I chose to focus on Jaden Smith as my last figure because he the closest to my age and his story is one that I attempt to exemplify in my own life. Born July 8th, 1998 to Hollywood figures Will and Jada Smith, Jaden Smith has been in the environment of Hollywood ever since he was born, along with older brother Trey Smith, and younger sister Willow Smith. During Jaden Smith’s early years in the entertainment industry he leaned more towards the acting area of entertainment, starring in moves alongside his father and some all on his own. With this increasing popularity, more eyes were on Jaden and what exactly made him who he was. Soon enough, pictures began surfacing on the internet of Jaden in clothing that is commonly associated with women, such as skirts, leggings, flower crowns, and many more accessories. These pictures caused a divide in the Black community as individuals were determining if Smith’s expression was revolutionary or detrimental to the concept of Black masculinity.
In my opinion, Jaden Smith is doing the Black community a great service by being so open minded to the point where he becomes innovate in the world of fashion, in which Black men and women are so underrepresented. Jaden Smith recently made headlines in the fashion realm as he became the new face of Louis Vuitton’s Womenswear collection. Dressed in a black skirt and a mesh top, Jaden broke barriers and made a huge statement in the fashion world by challenging the norms that are placed in the fashion world. It is truly moving to view a young Black man amongst young white women, all being seen on the exact same fashion expression, regardless of gender, race, or hair texture. Not to mention, a male has become the face of a female clothing collection further stressing the progress that is being made in eliminating social barriers cause by stereotypes and close mindedness. It is not secret that high fashion is predominately dominated by large hegemonic society, yet it takes men and women like Jaden Smith who test the limits and surpass the boundaries of what is acceptable and what is not. Jaden has sense went on to feature his gender bending fashions in other international fashion lines and magazines such as Vogue, Variety, and Gentlemen’s Quarterly. Jaden’s story impacts me personally because in my life I have found myself observing and considering wearing accessories or pieces of clothing, such as chokers or headbands, that are associated one hundred percent for female consumers. To this day I have made it a personal goal to commit to any aesthetic I please, regardless if the items are meant for women or not in order to normalize free fashion expression. Jaden’s opposition on what is considered acceptable for a Black male to wear and what is not is the type of cosmopolitan view that Professor Adejumo was emphasizing. The fashion industry is an international industry spanning from China to New York to Paris, fashion is defined by its innovative looks, daring colors, and risky visuals, all of which is captivated by the foundation Jaden has put forth. In a recent class discussion, a peer of mine brought up the idea that many heterosexual Black men are probably restricting their mindset and remaining in a close minded state simply out of fear of being labeled “gay”, “faggot ass nigga”, or “queer”. Essentially, Professor Adejumo’s course on Black masculinity has taught me that many people are indifferent to change. Someone being more educationally involved, someone being more fashionably inclined, and someone being higher in voice pitch are all insignificant factors that many continue to utilize to define Black queerness and determine one’s Black masculinity. Ultimately, Black masculinity just like Black culture is perspective and ever changing. To some Black masculinity may be outlined by the outward display of aggressiveness, violence, and virility of an African American man, to others Black masculinity can be determined by a man’s self confidence in being himself no matter what society says. All in all, I am beyond thankful for the men, like Jaden Smith, who continue to push society to go farther than it has already gone. Black pioneers of entertainment, fashion, and athletics all set the stage for new expectations every day and it is at a point now where Black masculinity is so unpredictable. Jaden Smith is only one example of the many Black men who are a part of the fashion industry and work to change the current aesthetics as we know it. For centuries, White features have always been the epitome and definition of what true beauty is; however, individuals like Jaden Smith exhibit the notion that true body is expressing yourself no matter what anyone says or thinks about you, a simple yet complex lesson that could shatter the one dimensional perspective of Black masculinity for good.
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