TV shows and movie stars have always been an icon for fashion. From polyester clothing, Farrah hair, platform gym shoes, Mc Hammer pants, Adidas track suits, flannels and much more. But if there is one look that has swept up the styling preferences of young boys that I can do without is what I call the “Disney Hair.” You know, the young men with long helmet-like, bowl shaped hair cuts accompanied by bangs. One day as I sat watching the Disney channel with my nieces I began to notice that every show was full of these male actors rocking the same hair style. They all looked like mini clones that stepped out of the same salon at the exact same time. The most interesting part is that little girls love it! But why? Personally, I could never date a guy with prettier hair than me but that is a whole other story.
Due to this Disney hair fad, I have come to develop a theory about American Idol contestant Tim Urban, who yes…rocks the Disney hair. This young man is not a great singer, and yet still remains steady in the competition. First he stole the last spot for the top 12 from my guy Alex Lambert, who coincidentally did not have Disney hair but instead had this type of Mullet look. Hmm? This battle is clearly over hair and not talent. Then again American Idol has undoubtably been a type of personality contest that at times contestants gained votes through their fashion or personality over talent.
Searching deeper to seek answer to this “conspiracy” behind Disney hair and its positive affect on Idol, I started to look at the demographic of its viewers. American Idol mostly attracts a very young demographic as well as an older demographic. It is a very family friendly show. The top 12 contestants are all given makeovers to what the stylist believe would make them appear more appealing to viewers and represent our current fashion styles. Disney also attracts the young and the old (who approve of these kiddie shows). Disney is one of those networks that hold an enormous amount of media power and influence over our youth, as does the show American Idol. Fashion also plays a big role and is a key factor over this influence. So, when Disney hair and American Idol join forces their product becomes Tim Urban.
Let’s be real. Tim cannot compare to some of the other Idol contestants. The only thing he has going for him is his hair and his smile which undoubtably melts the hearts of young girls across the globe. He is a look-a-like to Disney show characters which makes it no surprise as to why girls run to the phone to dial his numbers at the end of every show. I say loose the hair Tim, then the real competition will begin.
L.V.
Good point Lisa. So, are you arguing that the Disney hair reflects the tastes (or at least Disney-constructed tastes) of a certain demographic, a demographic that we know is a major one of AI and perhaps that which is keeping Tim Urban alive (who btw was not awful tonight)? I think that's an interesting point (and all those tween girls keep texting him into the competition). How else do you see them styling other AI singers to target specific audiences. A friend of mine (a mom in her late 40s) saw Constantine (of a few years ago) as a direct tie to David Cassidy from the 70s. She saw him as targeting middle-aged moms through his sexy seventies look.
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