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OPINION EL GATO • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 • WWW.ELGATONEWS.COM 9 Muthukrishnan rebukes problematic representation by Sonali Muthukrishnan identity and wishing I could be “normal.” While Haley painted herself National/World Editor as a “brown girl in a Black and White world,” it was clear that she has Representation is important because it defines our norms. If people done everything to separate herself from her cultural identity. of color do not have representation, then they are excluded from the Haley goes by her middle name Nikki instead of her first name Nim- norm. Representation is vital, but not all kinds of representation serve rata. Nikki sounds less Indian than Nimrata; similarly, I hated that my to empower people of color. People of color need positive representation name was so obviously Indian as a kid. But as an adult, Haley should from those who are proud of their culture and race. know better than to be ashamed of her cultural identity. Beyond her I cried watching Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech at the Demo- name, the Associated Press reported that in 2001, Haley also listed cratic National Convention (DNC). She is an example of positive racial her race as “white” on her voter registration form. representation. For the first time, I saw a strong Indian-Black woman, Why would Haley paint herself as a proud Indian in her RNC speech someone who looks like me and shares the same culture, taking a if her personal actions do not reflect this? Political reasons drove Haley significant role in politics, which I hope to do in the future. Watching to bring up her race, not her pride in her culture. She is an opportun- Harris’s speech was so gratifying because there was someone on the ist, but regardless of that, the representation she provides for Indian screen like me. But more than that, she took pride in both sides of Americans is not favorable. Haley sets the example of racial shame, as her racial identity; she did not shy away from it. though her cultural identity is something to overcome rather than be Reflecting on her upbringing with her sister, Harris said her mother proud of. These examples can be detrimental to young Indian-Amer- “raised us to be proud, strong Black women. And she raised us to know icans because they can make us hate our culture and racial identity. and be proud of our Indian heritage.” In her speech, Harris made it There is a stark difference between Harris and Haley; Harris is an clear that she takes pride in her cultural heritage. Harris even used Indian-Black American woman who proudly acknowledges her Indian the Tamil word “chithis” to describe her aunties. She proved that an C. Wagner heritage, while Haley is an Indian-American woman who uses her Indian woman could find her place in American politics without hiding cultural background as political leverage. These women show that not or denying any part of her racial identity. color and culture, but maintained the belief that America is not a all representation is adequate. It is essential for people of color to be One week later, I watched Nikki Haley’s speech at the Republican racist country. Hearing Haley’s speech enraged me because she used represented by other people of color who are proud of their cultural National Convention (RNC). In her remarks, Haley talked about her her racial identity as a token in her speech. I could see an old version and racial identities because these examples not only define societal Indian immigrant parents facing discrimination due to their skin of myself in her. As a child, I spent so much time hating my cultural norms, but also dictate how people of color see themselves. Wagner advocates for WAP Arafeh attacks canceling by Caroline Wagner ing criticism. Singer/ by Alia Arafeh for his physical appearance, specifically his weight. Graphics Designer songwriter Cee Lo Editorial Editor Publicly attacking someone for the way they Last month, the rap song Green lamented in Cancel culture on Twitter is becoming more look rather than for their actions, which can be WAP, by Cardi B. feat. Meghan an interview with Far common as people continue to expose very easily critiqued, adds to today’s C. Wagner Thee Stallion, took the U.S. by Out Magazine, “I get it, seemingly perfect celebrities and problematic societal beauty standards. storm, reaching number one on the the independent woman influencers on social media for People preach that “all sizes are valid” charts and inspiring a popular dance and being in control, the objectionable behavior or opin- and that “weight is unimportant,” challenge on TikTok. However, the song divine femininity and sexual ions. While many cancelled but when it comes to big celebrities was not without controversy. Former expression. I get it all. It comes celebrities deserve the treat- or disliked people in general, indi- Republican congressional candidate at what cost?” It seems that ment that comes to them, viduals on social media disregard DeAnna Lorraine tweeted on Aug. 7 women singing about having fans and haters alike cross that mindset. It’s never okay to that “Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion power and control over their the line when attacking make fun of people’s appearances, just set the entire female gender back own bodies struck a nerve people for their appear- even if the intention is to harm a by 100 years with their disgusting & with him. Unsurprisingly, ances rather than their certain person. vile ‘WAP’ song,” and many others also Green previously boasted actions. In addition, when people who complained that the song degrades about non-consensual rela- For those unfamiliar with are insecure about their weight or women rather than empowering them. tions in his rap tracks and cancel culture, it is essentially appearance see thousands of people While it’s true that rap music often served three years proba- a movement on social media attacking someone else for the same covers controversial topics such tion after a sexual assault that targets certain celebrities. issues, it makes those people feel even as drugs, violence, and charge. Green’s Usually, what happens is that a worse. For example, Ed Brown, or “Big sex, criticizing female statement goes tweet or post that calls a celebrity Ed,” from the TV show 90 Day Fiancé rappers for provocative to show how we out for any wrongdoing goes viral, was severely bullied online for the way lyrics while letting male as a society have prompting social media users to turn he looks due to Klippel-Feil syndrome. rappers off the hook normalized wom- on the celebrity by poking fun at Brown has no control over the way highlights the double en’s powerlessness them, harassing them, and trying to he looks, but he does have power standard that plagues and existence solely harm their career and life. over the way he acts, and he proved our society. Why is it that for men’s pleasure. It is hypocritical to slut-shame An example of this phenomenon to the audience that he’s not a great people view Black women owning their sexuality as women who embrace their sexuality in their music is when Twitter users recently can- person throughout the show. Still, an attack on American morals? Yet, when a popular while praising male musicians for rapping about celled Shane Dawson, a YouTuber people made fun of him for “not having male musician releases a chart-topping song, we women as objects. known for his far-fetched conspiracy a neck,” which is hurtful to people with ignore his degrading remarks about women and On the other end of the spectrum, people theories and parodies, for alleged the same condition who then feel insecure look up to him. For example, 6ix9ine, Eminem, and argue that the song is a breakthrough feminist pedophilia and outright racism. about themselves. DaBaby have all produced misogynic lyrics. More anthem. I beg to differ. Women singing about their Many people felt his attitude and There are many problems with cancel culture often than not, men can get away with calling bodies is just that. It’s the 21st century. It should videos would eventually get him overall, but one of the problems is that people women any derogatory term under the sun and rap- be normalized for women to have body confidence. into trouble, so it was no surprise C. Wagner often focus on appearances rather than actions. ping about them like objects, so why can’t women Women’s bodies were never for men to comment when Twitter users ultimately Most of the people who are canceled say and rap about being sexual and owning their identity? on in the first place. It’s time for women to find canceled him for his harmful behavior. However, do many bad things and don’t deserve successful Unfortunately, women cannot talk about their their voice and reclaim their status, no matter what irked me was that people were not only careers, but the way they look shouldn’t factor into own bodies in a similar fashion without receiv- what topic they use their voices to discuss. attacking him for the things he said and did, but what people think of them. Sullivan explains innate racism of the fox-eye trend by Sophie Sullivan promote it and communicate to their followers these reasons that calling out the fox eye trend now is so impor- Opinion Editor that posing while slanting your eyes is normal tant: we need to stop this racism in its tracks before the effects For months now, artists in the makeup com- and trendy.

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