Sell What Sells

Today in class we discussed how hyper-masculinity is something that can be reproduced and then sold as profit.  It can easily be replicated, and in most cases is done so in order to make money, espessicially among colored populations.  This got me thinking about two questions: why is it that people continue to buy the image of “hyper-masculinity” and why is it that those who illustrate this stereotype continue to do so, instead of trying to break the cycle?  In my opinion, because the hyper-masculine image is one that typically exerts power, it is the image that those who are without power choose to imitate to create a false-sense of authority.  Those who are colored are at a disadvantage in society, so therefore, I believe, they try to compensate by being hyper-masculine, to “prove” that they really do have power.  This powerful image they project is one that they know people will buy, and that is all that matters.  I feel as though, to them, it is a matter of not fighting what they know will sell so that they will for sure make money…I can understand that – sell what sells.  And I think the reason that people continue to buy into this stereotype is not only because it can be empowering to put on a hyper-masculine façade, but also because it is comfortable.  No one wants to be pushed out of where they are comfortable.  I believe that this music, which overwhelming exudes the concept of “hyper-masculinity,” is therefore the same style they continue to buy and listen to because they think that when they listen to this kind of music, they become closer to being those same kinds of extremely masculine people, creating a sense of power for them as well.  I don’t believe that everyone who acts on the far end of the masculinity scale is people who are naturally vulgar, violent, and promiscuous.  I think the majority of the time it is a lot of people putting up a front, sharing the common ground of pretending to be as powerful as they claim they are.