Response to "I'd first like to thank GOD!"

This is my response to Vanessa's post, which can be viewed here: http://homertheheretic.blogspot.com/2011/01/id-first-like-to-thank-god_21.html

Hey Vanessa, great post! I always find it disconcerting when celebrities thank God or Jesus Christ in their acceptance speech.

You've stated an important point in your last sentence. Does the mention of God actually help these individuals remain as moral beings? Or are they just stealthily using religious gratitude to attain a more positive public image, thus boosting their career? In a way, celebrities thank God in their speeches to affirm to the public that they are Christian and proud of it. There has always been this perception that being Christian means being a wholly good, morally inclined person, who lives a life of temperance, humility, prudence, and charity. What better way to attain a positive public image than implicatively stating that you are living the ideal Christian lifestyle? And to think, this all begins just by giving thanks to God in an awards acceptance speech.

Take a look at Jennifer Hudson, for instance. She's known for openly thanking God in her acceptance speeches, sometimes even numerous times in the same speech. In her Oscars Awards Acceptance Speech for Best Performance by a Supporting Actress, she says:

"I would first of all like to thank God, who has brought me through. I would like to thank my family, those in heaven and those who are here today...I'd like to thank the Academy, definitely have to thank God I guess again."

I don't know about you, but doesn't her speech come off as a little bit...contrived? I mean, "definitely have to thank God I guess again"? It sounds so hollow and unmoving. More importantly, the fact that she thanked God twice in her speech denotes her need to reiterate her Christian faith. But regardless, Jennifer Hudson is commonly seen as a role model with a 'wholesome image'. Surely her Christian-inspired speeches aren't the main reason as to why that is, but they are indeed a major contributor. And as a result of her positive, wholesome public image, Hudson is experiencing ultimate success in the media. She's currently the spokesperson for Weight Watchers, a program that encourages a healthier, and ultimately, better lifestyle. Who better to promote a good lifestyle than someone with a 'wholesome image'?

This is just another example of how religion is used in popular culture as a benefit or an advantage, though not necessarily always in a good sense.

Is Modesty the New Black?

Versace Spring 2010

Marc Jacobs. Dolce & Gabbana. Versace. These are just some of the most prominent and successful names within the fashion industry. It goes without saying that these fashion powerhouses majorly influence, or even determine, the fashion normative. And it also goes without saying how ridiculously obscene some of the women's clothing can get. Super low cut dresses that reveal major cleavage, skirts that ride up high enough to see the goodies - it exceeds all boundaries of modesty and practicality.

Every season, it seems as though fashion is becoming more emphasized by sex appeal. More designers are creating clothing that deliberately accentuates a woman's curves and shows a whole lotta leg. Now, this supposed notion that the fashion industry advocates indecency and encourages ostentation in women completely opposes the strict Christian belief of instilling purity and modesty in girls and young women. It's no wonder that Christian groups have furiously decided to take a stand against the luxury fashion labels that pervaded society with Nylon Spandex Micro-Mesh Mini Dresses and Floral Lace Thong Bodysuits. Ugh.

Pure Fashion Show 2007

So as a sort of counteract response to the fashion industry's outlook on how young women should dress, a Christian-based program, Pure Fashion, created the Pure Fashion Show, a fashion show that showcased clothing that's "pretty but not provocative, trendy but still tasteful." The show featured young girls wearing modest clothing, from below-the-knee dresses to knitted cardigans to cover their bare shoulders. The Pure Fashion program encouraged young women "to live, act, and dress in accordance with their dignity as the children of God" and "live the virtues of modesty and purity in their schools and communities." This is a clear example of how Christianity and popular culture intertwine to convey a certain message. In this case, Christianity uses fashion to denote the importance of fostering a life of grace and modesty through the purity of heart, mind, and body. It also expresses the essentiality for Christians to attain a life of modesty and purity because in a deeper sense, they will be attaining a life of temperance and reason. In other words, a good Christian life is a life void of indulgence and excess - a life of simplicity.

Although I seemed to have bashed the fashion industry into oblivion, all is not lost for the fashion world. Chanel and Christian Dior are great examples of intertwining trendy and fresh with tasteful and modest. But like any other luxury brand, it's certainly excessive. But that's another story.

First Blog Post. Ever.

Hello to all in SMC305 :) My name is Krizia Hipol and I am currently a third year student at University of Toronto. So as you can tell by the title, this is officially my first blog post EVER. I have never blogged before so this will undoubtedly be an interesting and enlightening experience for me. I am certainly looking forward to posting my thoughts and opinions about the lectures and readings. Hopefully I will be able to offer insightful and thought provoking posts on the different topics of Christianity and popular culture. With that said, I'm excited to read all of your blogs and I'm looking forward to what you guys have to say :)