Canadian Magazine "Country" 09/96
Country star Shania Twain is fed up with people who criticize her because of her sexy videos and wardrobe. She told Canada's ``Country'' magazine that the reaction of some people- quote- ``shows me that we still have a long way to go as women. I don't mind proving myself, but I refuse to down play my looks. I'm not going to have these looks when I am 50- I want to enjoy it now.'' She asks- ``Why should I have to downplay the way I look so that people will take my artistry more seriously?''
Response from people:
Denise Gough - dg1@acpub.duke.edu 14/10/96
Seems to me that Twain is not truly interested in making art, or music, or anything but money and fame - all focused on her looks. Another fine example why the first Nashville insider she should hire is a PR agent.
She openly admits in that quote that she refuses to play down her looks, and then states pretty much that she doesn't she why she should play down her looks so people will take her "art" more seriously. Have you *ever* in your life, heard a true musical performer that wanted to sing because they love singing, say that they would much rather have a sexy image than be taken seriously??? Not me.
She's not interested in having people respect her for her music. She's interested in having people look at her for her body and face. Any serious musician, who really wanted critics to take their art more seriously, *would* downplay their looks. Sounds to me like all she wants to do is sell records, and if her looks do that better than her sound, fine with her.
In the end, the only thing which would sell the album is the reviews, and most importantly, the sound itself. Looks and images can sell a single on its own. For example, do you know the Spice Girls (non-country, British) No? Quick description of the group - 4 girls with huge nipples pounce around on stage wearing very short skirt and tops. They were at the top of the British pop chart for yonks with their dreadful song "Wannabe" <vomit, puke..etc.> They have managed to sell the single using this tactic alone.
This might sound like counter productive in my argument. Because, despite Shania's good looks, I REALLY like Shania's songs regardless of what she looks like. I also like Trisha, she might not have the physical characteristics of Shania, but I like her as well. Also, some of my female friends had just heard it on tape and loved it as well, without looking at her face. So it is the songs that are selling the album, there should be no question about this.