Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Opinion

Media should not be fashion authority, deaf to audience

Selam Yemane
Opinion Columnist

If I lived in a universe that looked just like what I see on most television shows, advertisements, movies or music videos nowadays, no one would have imperfections on their faces (which would mean that there would no longer be a reason for P. Diddy to advertise Proactive anymore), most black men and women would be light-skinned with curly hair and everyone would always have great hair, clothes and shoe days all the time.

In reality, however, we live in a universe where our faces are filled with imperfections, black is not limited to a certain color spectrum and not everyone can afford to have freshly-done hair and brand new outfits all the time. 

So I am left asking myself this question: Why do we settle for what the media give us? (I realize that there are many in the media industries that have seen the light in this matter and I am not addressing them by any means). It seems that we are not only accepting the stuff that we see on TV, but also trying to actively conform to it.

I have to say that when I first came to UH, I was confused: Was I at a fashion show or at school? I must admit that I conformed. But my life is too busy and I have many other things on my mind to always do that, as I imagine is the case for most college students. 

So, why can't I walk around my school campus with a do-rag on my head -- because it's been a minute since I last relaxed my hair -- and some jeans with holes in them (there's probably no excuse for that one)? 

Well, I guess the truth is that I can. It is a personal choice that I must make. I'll dress up whenever I feel like it. 

Don't get me wrong. Mad props to the people who take the time to look nice everyday. Of course, some of the well dressed have jobs or classes for which they are required to dress professionally. Still there are those who may even just like to dress up every day. That's cool. I'm not opposed to that. 

I am only opposed to the idea that anybody should feel like they have to look a certain way (for whatever reason). I am also opposed to the idea that the media seem to be shedding light only on people who look certain ways. What kind of caca is that? Well, it's caca that's not right.

But, since I cannot influence the media, I will do what is in my power. I will look nice when I can and look like someone that walked out of a "fashion don'ts" section of a magazine whenever I feel like it. 

If the people make their voice heard, the media has no choice but to listen. Now, I am just left hoping that the media can conform to the lifestyle of the people. After all, isn't that how it's supposed to be?

Yemane, an opinion columnist for The Daily Cougar, 
can be reached at behami@yahoo.com.