hatred and controversy that stirs about when other young men (who do not have the same fame, fortune, and a fan base) choose to do the same, without standing up for them.
I don't feel like Young Thug makes enough of a point to support the not-so-known individuals who choose to wear similar pieces in their everyday lives. I don't feel like Young Thug makes enough of a point to defend those who feel liberated by dressing in ways that defy social norms, but who are scared to do so because of the sad reality that they might be not only judged, but harmed. Instead, I find him always defending himself for what he chooses to wear, and just himself. Some may say that it simply isn't his job to be the poster child for those who defy social constructs and society's idea of what gender should and should not be. But in my opinion, as a person in the spotlight with the power to change minds, perspectives, views, and even lives, he should be making much more of an effort to use this time and attention for good. There is always the argument that it is not up to celebrities to to be "the savior" or "the role model" for those looking for a bit of guidance or reassurance, but I believe that if you have the power to shift the way people view very important issues within our society (and ESPECIALLY the black community), you should use that chance to make improvements, instead of just using your fame for fun and personal gain.
Young Thug's rhetoric never seems to be, "The type of clothing someone wears does not define who they are; that is something only they can do! I like breaking beyond social constructs, and I don't see a problem with anyone else doing it either, no matter what their sexual preference or orientation may be!" Instead, The defense aways seems to be "This is what I enjoy wearing, so everyone else should just accept it! I'm not gay! Trust me! I have a girlfriend to prove it! I'm straight!"
It seems to me like Young Thug enjoys women's fashion and expects people to accept him for it, because he isn't homosexual. He is just expressing himself, right?! He is just a carefree black boy, everyone! It's fine! But God forbid another young man walking down the streets of Atlanta chooses to wear heels and a purse with his outfit. Suddenly, it's acceptable for him to be called a faggot. It's alright for him to be harassed. He's probably gay anyway, right? He should have known better! Men shouldn't wear women's pieces, especially not BLACK men, right?!
Wrong.
I'm tired of celebrities stomping all over sensitive and very critical issues within our communities without taking the time to backtrack and realize that their words, their thoughts, and their actions (or lack thereof) can be extremely disheartening.
So do I have an issue with Young Thug wearing a dress? Not at all. I just have an issue with the backlash average people receive when doing the same thing. I have an issue with this society that glorifies celebrities for doing things that everyday individuals would be mocked and murdered for. I have an issue with those same celebrities not recognizing, admitting, and speaking out on this unfairness and injustice. I have an issue with someone's brother/uncle/friend being beaten and bullied for being "weird," "disgusting," "embarrassing," or "crazy," while those in the spotlight are deemed "iconic," "innovative," "incredible," and "amazing." I have an issue with queerness being used as a costume. This whole situation goes much deeper than just seeing a man in a dress, and that's why I can't bring myself to call Young Thug iconic.
