Remember when we were talking black lady silhouettes and other sundries not too long ago? Aker over at Futuristically Ancient posted the Noisettes video for their new single “Winner.” Screenshot gallery below:
I love how Shingai Shoniwa is front and center against dancers who, in black from head to toe, aren’t identifiable as either male or female, black, white or green. And I love her repeated fist pumping, probably because it brings to (my) mind a Black Power salute.
The lyrics themselves are pop-happy, Katy Perry-approved empowerment. Peep the first verse below:
The eagle has landed The butterfly is out of her cocoon It aint like I planned it but lately I've been shining like the moon I'll tell you something about girly girls[?] Too many questions will kill the surprise After tonight there'll be no alibis I'll be the apple of your eye I feel like a winner
(Lyrics by yours truly and I’m not so sure about ‘girly girls;’ let me know if you have a better transcription)
As much as I enjoy it, there are some things we can discuss. What are we meant to assume, if anything, about size and body type? What are we meant to understand about race and gender in relation to either, or in relation to a black, female-presenting lead?
And is it possible, or even fruitful, to discuss those images alongside these:
Image Credits:
The Noisettes, “Winner” Music Video Screenshots (:17, :19, :23, :24, :28, :29, 1:30, 1:59, 2:35, 2:38, 2:45)
Nicki Minaj, “Stupid Hoe” Music Video Screenshots (:26, :16)
Kara Walker, You Do, 1993-94. Cut Paper on canvas, 55 x 49 in. (140 x 124.5 cm). Collections of Peter Norton and Eileen Harris Norton.
