Last Thursday (Jan 9.), TV One announced nominees for the 45TH NAACP Image Awards. Robin Thicke, Janelle Monae and John Legend were the biggest nominees in the music field as they all scored four nominations each.
Not to pick on or single anyone out, but we thought Robin Thicke's nomination in the "Outstanding Song" category for his 2013 hit single "Blurred Lines" was a little uncharacteristic of the organization.
In the category, Thicke's "Blurred Lines" will battle John Legend's piano love ballad "All Of Me," Alicia Keys and Maxwell's sweet love story "Fire We Make," Janelle Monae's empowering tune "Q.U.E.E.N.," and Bruno Mars' retro-sounding single "Treasure."
Don’t get us wrong, these are also great songs, but only Thicke's "Blurred Lines" has faced controversies.
First, the song's theme is to take a domesticated good girl, and liberate her from a monogamous relationship, so she can feed the need of what another man can allegedly do better. (Bad Girl Image)
Secondly, the accompany music video for "Blurred Lines," especially the unrated version, which YouTube dropped, showcases women in scantily clad outfits, some even being naked, as they strut, dance, hold sheep and so forth. All this while being called the baddest b*tch! (Slutty Image)
Last but not least, Thicke is currently battling a copyright infringement lawsuit from Marvin Gaye's siblings, who claims he ripped "Blurred Lines" from the late icons classic "Got to Give It Up". You can read more about the latest in the case here!
Now in a normal world, all the aforementioned may be common in today’s society, but the NAACP should be held at a higher and more stringent level when it comes to nominating “Image Awards” recipients.
In short, here is the NAACP’s Image Awards goal:
There is no other organization that has confronted the misuse of media to influence negative public attitudes toward race like the NAACP. As early as 1915, it organized a nationwide protest against the negative portrayals of African Americans in “Birth of A Nation.” The founding members of the Association immediately understood the power and influence of the then new media of film. The Association has also been at the forefront of the struggle for the inclusion of all Americans, regardless of race, in the entertainment industry.
Today, the NAACP through the Hollywood Bureau, and support of its membership continues to monitor offensive and defamatory images in film and television, and its campaign for greater minority participation in the entertainment industry.
With that being said, how does the image portrayed by "Blurred Lines" fit into these goals? For one, the legal suit against "Blurred Lines" should of prevented the nomination because it's undecided if Thicke ripped his idea from Gaye's record. In the world of sports, this small hiccup would have prevented an athlete from winning the Heisman Trophy. In addition, the images portrayed visually and in lyrics spotlights women in a negative way.
If the NAACP doesn’t set or maintain a standard, who will?
Thoughts?
Do you feel like the NAACP Image Awards missed the mark this year?
Many people have been left disappointed and frustrated with the lack of diversity and inclusion in the 2021 ceremony. Despite being an event that celebrates black excellence in entertainment, some viewers felt that there were several oversights and snubs that couldn’t be ignored.
The NAACP Image Awards have always been a significant moment for black talent to shine on a national stage. For decades, it has recognized excellence in film, television, music, literature, and activism within the African American community.
However, this year’s ceremony has sparked criticism and debate amongst fans and industry insiders alike. With many claiming that the awards show missed opportunities to recognize deserving nominees while also failing to reflect the diverse range of black experiences across different mediums.
So what went wrong? And what does it mean for future editions of one of black Hollywood’s most celebrated events?
Lack of Diversity and Inclusion in the NAACP Image Awards
Hey, did you notice how the NAACP Image Awards really missed the mark when it came to diversity and inclusion? It’s kind of strange considering that this is an event that celebrates African American achievements in entertainment.
But if you take a closer look at the nominees and winners, it’s clear that there was a lack of representation for other marginalized groups. For instance, there were hardly any Latinx or Asian actors nominated for awards despite their contributions to film and television over the past year. And while there were a few LGBTQ+ nominees, they were also vastly underrepresented compared to their straight counterparts.
This lack of diversity is not only disappointing but also sends a message that certain groups are not as valued or recognized as others. It’s important for awards shows like the NAACP Image Awards to do better when it comes to recognizing and celebrating diversity in all its forms.
Hopefully, next year’s ceremony will be more inclusive so that everyone can feel seen and appreciated for their contributions to entertainment.
Criticism and Debate Surrounding the 2021 Ceremony
You may have noticed that there’s been significant backlash and debate surrounding the 2021 NAACP Image Awards ceremony. Many people were disappointed with the lack of diversity among this year’s nominees and winners, particularly in categories like Best Supporting Actor and Actress.
Some critics argued that the awards show failed to recognize talented performers who don’t fit into traditional Hollywood molds. In addition to the lack of diversity, there were other issues with the ceremony itself that drew criticism from viewers.
Some people felt that certain presenters and performers were given too much time on stage, while others were rushed through their speeches or performances. There were also technical glitches throughout the show, including problems with sound quality and video feeds.
Despite these criticisms, it’s important to remember that the NAACP Image Awards are an important celebration of Black excellence in entertainment. While there’s always room for improvement, we should continue to support this event as a way of recognizing talented individuals who might not otherwise receive mainstream recognition.
By keeping the conversation going about diversity and inclusion in Hollywood, we can work towards creating a more equitable industry for everyone.
Conclusion
So, is it just you or did the NAACP Image Awards drop the ball? Well, based on the lack of diversity and inclusion in this year’s ceremony, it seems like many people feel the same way.
Despite celebrating Black excellence and promoting social justice, there was a noticeable absence of representation for other marginalized communities.
The criticism and debate surrounding the 2021 ceremony only further highlight the need for more intentional efforts towards diversity and inclusion. As we continue to push for equity in all aspects of society, it’s important that organizations like the NAACP also prioritize representation and inclusivity in their events and awards ceremonies.
Let’s hope that future Image Awards will take these criticisms to heart and make necessary changes to ensure that everyone feels seen and celebrated.
Founder and Creator of Singersroom.com and IncredibleWork.com. Follow me on Instagram at @gary.gentles.