In this weeks readings, we dive into the image of Elvis and how he comprised such a unique and iconic brand amongst all of the other circulating figures at the time. Doss explains that what Elvis gave his fans was “significance in terms of personal, social, and even national identity: Elvis is who they want to be, who they most admire, who they mourn for; Elvis is their image of an ideal American.”
Elvis had a unique versatility becuase he wasn’t exposing his personal life. He was showing the audiences different facets of his talent whether it was as the stand alone rock and roll legend, a teenage dream or just about anything other character he inhabited. He was a kind of canvas for the culture people wanted.
Doss goes on to explain that he was one of the first recounts of a major stand alone pop-star. That he catered to the female gaze by “Pouting and sneering, winking his eyes, licking his lips, wiggling his hips, shaking his legs, Elvis was excessive and emotional and defiantly erotic, openly violating mainstream standards of social restraint and cultural refinement.”
He did what Justin Bieber does today, creates false bonds with his fan base almost as if to allude that the only two people in the world are you and him. That is becomes less about the music, but more about the overall image and other talents. Both Bieber and Elvis have acted in films, done national tours and have a kind of effortless charism that transcends the screen. This level of involvement in a stars image creates meaning and an incurrent of community that fans share. In Doss’s article, Minnie Hamlet explains that "I (she) remember when he was drafted in the Army, when his Mom died, when he married. It just seems like he was part of my family.” I think many fans of Bieber could say that same thing about his relationship with Selena Gomez, scandals, major life moments etc.
Also, this is more of a SIDEBAR but: if you watch the video I’m attaching, I’d love to know what you guys think of it. I think it’s so bizarre that people are absolutely losing it over a guy who isn’t even playing his guitar. Was entertainment this valuable?
- ELVIS PERFORMS ON THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW - https://vimeo.com/47119612
Hey Nina,
ReplyDeleteI watched the video and I do think Elvis is quite entertaining. He's definitely playing into his audience, especially the women. I think he received the kind of reception alot of male performers receive. Think of Justin Beiber in his heyday...all the young girls screaming and vying for his attention.