Katy Perry. A woman who built an empire on whipped cream bras and spinning peppermint discs. A woman who, for better or worse, understands the power of a strong visual. But with that visual language, particularly in the early days, came a certain… tone-deafness. A tendency to borrow, liberally, from cultures not her own.
Remember the 2013 American Music Awards? Perry, sheathed in a kimono, hair slicked back in a geisha-inspired 'do, belting out "Unconditionally." The performance sparked immediate backlash, with many accusing her of reducing an entire culture to a costume. And it wasn't the first time. The "California Gurls" video, a candy-colored fever dream, featured cornrows and exaggerated posterior padding, drawing accusations of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Black women.
Now, it's easy to dismiss this as typical pop star antics. A thirst for spectacle, a naivete about the complexities of cultural exchange. And yes, there's an element of truth to that. The music industry, particularly in the early 2000s, wasn't exactly known for its cultural sensitivity. But with Perry, there's always been a sense of trying too hard. A desperation to be everything, everywhere, all at once.
I recall attending a Met Gala a few years back – the theme was "China: Through the Looking Glass." A minefield, frankly. Yet, there was Perry, in a Moschino gown adorned with graffiti-like renderings of Chinese dragons. It felt… off. Like a teenager trying on different identities in a mall dressing room.
The question, then, becomes one of intent versus impact. Can we, should we, separate the art from the artist? Is it possible to appreciate the catchy hooks and undeniable stage presence while acknowledging the problematic elements?
To Perry's credit, there's been a noticeable shift in recent years. A conscious effort, perhaps, to engage with other cultures in a more thoughtful, respectful way. The video for "Chained to the Rhythm," for instance, featured a diverse cast and tackled social and political issues head-on. A far cry from the cotton candy escapism of her earlier work.
Has she done enough to atone for past transgressions? That's not for me to say. But what I will say is this: cultural appropriation is a nuanced issue, a spectrum rather than a binary. It requires ongoing dialogue, a willingness to listen, to learn, to evolve. And maybe, just maybe, to put down the chopsticks and back away from the geisha wig.
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