The MTV Video Music Awards aired on September 12. The annual event is one that I get excited about every year. I love to see my favorite musicians strut the red carpet, interact with each other and of course, perform. This year, we got to see performances from Normani, Lil Nas X, Machine Gun Kelley and more. However, the show’s highlights did not stem from artists’ talents, stage sets or choreography, but from the amount of skin that they showed on stage. In other words –this year’s VMAs were very sexy.
From seeing Megan Fox confidently bare-it-all during pre-show events, to seeing Lil Nas X literally grope himself on stage for minutes on end, the VMAs was clearly a TV-MA event. Yet, there was a crossroads on whether viewers praised the on-stage promiscuity or wanted to turn their televisions off to forget it ever happened. These performances were undoubtedly planned as artistic forms of expression; however, were the messages received that way? To many at-home audience members, the answer was a blatant no. It left viewers not only wondering why the idea, “sex sells,” is still so prominent, even today but also “what is considered sexy?”
There was no holding back on award night. Although, it is important to note that the term “sexy” can mean different things in varying instances. Sexy can come from poise, confidence, style or anything in between. It is usually an endearing term, and someone can dress modestly or choose to wear no makeup and still be sexy. Oftentimes, it can be encouraging to view yourself as sexy. Remember that you can be as attractive as any red carpet celebrity!
At the VMAs, sexiness was primarily seen through the gaze of fashion. While the goal for the celebrities wearing the outfits was to probably feel good about themselves at a prestigious event, they also gained a lot of attention from general audiences. Why do we all care about famous people showing their skin?
“Sex sells because it attracts attention. People are hardwired to notice sexually relevant information, so ads with sexual content get noticed,” according to Business News Daily.
As time has progressed, it may have been simple to think that this notion was fading away with performers like Billie Eilish and Sia, who does not show her face, let alone her body. However, the Business News Daily article by Nicole Fallon reveals that as time goes on, nude and sexual content within the media only increases.
The idea of being sexy is deemed as impulsive or riveting, which is exciting and draws in crowds. Though, there are many people that ‘sexy’ does not sit well with. In terms of professional content for young viewers or academics, sex typically does not impress audiences. Showing more skin is not initially dubbed as professional. So, when performers at the VMAs took it upon themselves to embrace their seductive sides during their performances, it undoubtedly ensued rage onto those opposed to nudity. Specifically reported mad parents or uncomfortable children.
At the end of a red carpet event, it can be said that celebrities’ style choices are a call to celebrate their confidence and individuality. On the other hand, those choices can cause uncomfortably or seem excessive. Entirely, it is up to the viewers. As viewers, we get to decide what is appropriate and what is not. It is ultimately our collective opinions that get broadcasted for media outlets to project. Then, it is also up for us to ask ourselves- is it appropriate to judge these people based on what they wear to an exclusive event — and why are we taking such a critical approach?