Feeling lost and without an outlet to express their full identity, many young people look to their idols to pave a way for their gender expression.
Many believe younger generations are key to removing gender stereotypes, as millennials have proven to be more accepting. Many attribute millennial celebrities to helping normalize a wider spectrum of gender pronouns and expectations.
In approaching outdated gender roles, Gen Z has been noted as the most progressive generation. However, this comes from the society in which millennials have formed by breaking the rules of gender through fashion, personality and pop culture.
Jaden Smith, an influential music artist who challenges gender norms, believes his actions will allow future generations to disregard the classification of male and female. “In five years when a kid goes to school wearing a skirt, he won’t get beat up and kids won’t get mad at him,” he said to Nylon Magazine.
“It just doesn’t matter. I’m taking the brunt of it so that later on, my kids and the next generations of kids will all think that certain things are normal that weren’t expected before my time.” Smith has proven that people in powerful roles can persuade generations to be more accepting.
Junior Jayne Abraham, believes that the effect which celebrities have on younger generations creates a more evolved, accepting society.“People tend to place celebrities on a pedestal, it is important for celebrities to use their platforms to spread awareness and break harmful and dated stereotypes,” she said. “Even just seeing celebrities reject traditional gender roles can cause people to question their views and see masculinity and femininity in a different light.”
“Prince, Billy Porter, Lenny Kravitz, the list goes on. Celebrities have been breaking gender roles for decades, and I’m happy to see that more of them are choosing to reject gender norms,” Abraham continued.
Celebrities and idols of many ages have had an effect on their audiences. This is not a new topic, but it is beginning to rise and change how society views the spectrum.
Celebrities have a strong influence on their followers. As male musicians and actors choose to wear more “feminine” clothing and accessories, it paves the way for self-expression
Sophomore Tommy Glennon pushes gender boundaries by wearing non-traditional outfits, allowing himself greater self-expression. “The advent of social media and a general change in society’s standards has given me the confidence to break down gender in my own life,” he expressed. “I can credit the likes of Harry Styles and Kid Cudi in helping me to confront the impact binary gender stereotypes make in my own life.”
Celebrities in pop culture play a defining role in creating a more accepting society. Natural inhibitions to dress and act in a certain manner are being broken as more and more influential people begin to push back against them.
